Wondering if your Tesla is equipped with the cutting-edge Hardware 3 (HW3) for enhanced Autopilot and Full Self-Driving (FSD) capabilities? You're in the right place! Identifying your Tesla's hardware version is crucial, especially as Tesla continues to roll out advanced features that leverage this powerful computing platform. Let's dive into a step-by-step guide to confirm if your Tesla is running on HW3.
Step 1: Engage with Your Tesla's Touchscreen
The easiest and most direct way to check your Tesla's hardware version is right from within the vehicle itself. Are you ready to uncover your Tesla's brain power?
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| How To Tell If Tesla Has Hw3 |
Sub-heading: Accessing the Software Menu
Turn on your Tesla's infotainment screen. This is typically done by simply entering the car or pressing the brake pedal.
Locate the "Car" icon in the bottom left-hand corner of your touchscreen display. This icon typically looks like a small representation of your Tesla. Tapping it will open the main controls menu.
Once the controls menu appears, look for the "Software" tab. It's usually listed among other options like "Lights," "Locks," etc. Give it a tap!
Step 2: Unveiling Additional Vehicle Information
Now that you're in the software section, you're just a few clicks away from the answer!
Sub-heading: Finding the Autopilot Computer Version
Within the "Software" menu, you'll see various details about your car's current software version, release notes, and other information.
Scroll down or look for a section labeled "Additional Vehicle Information" or something similar. This is where the magic happens!
Tap on this option. A pop-up window or a new screen will appear, displaying more technical specifications about your Tesla.
Look for an entry that states "Autopilot computer" or "Full Self-Driving computer." Next to it, you will see the version number.
If it says "Full Self-Driving Computer 3" or "3.0 Computer," congratulations! Your Tesla is equipped with HW3.
If it displays "2.5 Computer" or "1.0 Computer," you have an earlier hardware version.
Tip: Focus on one point at a time.
Step 3: Visual Cues for Hardware Identification (Less Reliable for HW3 vs. HW4)
While the in-car software check is the most definitive, some visual cues can sometimes give you an indication, especially when differentiating older hardware from HW3, or more recently, HW3 from HW4. However, for a precise HW3 confirmation, the software check is paramount.
Sub-heading: Camera Differences (Primarily for HW4 vs. Older Hardware)
HW3 and older hardware generally have cameras with black lenses.
For newer vehicles, specifically those with HW4, you might notice a difference in the front cameras. HW4 has two red lenses and one black (fake) lens on its front cameras, while HW3 has three black lenses. This distinction is more useful for identifying HW4, but it indirectly confirms if you don't have HW4, meaning you could have HW3 or earlier.
Sub-heading: Manufacturing Date
Generally, Teslas manufactured between 2019 and early 2023 are equipped with HW3.
If your car was built later than early 2023, especially refreshed Model S/X or newer Model 3/Y, it's more likely to have HW4. This is a general guideline and the in-car software check is always preferred for accuracy.
Step 4: Understanding the Significance of HW3
So, you've confirmed your Tesla has HW3! What does that mean for you?
Sub-heading: Enhanced Processing Power
Tip: Absorb, don’t just glance.
HW3, also known as the "Full Self-Driving Computer," was a significant leap over its predecessors (HW2 and HW2.5). It boasts considerably more processing power—up to 10 times faster than HW2.5—specifically designed to run Tesla's neural networks for advanced autonomous driving.
This increased computational ability allows for a richer and more robust understanding of the vehicle's surroundings, processing 2,300 frames-per-second versus 110 frames-per-second with Hardware 2.5.
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Sub-heading: Full Self-Driving Capability
While Full Self-Driving (FSD) is a software package, the HW3 computer is the necessary hardware foundation to fully utilize its features. Vehicles with HW2 or HW2.5 that purchased FSD are eligible for a free HW3 upgrade from Tesla.
HW3 enables features like recognizing and responding to traffic lights and stop signs, improved visualizations of objects around your car, and more sophisticated navigation on Autopilot.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to check my Tesla's hardware version quickly?
The quickest way is to go to "Controls" > "Software" > "Additional Vehicle Information" on your Tesla's touchscreen.
How to know if my Tesla has HW4 instead of HW3?
HW4 often has a different front camera setup with red-tinted lenses (two red, one black), whereas HW3 has three black lenses. Also, newer vehicles (mid-2023 onwards) are more likely to have HW4.
QuickTip: Pause before scrolling further.
How to get a HW3 upgrade if my Tesla has older hardware?
If you purchased the Full Self-Driving (FSD) package and your Tesla has HW2 or HW2.5, Tesla provides a free HW3 computer upgrade. You can schedule a service appointment through the Tesla app.
How to tell the difference between HW2.5 and HW3 visually?
It's difficult to tell visually from the exterior alone. The in-car software check is the most reliable method.
How to confirm if my Tesla Model 3 has HW3?
Follow the same steps: "Controls" > "Software" > "Additional Vehicle Information" on your Model 3's screen.
How to identify HW3 on a used Tesla before purchase?
Ask the seller to perform the in-car software check and provide a photo of the "Autopilot Computer" version.
QuickTip: Skim the first line of each paragraph.
How to ensure my Tesla receives future FSD updates with HW3?
While HW3 is capable, newer FSD versions are increasingly optimized for HW4. Tesla continues to update HW3, but the latest FSD features may be more performant on HW4 due to its increased compute and memory.
How to understand if my HW3 Tesla is limited by its hardware for FSD?
While HW3 supports FSD, increasingly complex features might see better performance and smoothness on HW4 due to its higher resolution cameras and significantly more powerful processor.
How to check my VIN for HW3 information?
While a VIN decoder can give you general vehicle specs, it usually doesn't explicitly state the Autopilot hardware version. The in-car software check is more reliable for this specific detail.
How to know when Tesla started installing HW3?
Tesla started installing HW3 in new vehicles around April 2019.
Learn how to quickly tell the difference between HW3 and HW4 on your Tesla:
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