Hey there, fellow Tesla enthusiast! Are you ready to dive into the world of intelligent driving? Turning on Tesla Autopilot isn't just about pressing a button; it's about understanding how your car interacts with the road and how you can seamlessly integrate this incredible technology into your driving experience. Let's get you cruising with confidence!
Step 1: Understanding Autopilot's Foundations - What is it, Really?
Before we jump into activation, let's clarify what we're actually talking about. Tesla's Autopilot is an advanced driver-assistance system (ADAS). It's not full self-driving, but rather a suite of features designed to enhance safety and convenience on the road. It requires your active supervision at all times. Think of it as a highly capable co-pilot, not a replacement for you, the driver.
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| How To Turn Tesla Autopilot On |
1.1: Autopilot's Core Features
The standard Autopilot package, which comes with every new Tesla, primarily includes:
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Traffic-Aware Cruise Control (TACC): This system matches your car's speed to that of the surrounding traffic. It can slow down, speed up, and even come to a complete stop and then resume driving, all while maintaining a set following distance from the vehicle ahead. This is a game-changer for stop-and-go traffic!
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Autosteer: This feature assists in steering your Tesla within a clearly marked lane. It works in conjunction with Traffic-Aware Cruise Control, making highway driving much more comfortable and reducing driver fatigue.
1.2: Knowing Your System - Autopilot vs. Enhanced Autopilot vs. FSD (Supervised)
It's important to differentiate between Tesla's various driver assistance offerings:
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Autopilot (Standard): As described above, includes TACC and Autosteer.
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Enhanced Autopilot (Optional Upgrade, Discontinued on New Vehicles as of April 2024): If your Tesla has this, it builds upon standard Autopilot with features like Navigate on Autopilot (on-ramp to off-ramp guidance), Auto Lane Change, Autopark, and Summon.
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Full Self-Driving (Supervised) (Optional Paid Upgrade): This is the most advanced package. It includes all Enhanced Autopilot features plus Traffic Light and Stop Sign Control, and Autosteer on City Streets. Crucially, even with FSD (Supervised), you must remain attentive and have your hands on the wheel, ready to take over. Tesla is continuously developing FSD (Supervised) with over-the-air updates.
For the purpose of this guide, we'll focus on the standard Autopilot features (TACC and Autosteer) which are universal.
Step 2: Preparing Your Tesla for Autopilot Activation ️
Before you engage Autopilot, a few quick checks ensure optimal performance and safety.
2.1: Cleanliness is Key
Tesla's Autopilot system relies heavily on its eight external cameras. Ensure all cameras are clean and free from obstructions like dirt, mud, snow, or ice. Dirty cameras can significantly affect Autopilot performance.
2.2: Camera Calibration (Usually Done Automatically)
When you first get your Tesla or after certain service events, the cameras may need calibration. This process typically happens automatically as you drive. Your car will let you know if calibration is needed and how far you need to drive.
Tip: Each paragraph has one main idea — find it.
2.3: Software Updates
Ensure your Tesla's software is up to date. Tesla regularly pushes over-the-air (OTA) updates that can improve Autopilot's functionality and introduce new features. You can check for updates in your car's "Software" menu on the touchscreen.
2.4: Understanding the Stalks/Controls
How you engage Autopilot depends on your Tesla model:
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Model 3 and Model Y: These models use the right stalk (the gear selector stalk) on the steering column.
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Older Model S and Model X: These models typically use a dedicated cruise control stalk on the left side of the steering column.
Familiarize yourself with the stalk in your specific model.
Step 3: Engaging Traffic-Aware Cruise Control (TACC) ➡️
TACC is the foundational component of Autopilot. It manages your speed and distance from other vehicles.
3.1: Activating TACC
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Driving Speed Requirement: Generally, you need to be driving at least 18 mph (30 km/h) to initiate TACC, though it can activate at lower speeds or even when stationary if a vehicle is detected ahead.
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Method for Model 3/Y:
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To engage TACC at your current driving speed, push the right stalk (gear selector) down once.
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To engage TACC at the currently detected speed limit, pull the right stalk (gear selector) towards you once.
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Method for Older Model S/X:
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Pull the dedicated cruise control stalk towards you once.
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Visual Confirmation: On your Tesla's display, you'll see a gray speedometer icon indicating that TACC is available but not yet cruising. Once active and cruising at a set speed, this icon will turn blue and display your set cruising speed.
3.2: Adjusting TACC Settings ⚙️
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Set Speed:
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Using the Right Scroll Wheel (Model 3/Y): Roll the right scroll wheel up to increase the set speed or down to decrease it. A slow roll typically adjusts by 1 mph (1 km/h), while a quick spin adjusts to the closest 5 mph (5 km/h) increment.
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Using the Stalk (Older Model S/X): Use the dedicated stalk to adjust.
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Following Distance: You can adjust the following distance your Tesla maintains from the car in front of you. This is done on the touchscreen:
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Go to Controls > Autopilot.
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You'll see a setting to adjust the "Following Distance" (often represented by bars or a numerical value).
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Increase the number of bars/value for a greater following distance, or decrease it for a closer one.
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Step 4: Activating Autosteer - The "Autopilot" Everyone Talks About! ️
Autosteer combines with TACC to provide active steering assistance.
4.1: Engaging Autosteer ✨
Tip: Break it down — section by section.
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Prerequisite: TACC must be active.
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Method for Model 3/Y: Push the right stalk (gear selector) down twice in quick succession.
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Method for Older Model S/X: Pull the dedicated cruise control stalk towards you twice in quick succession.
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Visual and Audible Confirmation: You'll hear a short jingle, and the steering wheel icon on your display will turn blue. The lane lines on your display will also turn blue, indicating that Autosteer is actively steering within the lane.
4.2: Important Considerations While Using Autosteer ⚠️
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Hands on the Wheel! : This is paramount. Tesla Autopilot is a Level 2 driver assistance system, meaning you must keep your hands on the steering wheel and remain attentive at all times. Your Tesla will prompt you to apply slight pressure to the steering wheel periodically to confirm your engagement. If you don't respond, the system will disengage with audible and visual warnings.
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Road Conditions: Autosteer performs best on clearly marked highways and freeways with consistent lane markings. It's not designed for complex city driving or unmarked roads.
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Speed Limitations: In situations where the speed limit cannot be detected, Autosteer may limit your cruising speed to 45 mph (70 km/h).
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Environmental Factors: Heavy rain, fog, snow, or faded lane markings can affect Autosteer's performance. Always be prepared to take over.
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Step 5: Disengaging Autopilot
Knowing how to disengage Autopilot quickly and safely is just as important as knowing how to activate it.
5.1: Multiple Ways to Disengage
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Press the Brake Pedal: This is the most common and intuitive way to disengage both Autosteer and Traffic-Aware Cruise Control.
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Take Over Steering Manually: If Autosteer is active, you can firmly turn the steering wheel. Depending on your "Autopilot Activation" setting (Controls > Autopilot), this might disengage Autosteer while keeping TACC active, or it might disengage both.
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Model 3/Y: Push the right stalk (gear selector) up once.
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Older Model S/X: Push the dedicated cruise control stalk away from you once.
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On the Touchscreen: For features like Navigate on Autopilot, you can often tap the relevant icon on the map's turn-by-turn direction list to disengage.
5.2: What Happens When You Disengage?
When Autopilot disengages, you'll typically hear a chime, and the blue steering wheel icon and lane lines on your display will disappear, reverting to gray or disappearing entirely. You are then fully in control of the vehicle.
Step 6: Customizing Your Autopilot Experience ️
Tesla allows for some personalization of your Autopilot settings through the touchscreen.
6.1: Accessing Autopilot Settings ️
Navigate to Controls > Autopilot on your touchscreen. Here you'll find various options:
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Autopilot Activation: You can choose between "Single Click" or "Double Click" for activation.
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Single Click: A single press/pull of the stalk engages both TACC and Autosteer.
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Double Click: A single press/pull engages only TACC, and a double press/pull engages Autosteer. This is useful if you want to use TACC independently.
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Set Speed: Choose whether Autopilot engages at the Speed Limit (detected by the car) or your Current Speed.
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Offset: If you choose "Speed Limit," you can specify an offset (e.g., "Speed Limit + 5 mph").
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Green Traffic Light Chime: (Where available) This will chime when you are waiting at a red light and it turns green, or when the car in front of you advances.
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Customize Navigate on Autopilot (if equipped): This section will have options related to speed-based and route-based lane changes if you have Enhanced Autopilot or FSD (Supervised).
Step 7: Practice and Patience - Become an Autopilot Pro!
Like any new technology, becoming proficient with Tesla Autopilot takes practice.
Tip: Read slowly to catch the finer details.
7.1: Start Simple ️
Begin by using Autopilot on straight, clearly marked highways during daylight hours and good weather. Avoid complex traffic situations, construction zones, or heavy rain/fog until you're very comfortable with the system's behavior.
7.2: Stay Engaged and Vigilant
Never rely solely on Autopilot. Always keep your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road. Be prepared to take over at a moment's notice. Autopilot is designed to assist, not replace, an attentive driver.
7.3: Observe and Learn
Pay attention to how your Tesla behaves with Autopilot engaged. Notice how it handles curves, other vehicles, and different road conditions. The more you observe, the better you'll understand its capabilities and limitations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to Turn on Autopilot in a Tesla Model 3/Y?
To turn on Autopilot in a Model 3 or Model Y, push the right stalk (gear selector) down twice in quick succession to engage both Traffic-Aware Cruise Control and Autosteer.
How to Turn on Autopilot in an Older Tesla Model S/X?
In older Model S and Model X vehicles with a dedicated cruise control stalk, pull the stalk towards you twice in quick succession to engage Autopilot (Traffic-Aware Cruise Control and Autosteer).
How to Adjust the Speed of Autopilot?
Tip: Reread slowly for better memory.
You can adjust the speed of Autopilot by rolling the right scroll wheel on the steering wheel up (to increase) or down (to decrease). For older models, use the dedicated cruise control stalk.
How to Change the Following Distance on Autopilot?
Adjust the following distance by navigating to Controls > Autopilot on your Tesla's touchscreen and selecting your preferred following distance (often represented by bars).
How to Disengage Tesla Autopilot?
You can disengage Autopilot by pressing the brake pedal, firmly turning the steering wheel, or pushing the right stalk (Model 3/Y) or dedicated cruise control stalk (older Model S/X) up/away once.
How to Know if Autopilot is Active?
You'll know Autopilot is active when you hear a short jingle, the steering wheel icon on your display turns blue, and the lane lines on your display also turn blue.
How to Enable Traffic-Aware Cruise Control Only?
If your "Autopilot Activation" setting is set to "Double Click," a single push down on the right stalk (Model 3/Y) or single pull towards you on the dedicated stalk (older Model S/X) will engage only Traffic-Aware Cruise Control.
How to Calibrate Tesla Cameras for Autopilot?
Tesla cameras typically calibrate automatically as you drive. Your car's display will inform you if calibration is needed and provide instructions on how to complete it (usually by driving a certain distance under specific conditions).
How to Use Autopilot Safely?
To use Autopilot safely, always keep your hands on the steering wheel, remain attentive to the road, be prepared to take over control at any moment, and understand its limitations, especially in adverse weather or complex driving situations.
How to Update Tesla Autopilot Software?
Tesla Autopilot software updates are delivered over-the-air (OTA). Your car will notify you when an update is available, and you can typically initiate the update from the "Software" section of your touchscreen.
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