Ready to unlock the future of parking? Imagine your Tesla gracefully navigating a tight parking spot or coming to greet you from across a lot, all with a simple tap on your phone. That's the magic of Tesla's Smart Summon. It's not just a party trick; it's a feature designed to enhance convenience, especially in challenging parking scenarios. But like any advanced technology, it requires a good understanding of its capabilities and, more importantly, its limitations. Let's dive in and master Smart Summon together!
Step 1: Laying the Groundwork – Prerequisites for Smart Summon
Before you even think about using Smart Summon, you need to ensure your Tesla and mobile device are properly set up and meet certain criteria. Think of this as preparing the launchpad for your autonomous parking adventure!
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| How To Use Smart Summon Tesla |
1.1 Update Your Software
Vehicle Software: Ensure your Tesla's software is updated to the latest version. Tesla continuously refines its Autopilot and Full Self-Driving (FSD) features, including Smart Summon, through over-the-air updates. Older software versions might have deprecated or less capable versions of Summon.
Tesla Mobile App: Make sure you have the latest version of the Tesla mobile app installed on your smartphone. Smart Summon relies heavily on this app for its functionality. Check your app store for any pending updates.
1.2 Enable and Customize Summon in Your Tesla
Navigate to Settings: On your Tesla's touchscreen, go to Controls > Autopilot > Summon.
Enable Smart Summon: You'll likely see options for "Dumb Summon" (basic forward/reverse) and "Smart Summon" (or "Actually Smart Summon" - ASS, as it's sometimes referred to). Enable the Smart Summon option. You might need to read and acknowledge a safety pop-up.
Customize Settings (Optional but Recommended):
Completion Sound: Choose a sound your car will play when it reaches its destination. This requires a Pedestrian Warning System.
Emissions on Abort: If enabled, your Tesla performs an emissions system test if the Summon session is interrupted.
Bumper Clearance: This setting is primarily for "Dumb Summon" but it's good to be aware of. It dictates how close your car will get to detected objects.
Summon Distance: Set the maximum distance your Tesla can travel during a Summon session.
Side Clearance: Adjust how much side clearance you want your vehicle to maintain. Tight allows for narrower spaces but increases risk.
Require Continuous Press: By default, you need to press and hold the button on the mobile app for the car to move. While some future updates may remove this requirement, it's generally a safety feature.
1.3 Calibrate Cameras and Sensors
Camera Calibration: Your Tesla's cameras must be fully calibrated for Smart Summon to work effectively. If they aren't, the car will display a message, and you may need to drive for a bit to complete the calibration process.
Cleanliness is Key: Ensure all cameras and sensors are clean and free from dirt, mud, ice, or obstructions. Dirty sensors can significantly impair Smart Summon's performance and even cause it to abort.
1.4 Environmental and Vehicle Conditions
Private Property: Smart Summon is designed and intended for use only on parking lots and driveways located on private property where the surroundings are familiar and predictable. Do NOT use Smart Summon on public roads.
Paved Surfaces: Smart Summon should only be used on paved surfaces.
Clear Line of Sight: You must have a clear line of sight to your Tesla at all times while using Smart Summon. You are responsible for monitoring the vehicle and its surroundings.
Vehicle State: Your Tesla must be in Park, not charging, and all doors and trunks must be closed.
Tire Pressure: All four tire pressures should be 34 PSI or higher, as reported by the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).
1.5 Mobile Device and Connectivity
Bluetooth Connection: Your phone must be connected to your Tesla via Bluetooth.
Operating Range: You need to be within approximately 65-85 meters (213-279 feet) of your vehicle. If you move too far away, the vehicle's speed may be limited or the session may cancel.
Cellular Service and GPS: Ensure your phone has good cellular service and GPS enabled, as Smart Summon relies on GPS data for "Come to Me" mode.
Standby Mode (Optional): To reduce the time it takes for Smart Summon to start, you can enable "Standby Mode" (Controls > Autopilot > Summon > Standby Mode). Be aware that this may consume additional battery power. You can also exclude certain locations (Home, Work, Favorites) from Standby Mode to conserve energy.
QuickTip: Break reading into digestible chunks.
Step 2: Activating Smart Summon – Your Tesla, On Demand!
With all the prerequisites met, you're ready to initiate Smart Summon. There are generally two main modes: "Come to Me" and "Go to Target."
2.1 Opening the Tesla Mobile App
Open the Tesla mobile app on your smartphone.
Tap the "Summon" icon. This will usually be found at the bottom of the screen or in a dedicated section for vehicle controls.
2.2 Choosing Your Summon Mode
Once you're in the Summon interface within the app, you'll see an image of your Tesla and a map.
2.2.1 Come to Me Mode (The "Follow Me" Feature) ♀️
This mode makes your Tesla drive to your current GPS location.
Select "Come to Me": On the map in the app, look for a blue circle representing the maximum proximity you must maintain to your vehicle. Your location will be a blue dot, and your car will be a red arrow.
Press and Hold: Touch and hold the "Come to Me" button. The icon will turn blue when selected.
Monitor and Move: Your Tesla will begin to move towards your GPS location. As you move, your Tesla will follow you. Continuously monitor the vehicle and its surroundings. If you release the button, the car will stop. When it reaches you, it will stop and shift into Park.
2.2.2 Go to Target Mode (The "Send It There" Feature)
This mode allows you to specify a destination on the map for your Tesla to drive to.
Select "Go to Target": Tap the crosshair icon on the map.
Drag and Position: Drag the map to position the pin on your desired destination.
Confirm Destination: To change the location, lift your finger, reposition the map, and then press and hold the "Go to Target" button again.
Press and Hold: Touch and hold the "Go to Target" button. The icon will turn blue when selected.
Monitor and Park: Your Tesla will slowly move towards the chosen destination, navigating obstacles as needed. It will stop and shift into Park when it reaches the location. The mobile app will display a message indicating the completion of the Summon session.
Stopping Mid-Maneuver: To stop your Tesla at any time, simply release the "Come to Me" or "Go to Target" button.
QuickTip: Revisit this post tomorrow — it’ll feel new.
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Step 3: Important Considerations and Safety – Drive Smart, Summon Smarter!
While Smart Summon is a remarkable feature, it's crucial to use it responsibly and be aware of its limitations. Remember, you are always responsible for your vehicle's actions.
3.1 Constant Supervision is Key
Always Monitor: You must continually monitor your Tesla and its surroundings. Do not rely solely on the system.
Be Ready to Take Over: Be prepared to take immediate action at any time by releasing the button on the mobile app.
3.2 Environmental Limitations
Weather Conditions: Smart Summon's performance can be significantly affected by poor visibility (heavy rain, snow, fog) or extreme temperatures that interfere with sensor and camera operation.
Obstacle Detection: While Smart Summon is designed to navigate around obstacles, it may not stop for all objects, especially very low objects (like some curbs) or very high objects (like a shelf). It also may not react to all oncoming or side traffic.
Slopes and Edges: Smart Summon is designed to operate on flat or gently sloped roads (up to 10% grade). It may not function correctly on steep inclines and may not move over raised concrete edges.
Unpredictable Environments: Use extreme caution in environments where the movement of obstacles can be unpredictable, such as areas with children, pedestrians, or animals.
3.3 What Can Cancel Smart Summon?
Smart Summon will automatically cancel in several situations, requiring you to restart the session if needed:
You release the "Come to Me" or "Go to Target" button on the mobile app.
The maximum proximity between your phone and your Tesla is exceeded (you've moved too far away).
The driving path is blocked by an obstacle the system cannot navigate.
Smart Summon has moved the vehicle its maximum allowed distance.
A door handle is engaged or a door is opened.
You interact with the steering wheel, brake pedal, accelerator pedal, or gear shifter inside the car.
Your phone enters sleep mode or loses connectivity to your Tesla.
The vehicle detects a safety risk.
3.4 Accessories and Attachments
If your Tesla has accessories like a roof rack, trailer hitch, or body kit, Smart Summon does not account for these extensions when navigating obstacles. Exercise extra caution.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Tesla Smart Summon
QuickTip: Slowing down makes content clearer.
How to enable Smart Summon in my Tesla?
To enable Smart Summon, go to Controls > Autopilot > Summon on your Tesla's touchscreen and turn on the Smart Summon option. You may need to acknowledge a safety warning.
How to use "Come to Me" mode in Smart Summon?
Open the Tesla mobile app, tap "Summon," and then press and hold the "Come to Me" button on the map. Your Tesla will drive to your GPS location, following you as you move, and stop when it reaches you.
How to use "Go to Target" mode in Smart Summon?
In the Tesla mobile app's Summon interface, tap the crosshair icon, drag the map to place the pin at your desired destination, and then press and hold the "Go to Target" button. Your Tesla will drive to that location.
How to stop Smart Summon mid-maneuver?
Simply release the "Come to Me" or "Go to Target" button on your Tesla mobile app, and your car will immediately stop.
How to troubleshoot Smart Summon connectivity issues?
Ensure your phone has a strong cellular signal, GPS enabled, and is within the operating range (65-85 meters) of your Tesla. Also, make sure your Tesla mobile app is updated to the latest version and your car's Bluetooth is connected.
Tip: Use the structure of the text to guide you.
How to ensure my Tesla's cameras are ready for Smart Summon?
Regularly check that all your Tesla's cameras and sensors are clean and free from any obstructions like dirt, snow, or ice. If camera calibration is needed, drive the car normally for a period as instructed by the vehicle.
How to improve Smart Summon startup time?
Enable "Standby Mode" under Controls > Autopilot > Summon in your Tesla's settings. This keeps your vehicle ready for Summon, reducing the warm-up time.
How to know if my Tesla is compatible with Smart Summon?
Smart Summon is generally available on Tesla models with Enhanced Autopilot (EAP) or Full Self-Driving (FSD) capability. Most Model S, 3, X, and Y vehicles support it, though specific hardware versions (HW3 vs. HW4) might affect performance or future updates.
How to use Smart Summon safely?
Always maintain a clear line of sight to your Tesla, continuously monitor its surroundings, and be prepared to take immediate control by releasing the button on your phone. Only use it on private property and paved surfaces.
How to resume a Smart Summon session if it stops?
If a Smart Summon session aborts, you'll need to restart it by re-engaging the "Come to Me" or "Go to Target" button in the Tesla mobile app.
You can learn more about Tesla's Smart Summon by watching this video:
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