Driving a Tesla Model Y is an experience unlike any other, and one of the features that truly sets it apart is its advanced cruise control system, known as Traffic-Aware Cruise Control (TACC). This isn't your average cruise control; it's a sophisticated system that not only maintains a set speed but also automatically adjusts to the flow of traffic, keeping a safe distance from the vehicle ahead. Ready to take your highway driving to a new level of ease? Let's dive in!
Step 1: Getting Started - Familiarize Yourself with Autopilot Settings
Before you even think about engaging cruise control, let's make sure your Tesla is set up exactly how you like it. Think of this as your personalized pre-flight check!
Adjusting Speed Settings ️
Your Model Y offers flexibility in how TACC determines its initial set speed.
Accessing Settings: On your Tesla's large touchscreen, navigate to Controls > Autopilot.
Set Speed Option: Here, you'll see an option called Set Speed. You can choose between:
Speed Limit: This will set your cruising speed to the currently detected speed limit.
Current Speed: This will set your cruising speed to your current driving speed when you engage TACC.
Speed Offset (if using Speed Limit): If you choose "Speed Limit," you can further customize this with an Offset. This allows you to set a fixed amount (e.g., +5 mph) or a percentage (e.g., +10%) above or below the detected speed limit. This is great for those who prefer to cruise a little above or below the posted limit.
Understanding Autopilot Activation
This is a crucial setting that determines how you engage TACC and Autosteer.
Single Pull vs. Double Pull: Within the Autopilot Activation settings, you'll have two primary options:
Single Pull: If you select this, a single pull down on the drive stalk will engage both Traffic-Aware Cruise Control and Autosteer simultaneously. This is Tesla's full Autopilot experience, where the car maintains speed, distance, and also keeps itself centered in the lane.
Double Pull: If you prefer to use TACC independently of Autosteer (meaning just speed and distance control, without the automatic steering), you must select "Double Pull." With this setting, a single pull on the drive stalk will activate TACC, while a double pull will activate Autosteer (which includes TACC).
Step 2: Engaging Traffic-Aware Cruise Control (TACC)
Now that your settings are dialed in, let's get you cruising! Remember, TACC is designed for highway driving and clear road conditions.
The Right Scroll Button Method
This is the primary way to activate TACC in most Tesla Model Y vehicles.
While Driving: Ensure your vehicle is in motion.
Press the Right Scroll Button: On your steering wheel, you'll find a right scroll button. Press and release this button.
Release Accelerator: Once pressed, gently release the accelerator pedal. Your Tesla will then take over, maintaining the set cruising speed and adapting to traffic.
Audible Chime: You'll hear a chime, indicating that TACC is now active. The touchscreen will also display the cruising speed in blue if active, or gray if available but not yet engaged.
The Drive Stalk Method (for older models or specific configurations)
Some Model Y configurations, particularly older ones, may use the drive stalk (the stalk typically used for shifting gears) for cruise control activation.
Single Pull Down (if set to "Double Pull" activation): If you've set your Autopilot Activation to "Double Pull," a single, quick pull down on the drive stalk (the right stalk behind your steering wheel) will engage Traffic-Aware Cruise Control.
Release Accelerator: As with the scroll button method, release the accelerator pedal.
Important Notes on Engagement:
Minimum Speed: TACC typically requires a minimum speed of 18 mph (30 km/h) to engage, though it can activate at lower speeds if a vehicle is detected directly ahead.
Visual Confirmation: Always look at your touchscreen for visual confirmation that TACC is engaged. The icon will turn blue, and the set speed will be displayed.
Driver Responsibility: Always keep your hands on the steering wheel and remain attentive to the road. TACC is an assistance system, not an autonomous driving system.
Step 3: Adjusting and Managing Your Cruising Experience
Once TACC is active, you have full control over your speed and following distance.
Changing the Set Speed ⬆️⬇️
You can easily adjust your cruising speed without disengaging TACC.
Using the Right Scroll Wheel:
Fine Adjustments: Roll the right scroll wheel up to increase the set speed or down to decrease it. Each scroll typically adjusts the speed by 1 mph (or 1 km/h).
Larger Increments: For quicker changes, you can quickly spin the scroll wheel to jump to the closest 5 mph (or 5 km/h) increment.
Using the Touchscreen (less common for quick adjustments): You might also see plus (+) and minus (-) buttons next to the displayed set speed on the touchscreen. Tapping these can also adjust the speed.
Adjusting Following Distance ↔️
TACC allows you to customize how closely your Model Y follows the vehicle in front.
Via Touchscreen: Navigate to Controls > Autopilot on your touchscreen. Here you'll find a setting for Following Distance. You can typically choose from several settings (e.g., 1-7 or "short," "medium," "long"), with lower numbers indicating a closer following distance.
While Cruising: Some models also allow you to adjust the following distance directly from the right scroll wheel by pressing the scroll wheel left or right. Refer to your owner's manual for specific functionality.
Temporary Override ⚡
Need to accelerate quickly to pass a vehicle? No problem!
Press the Accelerator: Simply press the accelerator pedal. Your Tesla will temporarily exceed the set cruising speed.
Release to Resume: Once you release the pedal, your Model Y will automatically return to the set cruising speed.
Step 4: Disengaging Traffic-Aware Cruise Control
Disengaging TACC is as simple as engaging it.
Press the Brake Pedal: The most common and intuitive way to cancel TACC is to simply press the brake pedal.
Press the Right Scroll Button: You can also press the right scroll button on the steering wheel again to disengage TACC.
Push the Drive Stalk Away (if applicable): If your model uses the drive stalk for engagement, pushing the stalk away from you once will also cancel TACC.
Shifting Gears: Shifting into Reverse, Park, or Neutral will also disengage TACC.
Hold State (Stop-and-Go Traffic)
In stop-and-go traffic, TACC may enter a "HOLD" state when your Model Y comes to a complete stop.
Resuming from HOLD: To resume cruising from a HOLD state, simply briefly press the accelerator pedal. The touchscreen will display a "HOLD" icon and a message indicating that you need to resume cruise control.
Automatic Resumption: If the vehicle ahead moves within a short period, TACC might automatically resume without driver input. However, always be prepared to intervene.
Step 5: Advanced Considerations and Safety Reminders
While TACC is an incredible convenience feature, it's vital to understand its limitations.
Driver Supervision is Key: TACC is not self-driving. You are always responsible for safely operating your vehicle. Keep your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road at all times.
Environmental Factors: Rain, snow, fog, bright sunlight, and faded lane markings can affect the performance of TACC and Autosteer.
Unexpected Situations: The system may not react to all unexpected situations, such as sudden lane changes by other vehicles, pedestrians, or debris in the road. Be ready to take over.
Camera Cleanliness: Ensure your Tesla's cameras are clean and free of obstructions for optimal performance of all Autopilot features.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to turn on cruise control on Tesla Model Y?
To turn on Traffic-Aware Cruise Control (TACC) on your Tesla Model Y, press the right scroll button on your steering wheel and release the accelerator pedal.
How to adjust the speed of cruise control on Tesla Model Y?
To adjust the set speed while TACC is active, roll the right scroll wheel on your steering wheel up to increase the speed or down to decrease it.
How to change the following distance in Tesla Model Y cruise control?
You can typically adjust the following distance through the touchscreen by going to Controls > Autopilot and selecting the "Following Distance" setting. Some models may also allow adjustment via the right scroll wheel by pushing it left or right.
How to disengage cruise control on Tesla Model Y?
To disengage TACC, press the brake pedal, or press the right scroll button on your steering wheel again.
How to resume cruise control after braking in Tesla Model Y?
If TACC entered a "HOLD" state after braking, briefly press the accelerator pedal to resume cruising.
How to use Autosteer with cruise control in Tesla Model Y?
If your "Autopilot Activation" setting is set to "Single Pull," pressing the right scroll button once will engage both TACC and Autosteer. If set to "Double Pull," a double-pull on the drive stalk engages Autosteer (which includes TACC).
How to troubleshoot if cruise control isn't engaging on my Model Y?
Ensure you are driving above the minimum speed (usually 18 mph), that your cameras are clean, and check your Autopilot settings on the touchscreen for any unusual configurations. If issues persist, consult your Tesla owner's manual or service.
How to know if Traffic-Aware Cruise Control is active?
When TACC is active, the cruising speed displayed on your touchscreen will typically turn blue, and you'll hear an audible chime.
How to set the default speed for cruise control in Tesla Model Y?
You can choose whether TACC engages at the detected speed limit or your current speed by navigating to Controls > Autopilot > Set Speed on your touchscreen.
How to override the set speed temporarily in Tesla Model Y?
To temporarily override the set speed, simply press the accelerator pedal. When you release it, the car will return to the set cruising speed.
This video demonstrates how to activate Autosteer and Traffic-Aware Cruise Control on a Tesla Model Y, which includes steps relevant to engaging cruise control.
