Handy Features to Know When You First Drive a Tesla

Walking up to the car and unlocking it with your phone is a feature you'll use constantly once you get the hang of it. On supported vehicles, set up Phone Key in the Tesla app and check Bluetooth and the required permissions. You need to pair it near the vehicle, and simply installing and logging into the app doesn't give you a key to every car. The first step is confirming that your account has access to the vehicle as the owner or as an added driver.

Even after you're used to it, it's wise to keep your backup key card on hand as well. Knowing in advance what to do when your phone battery is dead or Bluetooth has trouble connecting can save you from panic. Auto-lock has operating conditions depending on settings and vehicle status, so don't assume the car is locked just because you walked away; check it. It's especially good to build the habit of not leaving your phone inside the car when you get out. Some older Model S and Model X vehicles don't support Phone Key, so when borrowing another car, don't assume it works the same way as yours.

Before getting into a car that's been parked in the sun, turn on climate control in the Tesla app. If your vehicle and connection support it, you can warm up or cool down the cabin before boarding, which means less scrambling to adjust the temperature right after you set off. After sending a command from the app, it's a good idea to check the status to confirm that the car is actually connected and the setting has been applied. Rather than assuming remote features will always work instantly anywhere, factor in the network conditions as well.

If you want the car ready at the times you usually leave, try linking it with the scheduling feature. However, heating and cooling use energy, so rather than leaving it running for long stretches while parked, use it around the times you need it. How to use preconditioning while plugged into a charger is covered separately in the official guides. Think of remote climate control as a tool for comfortably preparing the car before anyone gets in, and adjust the temperature and airflow direction your passengers prefer, too. If your screen menus look different, look up the climate control description for your current vehicle.

If you use the car at set times, such as your commute, take a look at preconditioning and charging schedules. A schedule that readies the cabin and battery before departure and a schedule that sets when charging takes place serve different purposes. Instead of treating them as the same feature because the names are similar, it's easier to set them up separately according to what preparation you want to repeat and where. Check the scheduling menus on the vehicle screen and in the Tesla app, and plug in your weekday and weekend travel patterns.

Scheduling doesn't fill the battery on its own without being connected to a charger. If you plan to charge, also check the cable connection, power supply status and charge limit. Scheduled charging doesn't apply to fast charging such as Superchargers, so use it with a suitable charging setup at home or work. Whether you save on late-night rates also depends on the billing structure of that equipment. At first, it's best to check the actual results to see if the car was ready to go the next day and adjust from there. When your routine changes for a business trip or vacation, check whether old recurring schedules are still in place to avoid unnecessary operation.

If you're planning your first long-distance trip, look at charging stops along the way rather than just pinning a destination on the map. Trip Planner in Tesla's in-car navigation helps plan the Supercharger stops your route needs. Unlike simply searching for the nearest charger, it lets you read the route with the next leg in mind, making it easier to prepare for unfamiliar areas. Before setting off, take your time checking the estimated arrival charge and charging stops shown on screen.

Estimates can vary with actual road conditions, temperature, speed and energy use. Rather than trusting the planned figures alone and letting your charge run too low, it's better to keep an eye on guidance that updates while driving and on charging station status. If your passengers want to stop somewhere for a break, check that it doesn't take you far off the route. The first time you use it, checking that your payment method is set up when you arrive at the station and that charging actually starts will make future visits easier. Do your trip planning while parked, and if you need to make changes while driving, pull over somewhere safe first.

When a new feature notification comes in, read it with the difference between downloading and installing in mind. Tesla provides over-the-air software updates, and in most cases a Wi-Fi connection is used for downloading. Receiving the file and actually applying it to the vehicle are separate steps, so rather than hitting install right before you head out just because a notification popped up, check what's shown on the screen. Reading the release notes that explain the changes also helps when familiar menus have moved.

You can't drive the vehicle while the software is installing. If you need to pick up your kids or go out soon, schedule it for a time when the car can stay parked long enough. The time required can vary by update, so it's best not to assume it will always finish in the same number of minutes. Just because another car has received a new version doesn't mean yours will get the same timing and features. Availability can vary by vehicle configuration and region, so go by the notice displayed on your own vehicle, and once installation is complete, calmly review your frequently used settings and the new descriptions.