These are the best 18 Tesla Model 3 hidden features that we’ve found so far
- Gear Change – You can change between gears reverse and drive without pressing the brake as long as you’re going five miles an hour or under.
- Cruise Control – When you’re on cruise control and you speed up, once you reach your desired speed, you can just hit the scroll wheel and it will automatically set your cruise control speed to your new speed.
- Soft Reboot – Hold down the scroll buttons both of them at the same time for a few seconds and the display will reboot. Note: you can drive while doing a Soft Reboot.
- Hard Reboot – Hold down both scroll wheel buttons but also press the brake at the same time. Note: you cannot drive while doing a Hard Reboot.
- Protect Your Dash and Glove Box – They scratch pretty easily. We did some research and found this awesome 303 UV protectant spray. It gives a very nice matte slick finish that really protects the dash and it makes all scuffs and scratches disappear and it protects from future scuffs.
- Set autopilot speed limit – Just tap the speed limit sign on the display and your autopilot will automatically adjust to the speed limit.
- Turn off all seat heaters – From the App just hold down on the driver seat and it will automatically turn off all the seat warmers.
- Easter egg – On the app switcher under the call icon if you hold down on the call it changes the word call to ahoy-hoy.
- Navigate to Home/Work – swipe to the right or down on the Navigate button. It’ll navigate you to home if you’re at work, and it’ll navigate you to work if you’re at home. Note: to delete something from your addresses just swipe right and it’ll delete it.
- Dismiss EAP Alert – instead of nudging the wheel, you can actually scroll the right scroll wheel and it will dismiss that autopilot alert.
- Turn OFF the Climate Control – hold down the fan icon for a couple of seconds and it will turn everything off.
- Bug Report – Press the voice activation and say Bug Report to give Tesla your feedback.
- More Accurate Estimated Range – Use the Energy Graph. This will give you a more accurate projected range based on your last 30 miles.
- You have 12V Socket – It is right inside the center console.
- Romance Mode without the Heater – Use the Tesla Mobile App to turn the heater off. Go to Climate > Turn it OFF. Now the heat is off but the fire is still going strong.
- Automatically Park Mode – If you open the door, but the Tesla is still on hold, it automatically puts the car into Park Mode, just to stay safe.
- Maximize Battery Life – Set your daily charging limit no more than 90% of your battery. The only time you should be charging over 90% is if you’re going on a trip.
- Unlock Charging Port – Gently press in the rear door handle and it would unlock your Tesla, which would allow you to unlock the charging cable (Your Phone must be in your pocket with enabled Bluetooth).
How to Use The Keycard in Tesla Model 3
1. To use the Tesla Model 3 Keycard simply tap it on the b-pillar to unlock the door.
2. If you prefer not to have the mirrors unfold when you unlock the door, simply tap Settings > Mirrors then disable Mirror Auto Fold.
3. To drive Tesla Model 3:
- Place the Keycard between the cupholders;
- Press the Brake;
- Put the car on Drive and off you go;
Did you know, you can get a Key Card Holder for your Model 3 Keycard.
Doors and Windows in Tesla Model 3
Tesla Model 3 features some unique door handles. Here’s how to use them.
On the driver side, approach the car with your left hand, press with your thumb, then the handle will swing into your palm, then pull.
Model 3 has frameless windows which means the window will drop a little bit to clear the trim.
To open the doors from the inside, use your thumb to press the door release button.
Tesla Model 3 also has an emergency door release catch, but should only be used in emergencies, otherwise, you risk damaging your exterior trim.
Window controls on Model 3 feature full automatic down on all four windows. As well as full automatic up you also have a fine window control by pressing the button halfway down, or halfway up.
To open the Tesla Model 3 Glovebox, tap Settings then tap Glovebox.
Interior and Exterior in Tesla Model 3
Tesla Model 3 has a lot of interesting features. Let’s take a look.
The standard 18-inch wheels have aerodynamic covers. You can easily pull them off with a gentle touch to reveal the aluminum alloy wheels. To reinstall them, line up the valve stem and with a firm few taps with your hand, they will be secured.
To change the service of the windshield wipers tap Settings > Service > Wiper Service Mode.
The front trunk has two bag hooks on either side. Simply press the bottom of the book with firm pressure to pop it up. To still the hook press it back down.
Model 3 has a backlit emergency release button in the front trunk in case small children are accidentally locked in.
Windshield wiper fluid is located in the front trunk on the driver side. Simply pop open the cap to refill it.
The emergency toolbar is located under the carpet in the front trunk. To remove it, slip your finger under the hook and pull it out. The toolbar is screwing into the frame located under the cap on the front bumper.
Driver and passenger visors have built-in vanity mirrors.
For more cargo space pull the handle located on either side of the rear seat and fold the seat down. There are 3 child seat restraint anchors that are located in the rear deck. There are 2 cabin hooks that can be found in the passenger area.
The center console features 2 USB ports for passengers. These can only be used to charge devices.
You can get a Wireless Charger Pad for your Center Console.
Passengers can orient their air vents in the center console. To turn on Climate Control for the passengers, tap the Fan icon, then tap the Rear Passenger Vent Button.
How to Adjust Seats – Tesla Model 3 secrets
Tesla Model 3’s driver and passenger seats are multi-way adjustable.
Use the horizontal control to move the seat forward or back.
Pull up or down on the same horizontal control at the back end to raise the back of the seat up or down.
Pull up or push down on the horizontal control at the front end to raise the seat front up or down.
The vertical control, when pushed at the top, raises or lowers the seat back.
The round four-way button controls lumbar support up or down, as well as inflation and deflation.
Driver and passenger seat heater controls are located at the bottom of the center screen. Three separate presses control heat levels.
If your Tesla Model 3 is equipped with the Premium Package, you can also control seat heaters by tapping the Fan icon, then tapping the Seats Tab.
For more cargo space, pull the handle located on either side of the rear seat and fold the seat down.
Tesla Model 3 Tutorial – Trunks Guide
To open the front trunk press the Open Button on the screen, or use the Tesla App on your smartphone.
To close the front trunk, gently lower it and then apply firm pressure with two hands on either side of the Tesla logo.
If you want to open the trunk press the Open Button on the screen or press the catch on the rear trunk lid.
The trunk also has a sliding door to reveal more storage space and a compartment on the left-hand side that will hold larger objects.
To close the trunk use one of the grab handles on either side and apply firm pressure.
Steering Wheel Controls – Model 3 Pro Tips
Many functions of Model 3 are controlled from the scroll wheels on the steering wheel.
To adjust the mirrors tap Settings and under Quick Controls tap Mirrors. Using the left-side scroll wheel scroll up or down or side to side to adjust your mirror. To adjust the steering wheel tap Steering Wheel and use the left-hand scroll wheel to adjust the steering wheel to your needs.
The left control stock
The left control stock has several functions such as blinkers. To cancel blinker press the stock halfway up in the opposite direction. To flash your headlights pull the stock towards you.
If your Model 3 is equipped with autopilot, push the stock away from you to enable Automatic High Beams.
A quick press of the silver button does a single swipe of the wipers and brings up the Wiper Controls Pane. Press and hold to activate the wiper fluid.
The right steering stock
The right steering stock controls the car drive modes and autopilot activation. Push it all the way up for Reverse (R), down one notch for Neutral (N), and all the way down for Drive (D). Pushing the silver button activates the Parking Brake (P). Cruise Control is activated with a single tap of the stock. If your car is equipped with autopilot, a double-tap of the stock will enable Tesla Model 3 Autosteer.
Using the Tesla App
Model 3 is equipped with a constant internet connection allowing you to control many aspects of the car.
Let’s take a closer look.
- You can unlock and lock your car.
- Flash the headlights.
- Honk the horn.
- You can also enable keyless driving without the need for a keycard or repaired phone.
- Open the front trunk.
- Open the rear trunk.
- You can also control the climate system:
- Turning the heat.
- Cooling on or off as you please.
- You can control your charging such as:
- Opening your charge port
- As well as closing it
- You can also set your charge limit
- Tapping the gear icon in the upper left brings up various settings such as:
- Notifications and alerts such as when charging has started, interrupted, summon and many more.
- Valet mode can be enabled with a pin code that sets a speed limit and locks valuables in the glove compartment and the front trunk.
Charging Tesla Model 3
Charging your Tesla Model 3 is easy, here’s everything you need to know:
Your Model 3 comes with a UMC or Universal Mobile Connector.
Model 3 UMC comes with two different adapters:
- The NEMA 14-50 240v adapter;
- And the NEMA 14-50 120v adapter;
To change the adapters pull them out firmly. You can buy different adapters from Tesla to suit your needs. The charge port on the Model 3 is located on the driver side tail light housing.
There are several ways to open the charge port on Model 3:
- You can press the charge button on the center screen.
- Press the button on the wand in the included Universe Mobile Connector or Tesla Wall connector.
- Press the bottom of the charge port flap.
- You can also use the Tesla App on your smartphone
When the charge port opens you’ll be greeted with a blue Tesla logo this means your car is ready to be charged. Plug in your charge cable and the Tesla logo will flash green indicating the charging has started. You can also use free or paid public chargers.
Model 3 can use any industry standard J1772 level 2 charger. Just use the included adapter.
Charging times will depend on your current state of charge and your desired charging level. You can set your charge limit by tapping Set Limit on the charge screen then dragging the arrow to your desired charge limit. Then tap Done to set it.
Model 3 comes equipped with a built-in 48 AMP charger but you can also reduce the limit if you’d like.
To take advantage of lower electricity rates in your area you can enable scheduled charging and set the charge start time. Tesla Model 3 will stop charging when the set charge limit is reached.
To disconnect the charging cable press the button on the top of the wand and pull firmly. When using public chargers don’t forget to disconnect your adapter. The charge port flap will close automatically after a few seconds. You can also close the charge port manually by giving it a gentle push.
Tesla Model 3 Enhanced Autopilot
Every Model 3 comes equipped with autopilot hardware. If you’ve purchased Enhanced Autopilot with your car or after delivery, here’s how to use it.
To access autopilot options tap Settings and then tap Autopilot. From this menu, you can adjust your Cruise Follow Distance, Auto Steer Enable and Auto Lane Change Enable.
Tap the Gear Icon to access more autopilot settings. To enable Tesla Model 3 Cruise Control press the stock all the way down. Blue circle displays your current Tesla Cruise Control Speed. To adjust your cruise control speed limit tap the plus (+) or minus (-) button or scroll up and down on the right scroll wheel.
To enable Auto Steer, push the stock down twice. Tesla Model 3 AutoSteer is now active. For safety always keep your hands on the steering wheel. To adjust Traffic Aware Cruise Control Distance press the score wheel side to side.
Autopilot also features Automatic Parking. Drive slowly so Model 3 can measure parking spaces. Look for the grey P symbol. Stop the car then put it into Reverse (R) then tap Start to start perpendicular parking. Tesla Model 3 can also parallel park the process is exactly the same. Drive past cars at about two feet or half a meter distance, then stop and put the car in Reverse. Press Start to begin the parallel parking process.
Lighting Controls Guide
Model 3 features all LED lighting. Here’s how to use some of the features.
Tap Settings, then Quick Controls. Under here you can:
- Turn the exterior lights off;
- Turn on the daytime running lights;
- Switch on the headlights;
- You can also put it on automatic so you never have to worry about it.
- Turn on the fog lights by pressing the fog light button;
Model 3’s hazards lights control button is located in the center console overhead.
Door lights can be controlled by pressing either one of the dome lights on either side of the center console or from the screen by tapping Lights -> tapping ON or Auto under the dome lights control.
If your Model 3 is equipped with the premium package, you can turn the interior ambient lights ON or OFF from this control.
Tesla Model 3 Media Player
To access the Media Player, tap the Media icon.
You can make the media player bigger by dragging up from the bottom. Another flick will make it fullscreen.
Slacker Radio is available in North America for free but if you have your own subscription tap the Sign In Button to sign into your own account. You can access your Favorites, Top Stations and Genres. Or you can scroll any list by using your finger.
You are also able to change your input method and choose between Radio, Streaming, TuneIn or Phone. via Bluetooth. You can also use a USB key loaded with mp3 files. You’ll see a USB icon in this list.
Tesla Model 3 Radio Options
To tune to a radio station, choose Radio from the drop-down list and pick one of the presets.
Equalizer
- Tap the equalizer icon to bring up the EQ.
- You can adjust this to suit your needs.
- Tap balance to graphically adjust the side to side and front to back balance of the speakers in the car.
- Double tapping the center will reset it.
- If your Model 3 is equipped with a premium package, you can tap Options to change the immersive sound settings.
Tap Direct Tune to enter the desired radio station. Or you can use the voice controls to say for example “Tune to 97.7”.
You can adjust the volume up or down by using the control at the bottom right corner of the screen or the left scroll wheel on the steering wheel. Press the left scroll wheel to mute the sound.
To search for songs, artists or podcasts tap the search icon and type on the keyboard. You can also use the voice command button to search. For example, say things like “Play something by George Michael”.
To make something a Favorite tap the Heart icon. If you want to delete a favorite, tap Favorites then tap and hold on the favorites until the black X appears. Tap the black X to delete the favorite. When you’re done tap anywhere to finish.
To stream over Bluetooth you must first add a phone. Tap the Bluetooth icon and then tap Add New Device, then tap Search. Make sure Bluetooth is enabled on your smartphone. Tap on your device and ensure that the displayed pin number matches your device then tap Pair.