Obvious features/functions that weren't obvious to you

[Nocturnal]

Given all the ways to control our cars I feel like we need a list of items that might seem obvious to one person but surprising to another. Just looking at posts here and elsewhere it is very common for people to not know everything that can be done.

My list:

1. Unlocking the mobile charger by using the button. I had no idea this worked, I thought I had to use the app or screen until two days ago when somebody was discussing this.
2. Opening the trunk by grabing the handle on the trunk. Again, I thought I had to use the app until recently as it didn't work when I first got the car (I assume my phone wasn't connecting right)

I'm sure I have a few more. Any others you guys would care to add?

 

[N3RVOUS]

Wait, you can open the trunk just by grabbing the handle?? LOL I'll have to try that.

 

[Nocturnal]

Wait, you can open the trunk just by grabbing the handle?? LOL I'll have to try that.

I knew it wasn't just me! It works just like the door handles. Perfect example of the stuff we can share.

 

[brobinson]

Sort of similar, but my brother didn't know the cell phone dock had a cover over it until he noticed mine was closed when I showed him my console wrap

 

[Pkmmte]

Something that wasn't obvious to me at first was that automatic lane changes are only available in highways, even though the rest of AutoPilot can be used outside highways.

Had I known this earlier, I would've saved myself a lot of "Weird, it usually works when I'm alone..." moments when I demo'ed it out to colleagues.

 

[ceekz]

Sort of similar, but my brother didn't know the cell phone dock had a cover over it until he noticed mine was closed when I showed him my console wrap

View attachment 341118 View attachment 341119

Totally did this too. I had it on my punch list to go over with the SC... Can I note this would not be an issue of the car was delivered with the cover down?

 

[MikeR2k]

A fast scroll (not like 1 or 2 clicks, scroll it like you mean it) on the right wheel with cruise engaged will raise or lower your speed to the nearest 5 mph increment.

 

[ngogas]

The right pedal is the gas, the left is the brake... saved me a few times from hitting someone!

 

[mmccking]

Pushing left/right on the left steering wheel dial goes back/forward radio stations or songs (except no back for streaming).

When tapping outside edge buttons on the dashpad I'll sometimes use my thumb so I can have my fingers to hold the back of the screen for support.

I renamed Trip 2 as "Lifetime" so I can keep track of my overall efficiency.

 

[yyzbig6]

Had my car since May, but only learned this week Siri can respond to voice commands for the Tesla app.

 

[ngogas]

I renamed Trip 2 as "Lifetime" so I can keep track of my overall efficiency.

sure hope you or someone don't accidentally reset that!

 

[alfadur]

Had my car since May, but only learned this week Siri can respond to voice commands for the Tesla app.

Really? How can you do this? I can't find anything Tesla related in the Siri Shortcuts app.

 

[alfadur]

One of the most underrated features is the Hold lock for the brakes. For me, this usually happens automatically, but if you're stopped and the ((H)) doesn't appear, then you can press the brake down extra hard and it will activate the brake lock. Then just press the accelerator to unlock it, like normal.

You can also force press to unlock it.

 

[Big Earl]

When adjusting the mirrors, clicking the left steering wheel button toggles between the left mirror and the right mirror.

Autopilot enable and disable can be done by clicking the stalk to the first position (neutral in either direction) ... no need to go all the way (drive or reverse).

 

[SION1771]

Something that wasn't obvious to me at first was that automatic lane changes are only available in highways, even though the rest of AutoPilot can be used outside highways.

Had I known this earlier, I would've saved myself a lot of "Weird, it usually works when I'm alone..." moments when I demo'ed it out to colleagues.

Odd - that's been my experience too - even on limited access roads (speed limit 45 and limited entrances/exits), it still just sits there with the turn signal on.

The manual says nothing about this, only that you have to be going over 30mph.

 

[yyzbig6]

Really? How can you do this? I can't find anything Tesla related in the Siri Shortcuts app.

This link has some, but others seem to exist too:

List of Siri commands for Tesla app? | Tesla

 

[corduroy]

I just today realized the car had FM radio. I've been listening to streaming stuff since I bought it.

 

[woodisgood]

Haha, my wife also just figured out the mobile charger has a button, after two months of driving the car and plugging it in every weekday.

My contribution: clicking the right scroll wheel left or right while in AP adjusts follow distance.

 

[drawfour]

Really? How can you do this? I can't find anything Tesla related in the Siri Shortcuts app.

"Hey Siri, how much charge does my car have?"
"Hey Siri, is my car locked?"
"Hey Siri, lock my car."

Not sure what else you can do, but I know those work.

 

[Chewy3]

If you swipe the 'Navigation' button to the right, it automatically starts navigating Home.