If you're a new Tesla owner, welcome to the electric vehicle world! There’s a lot to love about your Tesla, but to get the best experience, there are a few tricks and tips you’ll want to know. Here’s a list of 10 driving optimization tips that’ll help you maximize your Tesla’s performance, range, and fun factor.
1. Adjust Regenerative Braking
One of the coolest features of your Tesla is regenerative braking—which basically means the car charges itself when you let off the accelerator. You can choose how strong or weak you want this to be. Standard gives you a stronger braking feel (great for recovering energy), while Low gives you a smoother, more traditional feel.
Pro Tip: Start with Standard to get the full regenerative effect, but try Low if you want a smoother ride.
2. Use Autopilot and Navigate on Autopilot
Tesla’s Autopilot and Navigate on Autopilot are perfect for highway driving. They can steer, change lanes, and even take exits for you. But don’t forget, Autopilot isn’t fully self-driving yet—you’ll still need to pay attention and keep your hands on the wheel.
Pro Tip: On highways, engage Navigate on Autopilot for smoother, hands-free driving, but always be ready to take over if needed.
3. Keep Tire Pressure in Check
Tire pressure isn’t just about safety—it also affects your range and how your Tesla handles. You can check tire pressure on the screen, and most Teslas recommend keeping tires between 42-45 psi.
Pro Tip: Check your tire pressure every couple of weeks and before long trips. Proper inflation can make a big difference in range and comfort.
4. Drive Efficiently to Maximize Range
Tesla’s range is impressive, but you can stretch it even further by driving smart. Smooth acceleration and braking help save battery. If you don’t need speed, turn on Chill Mode to reduce power usage.
Pro Tip: On highways, keep your speed around 65-70 mph to optimize your range.
5. Precondition the Battery (Especially in Cold Weather)
Cold weather can affect your Tesla’s range and performance, so it’s a good idea to preheat the battery before driving in colder temperatures. You can even set this up through the mobile app, so the car is ready when you are.
Pro Tip: Use the Precondition Battery setting on cold mornings to ensure your car is ready to go with better performance.
6. Set Up Custom Driving Profiles
Tesla lets you save your seat position, mirror settings, and more with custom driving profiles. This is super helpful if multiple people drive the car. You can link your profile to your phone or key, so your settings are always ready when you get in.
Pro Tip: Create a profile for each driver, so everyone can enjoy their perfect driving setup.
7. Turn On Joe Mode for Quieter Rides
If you’re tired of hearing beeps and chimes (especially if you have kids in the car), turn on Joe Mode. This makes the car quieter by reducing non-essential sounds like alerts and chimes.
Pro Tip: Activate Joe Mode if you’re driving with kids or just want a more peaceful ride.
8. Maximize Comfort with Climate Control
Tesla’s climate control system is awesome! You can preheat or cool the cabin from the app, and even schedule it for specific times. You can also turn on Range Mode, which helps conserve battery by adjusting the HVAC settings.
Pro Tip: Use Scheduled Departure to precondition your car before you head out, and try Range Mode for more battery-friendly climate control.
9. Use Smart Navigation for Long Trips
Tesla’s navigation system is super smart—it can calculate the best route, find nearby charging stations, and even adjust for traffic. On long road trips, it’ll plan your route to make sure you hit Superchargers along the way.
Pro Tip: Use Tesla’s navigation for long drives, and let it guide you to the most efficient route with charging stops.
10. Keep Software Updated
One of the best things about owning a Tesla is the software updates. They happen over the air and bring new features, performance improvements, and even bug fixes. Make sure your car is set to update automatically so you don’t miss out on the latest upgrades.
Pro Tip: Check for updates regularly and leave your car connected to Wi-Fi for the smoothest update process.
Bonus: Explore Tesla Easter Eggs!
Tesla’s got some hidden easter eggs that are just for fun. From fart modes to Ludicrous Mode (for insane acceleration), there’s a lot to discover!
Pro Tip: Have fun with Tesla’s hidden features—search online for new Easter eggs and impress your friends with your Tesla knowledge.
Wrapping It Up
Owning a Tesla is a pretty awesome experience, and these tips will help you make the most of it. Whether it’s optimizing your driving range, getting the best performance, or just making your car more comfortable, you’ve got all the tools you need. Enjoy the ride!
