Winter mornings can be tough, especially when you get into your car and find the windows fogged up or frozen over. Fortunately, Tesla has some great features to help you quickly clear your windows and get on the road safely. In this guide, we’ll show you how to use the defrost button and heated mirrors to make sure your Tesla stays clear and warm during cold weather.
1. Using the Defrost Button
What is the Defrost Button?
The defrost button is designed to help clear fog, frost, or ice from your windshield and front windows quickly. When you press it, the car activates the air conditioning and directs airflow to the windshield to remove moisture and condensation.
How to Use It:
- Locate the Defrost Button:
In most Teslas, the defrost button is located on the screen or in the climate control section. It typically looks like a windscreen icon with arrows pointing up, symbolizing airflow to the windshield.
- Press the Defrost Button:
Simply press the icon, and the system will automatically start blowing warm air towards the windshield and the front windows.
- Adjust the Settings (Optional):
If you need more heat, you can adjust the temperature or fan speed using the touchscreen or the physical controls, depending on your model.
You can also set the air direction to focus more on the windshield, or select the Auto option for the system to automatically adjust airflow.
- Automatic Defrosting:
Tesla vehicles usually have automatic defrosting features that will activate when the car detects excess moisture or fog on the windows. This makes it even easier to drive without needing to adjust settings manually.
2. Using the Heated Mirrors
What are Heated Mirrors?
Heated mirrors are a helpful feature that warms up the side mirrors to prevent them from fogging up or icing over. This feature is especially useful during winter when moisture can accumulate and block your view.
How to Use the Heated Mirrors:
- Turn on the Climate Controls:
To activate the heated mirrors, you must first make sure the climate control system is on. This can be done by either using the screen or by pressing the climate button in your car.
- Locate the Mirror Heating Button:
In most Teslas, the heated mirrors are activated through the defrost button. Once you press the defrost button, the mirrors should automatically heat up along with the windshield.
- Adjusting Mirror Heat (if needed):
In some models, you may be able to manually adjust the mirror heat settings through the screen. However, on most Teslas, the mirror heating feature works automatically once the defrost function is activated.
Tips for Effective Defrosting
Pre-conditioning Your Tesla: If it’s really cold outside, use Tesla’s pre-conditioning feature. You can turn on your car remotely using the Tesla app to heat up the cabin and defrost the windows before you even get in.
Keep the Windows Clean: Dirt and grime can cause fogging, so make sure to regularly clean your windows inside and out for the best results.
Use a Scraper for Ice: If your windshield has a thick layer of ice, it’s still best to use a scraper to remove it. Tesla's defrosting features work well for fog and light frost, but a scraper may be necessary for heavy ice buildup.
Activate Defrost Early: If you expect to drive in cold weather, turn on the defrost system a few minutes before leaving. This helps the car warm up and ensures that windows are clear by the time you’re ready to drive.
Final Thoughts
Defrosting your Tesla is easy with just a few simple steps! By using the defrost button for the windshield and the heated mirrors, you can stay safe and have a clear view of the road in no time. Whether you’re driving in frosty mornings or dealing with condensation, Tesla’s features make it simple to stay warm and comfortable in your car.
