How to Change Your Tesla’s Car Color on the Screen: A Deep Dive

The burning question on every Tesla owner’s mind, or at least those yearning for a touch of personalization within their digital dashboards: Can you actually change your Tesla’s car color displayed on the central touchscreen? The answer, in short, is a qualified yes, but with caveats. While you can’t exactly choose any color under the sun, Tesla’s software allows you to select from a range of colors that represent the actual available exterior paint options. It’s about accurately reflecting your car’s physical appearance in the digital realm. Let’s delve into how you accomplish this and what limitations exist.

Understanding the Tesla Touchscreen and Vehicle Representation

The Tesla touchscreen isn’t just an infotainment system; it’s the central nervous system of the car. From climate control to autopilot settings, everything runs through that screen. The on-screen representation of your vehicle is key to understanding the car’s status, visualizing Autopilot’s perception of its surroundings, and controlling various functions. Customizing the displayed car color enhances this feeling of ownership and personalization, making the digital experience a more accurate reflection of your physical car.

Navigating the Settings Menu

Changing the car’s color on the screen involves navigating through the settings menu. This process is remarkably straightforward, designed for ease of use, in true Tesla fashion. The exact steps might vary slightly depending on your software version, but the general principles remain the same:

1. Access the Car Settings: Tap the ‘Car’ icon located at the bottom of the touchscreen. This opens the main vehicle settings menu.
2. Locate the ‘Software’ Tab: Within the Car settings, you’ll find a ‘Software’ tab. Tap on it.
3. Find ‘Vehicle Appearance’: In the Software tab, look for an option labeled ‘Vehicle Appearance’, ‘Car Color’, or something similarly worded. This is where the magic happens.
4. Select Your Color: A palette of available colors will appear, mirroring Tesla’s official exterior paint options (e.g., Pearl White Multi-Coat, Solid Black, Deep Blue Metallic, etc.). Select the color that matches your car’s actual paint.
5. Confirm Your Selection: Once you’ve chosen your color, tap ‘Confirm’ or a similar button to save your changes. The on-screen representation of your Tesla will immediately update to reflect your selected color.

Limitations and Considerations

While changing the color is relatively simple, it’s important to be aware of the limitations:

• Limited Color Palette: You are restricted to the official colors offered by Tesla at the time of your vehicle’s production. You cannot input custom colors or shades. This system aims for accuracy and avoids representing your car as something it isn’t.
• Software Updates: The exact location of the ‘Vehicle Appearance’ setting might shift slightly with software updates. Always refer to your car’s owner’s manual or Tesla’s official support channels for the most up-to-date information.
• Wrap Considerations: If you’ve had your Tesla professionally wrapped in a custom color, the on-screen representation will not reflect the wrap. You’re still limited to Tesla’s original color palette. This is a common point of frustration for owners who significantly alter their car’s appearance.
• Interior Trim Options: Some newer Teslas also allow you to adjust the on-screen representation of the interior trim. This is usually found within the same ‘Vehicle Appearance’ settings and offers limited customization options that mirror the available interior choices.
• Accuracy: While Tesla strives for accuracy, minor variations in screen color rendering can occur. Don’t expect a perfect color match between the screen and your car’s exterior, especially under different lighting conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions regarding changing your Tesla’s car color on the screen, addressing common concerns and providing additional insights:

1. Can I choose a completely custom color that isn’t offered by Tesla?

No. The on-screen color options are limited to Tesla’s official paint colors. There’s no way to input a custom hex code or select a color outside of this predefined palette.

2. My car is wrapped. Can I make the screen show the wrap color?

Unfortunately, the Tesla software does not recognize or support custom wraps. The on-screen representation will always reflect the factory paint color chosen during purchase.

3. I don’t see the ‘Vehicle Appearance’ option in my settings menu. What should I do?

Ensure your Tesla’s software is up to date. New features and settings are often introduced through over-the-air updates. If the problem persists, consult your owner’s manual or contact Tesla Support.

4. Will changing the on-screen color affect my car’s performance or other settings?

No. Changing the on-screen color is purely cosmetic and does not impact any of the car’s functions, performance, or settings. It’s simply a visual customization option.

5. Can I change the color back to the original if I don’t like the new one?

Yes, absolutely. The process is reversible. Simply revisit the ‘Vehicle Appearance’ settings and select the original color or any other available option.

6. Are there any third-party apps that allow for more extensive color customization?

While some third-party apps offer enhanced features and monitoring capabilities for Teslas, none currently allow for changing the fundamental on-screen car color beyond Tesla’s factory options.

7. Does the color change affect the car’s software in any way?

No. As stated earlier, it is only cosmetic. The software reads the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to determine the features and performance of your Tesla.

8. What if I repaint my car in a different Tesla color? Can I then match the screen?

Yes. If you repaint your car in a color that Tesla officially offers, you can then select that color on the screen for a more accurate representation.

9. Will Tesla ever allow more color customization options in the future?

While there’s no official confirmation, Tesla is constantly evolving its software. It’s possible that future updates could introduce more advanced customization options, including potentially expanding the color palette.

10. Does changing the car color on the screen affect the mobile app display?

Yes. The car color displayed in the Tesla mobile app will also reflect the changes you make in the car’s settings. The app mirrors the car’s configuration.

11. Is there a way to create a shortcut on the screen to access the “Vehicle Appearance” menu faster?

No, there isn’t. Currently, Tesla’s user interface does not offer the ability to create custom shortcuts to specific settings menus.

12. Does the on-screen color setting affect the color displayed on the key fob or key card?

No. The color displayed on the key fob (if applicable) and key card remains fixed and does not change based on your on-screen color selection. They are pre-set representations.

In conclusion, while the ability to change your Tesla’s on-screen car color is limited to factory options, it offers a simple yet satisfying way to personalize your digital driving experience. Understanding these limitations and the straightforward process empowers you to make the most of your Tesla’s user interface. Keep an eye on future software updates, as Tesla is known for continuously enhancing and evolving its features.