Table of Contents

Mastering Tesla’s Autopilot: A Driver’s Guide to Self-Driving Features

So, you’re curious about harnessing the power of Tesla’s self-driving capabilities? You’ve come to the right place. Using Tesla’s advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), broadly known as Autopilot and Full Self-Driving (FSD) Capability, isn’t a one-button operation; it’s a graduated learning curve, a partnership between human and machine. This guide will illuminate the path, from understanding the core features to navigating the nuances of a semi-autonomous driving experience.

Understanding the Foundation: Autopilot

Tesla’s standard Autopilot comes standard on all new Tesla vehicles. Think of it as the foundation upon which more advanced features are built. It comprises two primary functions:

Traffic-Aware Cruise Control

This isn’t your grandpa’s cruise control. Traffic-Aware Cruise Control intelligently adjusts your car’s speed to maintain a safe following distance from the vehicle ahead. It uses radar and cameras to detect surrounding vehicles and automatically accelerates or decelerates as needed.

Activation: Engage by pulling the gear selector stalk down once while driving. The speed displayed on the instrument panel indicates the set speed.
Adjusting Speed: Use the right scroll wheel on the steering wheel to increase or decrease the set speed in 1 mph increments (or 5 mph if held).
Following Distance: Adjust the following distance by using the right scroll wheel when cruise control is active. Options range from 1 (closest) to 7 (farthest).
Disengagement: Push the gear selector stalk up, tap the brake pedal, or press the cruise control icon on the touchscreen to disengage.

Autosteer

Autosteer provides steering assistance within clearly marked lanes. It uses cameras to identify lane markings and keeps the vehicle centered in the lane.

Activation: Engage Autosteer by pulling the gear selector stalk down twice in quick succession while Traffic-Aware Cruise Control is active. A blue steering wheel icon will appear on the instrument panel.
Driver Attention: Autosteer requires constant driver attention. The car monitors your hands on the steering wheel and will issue warnings if it detects inactivity. You must apply slight pressure to the steering wheel periodically to indicate you are paying attention. This is commonly known as Torque Monitoring.
Disengagement: Disengage Autosteer by pushing the gear selector stalk up, tapping the brake pedal, or manually steering the vehicle.
Limitations: Autosteer is not designed for all driving conditions. It may struggle with faded lane markings, construction zones, or inclement weather. Be prepared to take over at any time.

Stepping Up: Enhanced Autopilot (No Longer Available on New Cars)

While not currently offered on new Teslas, some existing owners may have Enhanced Autopilot (EAP). EAP adds several features to the standard Autopilot, bridging the gap to FSD Capability.

Navigate on Autopilot

Navigate on Autopilot guides the vehicle from on-ramp to off-ramp on highways, automatically suggesting lane changes and navigating interchanges.

Activation: Enable Navigate on Autopilot in the Autopilot settings menu. Input your destination into the navigation system. When approaching a supported highway, a blue Autosteer icon with a lane line will appear. Engage Autosteer as usual.
Lane Change Confirmation: Navigate on Autopilot will suggest lane changes. You can choose to confirm these lane changes by tapping the turn signal or letting the car automatically change lanes after a short delay.
Off-Ramp Navigation: The system will automatically guide the vehicle towards the designated off-ramp.

Auto Lane Change

Auto Lane Change allows the car to automatically change lanes on highways when the turn signal is activated.

Activation: Auto Lane Change is enabled by default when Autosteer is engaged. Simply activate the turn signal in the desired direction.
Requirements: Ensure that the blind spot monitoring system is clear and that there is sufficient space in the target lane.

Summon & Smart Summon

Summon allows you to move your car forward or backward remotely using the Tesla mobile app. Smart Summon takes it a step further, enabling the car to navigate more complex environments, such as parking lots, to come to your location.

Activation: Access Summon through the Tesla mobile app.
Distance Limitations: Both Summon and Smart Summon have distance limitations. Be mindful of your surroundings and potential obstacles.
Safety Precautions: Use Summon and Smart Summon only in areas where it is safe to do so and where you have a clear view of the vehicle and its surroundings. Always be prepared to stop the vehicle if necessary.

The Pinnacle: Full Self-Driving (FSD) Capability

Full Self-Driving (FSD) Capability represents Tesla’s most advanced driver-assistance system. It’s important to clarify that, despite the name, FSD is NOT fully autonomous driving. It still requires active driver supervision and intervention.

Traffic Light and Stop Sign Control

Traffic Light and Stop Sign Control automatically slows down and stops the vehicle for detected traffic lights and stop signs.

Activation: Enable Traffic Light and Stop Sign Control in the Autopilot settings menu.
Driver Confirmation: In some scenarios, you may need to confirm that you want the car to proceed through an intersection by tapping the accelerator.

Autosteer on City Streets

Autosteer on City Streets extends Autosteer functionality to city streets, navigating intersections and complex road layouts.

Activation: Engage Autosteer on City Streets after enabling FSD Capability in the Autopilot settings.
Beta Software: Autosteer on City Streets is currently in beta, which means it’s still under development and may exhibit unexpected behavior.
Constant Supervision: Constant driver supervision is absolutely essential when using Autosteer on City Streets. Be prepared to take over at any moment.
Disengagements: Tesla tracks driver interventions (disengagements) while using FSD Capability. Excessive disengagements may result in the temporary suspension of the FSD Beta.

Key Considerations for All Autopilot Features

Driver Responsibility: Regardless of the Autopilot feature in use, the driver is always responsible for the vehicle’s operation. Autopilot is an assistance system, not a replacement for a human driver.
Staying Alert: Maintain focus on the road and be prepared to take over at any time.
Understanding Limitations: Autopilot has limitations and may not function correctly in all situations. Be aware of these limitations and drive accordingly.
Software Updates: Tesla continuously improves its Autopilot system through software updates. Keep your vehicle’s software up to date to benefit from the latest features and improvements.
Proper Calibration: Ensure that your vehicle’s cameras are properly calibrated for optimal performance.
Learn from Experience: The best way to master Tesla’s Autopilot features is to use them frequently and learn from experience. Start with simple features and gradually progress to more advanced ones.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What does the blue steering wheel icon mean on my Tesla’s display?

The blue steering wheel icon indicates that Autosteer is engaged. If the icon is gray, Autosteer is available but not active.

2. How do I know if my Tesla has Full Self-Driving Capability?

You can check your vehicle’s configuration in the Tesla mobile app or on the touchscreen. It will explicitly state “Full Self-Driving Capability” if you have purchased it.

3. Can I transfer Full Self-Driving Capability to a new Tesla?

Tesla has occasionally offered limited-time transfer options for FSD Capability, but currently, it is generally not transferable. Check with Tesla for the latest policy.

4. What happens if I don’t apply torque to the steering wheel when using Autosteer?

The car will issue audible and visual warnings. If you continue to ignore the warnings, Autosteer will disengage, and the car will gradually slow down to a stop.

5. Is Full Self-Driving Capability really “full self-driving”?

No. Despite the name, it requires active driver supervision and intervention. It is an advanced driver-assistance system, not a fully autonomous system.

6. How can I join the FSD Beta program?

Tesla uses a safety score system to evaluate drivers before granting access to the FSD Beta. Drivers with high safety scores are more likely to be invited to the program.

7. What is a “disengagement” when using FSD Capability?

A disengagement occurs when the driver takes over control of the vehicle while FSD Capability is active. Tesla tracks disengagements to assess the performance of the system.

8. Can Autopilot drive in heavy rain or snow?

Autopilot’s performance may be degraded in inclement weather. Heavy rain or snow can obstruct the cameras and sensors, making it difficult for the system to function correctly.

9. Does Autopilot work on all roads?

No. Autopilot is primarily designed for use on well-marked highways and city streets. It may not function correctly on unpaved roads or roads with faded lane markings.

10. How do I report issues with Autopilot to Tesla?

You can report issues with Autopilot through the Tesla mobile app or by contacting Tesla support. Providing detailed information about the issue, including the location, time, and driving conditions, can help Tesla improve the system.

11. Does Autopilot use data collected from my car to improve itself?

Yes. Tesla uses data collected from its fleet of vehicles to improve Autopilot. This data is anonymized and aggregated to protect driver privacy.

12. Are Tesla’s self-driving features safe?

While Tesla’s self-driving features have the potential to improve safety, they are not foolproof. It’s crucial to understand the limitations of the system and to always remain attentive and prepared to take over control of the vehicle. Studies on Autopilot safety are ongoing and can offer further context. Remember: Your vigilance is paramount.