How to Drive a Tesla: First Drive & New Owner Ultimate Guide (2024)

How to Drive a Tesla: First Drive & New Owner Ultimate Guide

Driving a Tesla is a unique and exciting experience, merging advanced technology with the joy of electric driving. Whether it's your first time driving an EV or simply transitioning from another brand, this comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about driving a Tesla. We’ll cover the basics, advanced features, and tips for maximizing your driving experience.

Getting Started

1. Understanding the Basics

Tesla Models:

Tesla offers several models: Model S, Model 3, Model X, Model Y and Cybertruck. Each model has different configurations, with varying performance, range, and features. 

Charging Your Tesla:

• As a Tesla Owner you will have two charging scenarios:
• Home Charging: This is where most Tesla owners charge their car. 
• Superchargers: Tesla’s Supercharger network provides rapid charging across the globe. Locate Superchargers via the in-car navigation system or Tesla’s website. Here is our top 5 tips to improve your Supercharger experience.

Safe charging practices

To optimize your Tesla's performance, especially in diverse weather conditions, you need to follow Tesla's charging guidelines to ensure your vehicle's battery health and overall safety. 

2. Getting Inside

Keyless Entry:

• Key Fob: Tesla key fobs allow for automatic unlocking when you approach the car. However, it doesn’t come with the car, you’ll need to purchase it separately for 175 US$. 

Image Credit : Tesla

• Key Card: Tap the key card on the B-pillar to unlock.

Image Credit : Tesla 

• Smartphone App: Enable Bluetooth and configure the Tesla app for keyless entry. Simpler and easiest way to get into your car.

Opening the door from outside: 

Press your thumb on the larger part and pull the handle. It takes a few times to get use to it.

Image Credit : Tesla

Opening the door from inside the car:

It's very simple, just press the button with the opened door logo on it.

Image Credit : Tesla

 Seating and Mirrors:

Adjust your seat, mirrors, and steering wheel for comfort. Save these settings in your driver profile by selecting the driver icon on the touchscreen.

3. Familiarizing with the Touchscreen

Central Touchscreen:

The touchscreen is the central hub for all controls and settings. It manages everything from climate control to navigation. First thing to do when you first get the Tesla is to connect your phone to the Tesla and set it as a bluetooth key.

We recommend spending time navigating the menus to get comfortable with its interface and personalizing the car to your liking. As Teslas are highly technological cars, they have tons of features.

When you get familiar with the touch screen, it is the perfect time to also adjust all the settings: We prepared a list of settings you should change the first time you get into your Tesla in the New Tesla Owner Must Change Settings article.

 

Climate Control:

From pre-conditioning your Tesla to judiciously managing the cabin overheating, optimizing climate control settings helps you enhance your Tesla-driving experience and get the maximum range. Here are some of the most effective climate control optimizations:

Credits: Tesla

a. Pre-heat or pre-cool your Tesla through the app:

While it's still plugged in, you can remotely precondition your Tesla from the app. As the car is plugged in, it won't drain the battery and the preconditioning will also make the car comfortable to drive in.

To activate climate control from the Tesla app you simply need to tap the ‘fan’ icon on the home screen or select ‘Climate’ to adjust the temperature.

In the cold weather, you can even defrost the car from the app’s ‘Climate’ option. This melts snow, ice, and frost on the windshield, windows, and mirrors and also warms the high-voltage Battery as needed.

b. Experiment with Cabin Overheat Protection:

If you experience very hot summers, you can maintain cabin temperature using the Cabin Overheat Protection settings.

To activate the Overheat Protection, go to Controls > Safety > Cabin Overheat Protection. 

However, using this functionality does drain out your battery. Cabin Overheat Protection runs for 12 hours or until the battery reaches the 20% mark. Therefore, optimizing the settings is a great way of extending your range. 

You can set a cut-off temperature above which the car automatically switches on the air-conditioning, instead of going with the default setting of 40° C

Otherwise, you can even set it on the fan or completely disable it from your Tesla app.

A great, energy-conserving alternative to this function would be the Jowua Sunshades customized for each model and available in two versions, with a cooling effect of up to 3.2 times. 

c. Utilize the seat and steering wheel heaters:

Seat and steering wheel heaters are more energy-efficient than the cabin heater. Therefore, utilizing these instead of the cabin heater can give you a better range. 

These minor tweaks add up. Once you figure out your most optimum climate settings, you will be surprised to know that you can get a comfortable Tesla driving experience without taking a toll on the car battery. 

4. Driver Profile

 

 

a. Set up individual driver profiles:

By setting your driving profiles, you allow Tesla to automatically adjust the seat, mirrors, and climate. This ensures no matter who is driving, they don’t need to adjust these driving settings every time. Also, if you change your settings while driving, the screen prompts you to save these adjustments. 

You can also associate the Easy Entry setting with your driver profile which moves the steering wheel and the driver's seat for you to easily enter or exit the vehicle. 

b. Add your phone as a key:

You can use your phone to automatically unlock and lock your Tesla. First, you must use your key card to authenticate your phone as your key, and then when you are near your car, it will automatically detect your phone’s Bluetooth signal and unlock when you pull the handle. 

When you walk away, it will lock if you have the Walk-Away Door Lock feature turned on

You should also keep the physical key handy as a backup in case of a dead phone battery.

c. Link a driver profile to a specific key:

You can also assign a key to a driver profile, so when you approach the car with that key, the linked driver profile gets auto-selected and the seats and mirrors and all other adjustments are made for you.

To assign a key, from your desired driver profile, touch Controls > Locks > Keys and then assign a key.

By making full use of your driver profiles, you can make your Tesla driving experience a breeze.

You can also set an easy entry on your profile so the car will leave more room for you to get in it.

Image Credit : Elon Musk on X 

Driving Your Tesla

5. Starting the Car

Powering On:

Tesla cars don’t have a traditional start button; You would need to put the start key near the cup holder or insert it in the Jowua cup holder dedicated space. Then you would just have to press the brake and it will power the car. The screen will turn on and you can start to drive.

Powering Off:

When you are done driving just stop the car, press the button at the end of the drive stalk to engage parking mode. Parking mode also engages when you open the door. The vehicle will automatically shut down as you leave the car with your phone and key fob. The Tesla will also automatically power off after being in park mode for 30 minutes (even if you are still inside the vehicle).

6. Using the Gear Selector

Gear Selector:

• The gear selector is on the right side of the steering column. Push down for drive, up for reverse, and press the button on the end for park. Please make sure to go easy on the accelerator pedal as the acceleration is surprising the first time.

Image Credit : Tesla

• On recent Models the Gear selector is directly on the screen and you will change the direction by a simple swift on the screen. The car will by default set the right gear to start driving based on your parking position.

Image Credit : Tesla 

7. Driving Modes

Driving Modes:

Tesla offers different driving modes to customize your driving experience:

• Chill Mode: Provides a smoother, more relaxed driving experience, ideal for efficient battery usage and city driving.
• Sport Mode: Delivers a more responsive and sporty drive.
• Insane Only on specific vehicles called Plaid. It provides the maximum level of acceleration immediately available.

We also prepared a top 10 driving optimization tips for new owners.

8. On the Road

Regenerative Braking:

Teslas use regenerative braking to convert kinetic energy back into stored energy in the battery. This means the car slows down significantly when you lift off the accelerator. Adjust the regenerative braking settings on the touchscreen to match your driving style. It can take a little while to get used to, but once you master it you barely have to touch the brake pedal again - very satisfying.

Handling and Stability:

As Tesla's battery pack are located under the floor, it gives the car excellent stability. It also allows the car to turn excellently without having to significantly reduce the speed unlike other vehicles that have a higher center of gravity.

9. Autopilot and Full Self-Driving (FSD)

Autopilot:

Tesla’s Autopilot offers advanced driver assistance, including adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping. To engage Autopilot, pull the cruise control stalk towards you twice. Always keep your hands on the wheel and stay attentive, as the system is designed to assist and not replace the driver.

Full Self-Driving (FSD):

If your Tesla is equipped with FSD, you get additional features like automatic lane changes, street navigation, and parking assist. Note that FSD requires driver supervision at all times. At the time we are writing this article the current FSD version is 12.3.6 and works amazingly well. The next versions will be even more promising and the FSD will keep progressing, find more up to date information in our weekly Tesla news and FSD dedicated blog posts.

Image Credit : Whole Mars on X

10. Navigation and Connectivity

Navigation System:

Use the built-in navigation for turn-by-turn directions, live traffic updates, and Supercharger locations. Input destinations via voice command or the touchscreen. On longer trips Tesla will directly plan stop at the supercharger along the way and automatically pre-condition the battery. For people who like to use other navigation system such as Google Maps or Waze, we recommend to have a high quality phone mount to support the phone.

Connectivity:

Stay connected and get all Tesla’s updates, ensuring your car has the latest features and improvements. Enjoy music, podcasts, and other media through integrated streaming services.

Voice Commands:

Tesla’s voice command feature allows you to control many aspects of the car without taking your hands off the wheel. Say “Navigate to [destination]” for directions or “Play [song/artist]” to play music.

Safety and Maintenance

11. Safety Features

We highly recommend to check our top 10 safety tips for new Tesla owners. Safety is Teslas first priority and it might play a vital role to understand all of Tesla's safety features.

Active Safety Features:

Tesla vehicles are equipped with numerous active safety features, including automatic emergency braking, collision warning, and blind-spot monitoring. These systems work together to enhance safety and it works. During Q1 2024 Teslas having autopilot turned on only encountered an accident every 7,5 millions of miles driven against more than one accident per million miles driven for the United States average.

Image Credit : Tesla

12. Regular Maintenance

a. Daily checks:

• Battery charge level
• Tire condition and pressure
• All exterior lights, horn, turn signals, and wipers and washers are working.
• Any unexpected indicator lights or vehicle alerts
• Brake operation, including the parking brake.
• Seat belt operation
• Abnormal fluid deposits underneath the car that indicate a leak other than a small pool of water
• Immediately remove any corrosive substance around the exterior, such as bird droppings, tree resin, tar spots, etc.

b. Monthly checks:

• Windshield washer fluid level
• Air conditioning system’s operation
• Clean Autopilot cameras weekly or during dry weather.

c. Periodical checks:

• Brake Fluid: Ideally you check brake fluid health every 4 years and replace, if necessary, but extreme usage such as towing or mountain descents require more frequent checks. Do not top up Brake Fluid.
• Clean and lubricate brake calipers: You must get this done every 12,500 miles if the roads in your area are salted during winters
• A/C desiccant bag replacement: Models 3, Y, & X require replacement in 4 years but Model S requires it in 3 years.
• Cabin air filters: Models 3, Y, & X require replacement in 2 years while Model S requires it in 3 years.
• HEPA and Carbon filters: Models S, Y, & X require replacement in 3 years.
• Schedule tire rotation and balance: Models 3, Y, & S require tire rotation every 6250 miles while Model X can go on to 10000 miles before needing a tire rotation. However, you must schedule it if the tread depth is 1.5mm or smaller even if you haven’t driven the required miles.

Also note: Tesla battery coolant does not need replacement for the life of your vehicle under most circumstances.

Software Updates:

Your Tesla receives over-the-air software updates that add new features and improvements. To download and install these updates, ensure your car is connected to Wi-Fi.

As a new Tesla owner, you need to get in the habit of checking and installing updates regularly, guaranteeing that your Tesla remains at the forefront of safety innovations. 

You can access the update settings from Controls > Software. 

• Advanced: If you choose Advanced frequency, you get to be an early adopter and experience additional releases.

• Standard: If you choose Standard frequency, you get to wait until others have installed it, but you also get fewer releases.

According to the Tesla Owner’s Manual, “Any harm resulting from failure to install a software update is not covered by the vehicle’s warranty. Failure or refusal to install updates can cause some vehicle features to become inaccessible, and digital media devices to become incompatible.”

Tesla is one of the few cars that keeps improving after you buy it, making it a valuable purchase. This continuous upgrade process coupled with the car's longevity helps maintaining a high resale value.

13. Windshield Wipers

Windshield Wipers work based on the Tesla cameras seeing if there is rain or not. Leaving it on "auto" setting is recommended so you won't have to think about it. You can also manually engage it and adjust the speed on the screen. To engage the washing fluid you need to press the button all the way down.

Image Credit : Tesla

Maximizing Your Tesla Experience

14. Personalization:

Customize your Tesla with different wheel options, paint colors, and interior trims.

Accessories :  Explore Jowua premium accessories like floor mats, sunshades, and storage solutions to enhance functionality and style. Making this unique car truly your own.

Covering : Doing a covering on your Tesla englobes several advantages, not only by creating a special look for your Tesla. The covering films are designed to absorb scratches and impacts, this is a real asset for extending the lifespan of your vehicle. Finally, the covering can add an extra layer of thermal insulation to your vehicle, which can help reduce your consumption.

Add a Unique Lock Chime : The Tesla brand is unique in its style for many reasons and adding a customized lock sound to your Tesla is one of the features that makes Tesla stand out. It is a little bit tricky so we wrote a short tutorial article to edit your lock sound.

15. Using the Tesla App

Tesla App:

The Tesla app provides remote access to your car’s functions. You can lock/unlock doors, check charging status, and even precondition the cabin temperature before you get in. It is a must have and goes by pair with your car.

16. Road Trips with Tesla

Planning a Road Trip:

Use the in-car navigation to plan long trips. The system will suggest Supercharger stops along your route to ensure you have enough charge to reach your destination. Explore all of our recommendations for longer trips charging and saving tips in the dedicated blog post.

Supercharging Etiquette:

• Only use Superchargers when necessary for long trips.
• Move your car once charging is complete to free up the stall for other Tesla drivers.

17. Advanced Features

Sentry Mode:

Sentry Mode uses the car’s external cameras to monitor your surroundings when parked. It can alert you to potential threats and record footage of incidents.

Dog Mode:

Keep your pets safe and comfortable by activating Dog Mode. This maintains a safe temperature in the car and displays a message on the touchscreen to inform passersby that your pet is safe.

Camp Mode:

A mode that allow you to camp in your Tesla. It will keep temperature at the set degree, keep the air flowing and allow you to use the screen to watch movies or play games. It drains approximately 1% per hour (may change in regard of the weather conditions outside and the setting used). 

18. Eco-Friendly Driving Tips - How to make the best out of your battery

Efficient Driving:

• Use regenerative braking to maximize energy recovery.
• Use Chill Mode, maintain a steady speed and avoid rapid acceleration.
• Use cruise control on highways to optimize energy use.

19. Equip your Car with Premium Accessories

Teslas are great cars! But they can be even greater with the right accessories. To match amplify the high quality of your Tesla, we recommend you to get high quality accessories! Jowua provides a large set of premium accessories ranging from floor liners, sunshades and phone mounts to foldable car trays and many more. All accessories integrate seamlessly in the car and are all very well connected to each other. Check them out and feel the premium quality matching perfectly with your car.

20. Practical Tips for Everyday Use

Charging Etiquette:

Be mindful of others when using public chargers. Don’t occupy a charging station longer than necessary, and move your car when charging is complete.

Parking Tips:

Tesla’s sensors and cameras provide excellent assistance for parking. Use the rearview camera and parking sensors to help maneuver into tight spots. Tesla is also working on Autopark and Smart Summon technology that turns the parking hassle into a breeze. 

Image Credit : Tesla

Battery Management:

Some of the most important tips for Tesla Battery Care and Maintenance include:

• Never let the battery get fully discharged. Tesla does its part by activating the low-power consumption mode that cuts off onboard electronics and the auxiliary low-voltage battery, but you need to immediately plug in the vehicle once this mode is activated to avoid damaging the battery.

• Generally the battery drains at approximately 1% per day, it can vary depending on your vehicle configuration and other environmental factors

• Use Trip Planner while heading to a Supercharger with a cold battery. This would help to precondition the battery for an efficient charge.

Taking proactive steps in battery care not only extends its lifespan but also contributes to the overall safety and reliability of your car. For a complete understanding of Battery Care, don’t forget to check out the owner’s manual.

For more information on EVs efficiency you can check our dedicated blog post.

21. Advanced Driving Tips

Driving in Different Conditions:

• Snow and Ice: Teslas have excellent traction control, but use winter tires in snowy conditions for best performance.
• Rain: The car’s weight distribution and traction control provide good handling in wet conditions. Use autopilot’s adaptive cruise control to maintain a safe following distance.
• Off-Road: While not designed for off-roading, the Model X and Model Y with all-wheel drive can handle light off-road conditions. However, the best off-road Tesla car is of course the Cybertruck!

Conclusion

Driving a Tesla is not just about getting from point A to point B, it’s about enjoying a seamless blend of technology, performance and sustainability. By understanding the basics, exploring advanced features, and maintaining your vehicle properly, you can make the most of your Tesla driving experience. Whether you’re commuting, embarking on a road trip, or simply running errands, driving a Tesla transforms every journey into a unique and enjoyable adventure.