Tesla Settings You Should Change IMMEDIATELY (2026)

Introduction

In this tutorial, we will explore essential Tesla settings that should be changed immediately to enhance your driving experience. Default settings may not be optimized for comfort, efficiency, or daily driving. This guide is particularly useful for Tesla Model 3 Highland and Model Y Juniper owners. Let’s dive into the changes that can make your Tesla feel smoother and more tailored to your needs.

Step 1: Adjust Steering Mode

• Navigate to Controls > Steering.
• Choose between Standard, Sport, or Comfort mode based on your driving preference.
• Tip: Sport mode provides a more responsive feel, while Comfort mode is ideal for relaxed driving.

Step 2: Set Regenerative Braking

• Go to Controls > Driving.
• Select the level of regenerative braking: Standard or Low.
• Common Pitfall: Low regeneration may lead to less energy efficiency; choose Standard for optimal range.

Step 3: Configure Automatic Emergency Braking and Alerts

• Access Controls > Safety.
• Enable Automatic Emergency Braking to improve safety.
• Adjust alert settings for collisions or lane departures according to your preference.

Step 4: Modify Speed Assist Behavior

• Head to Controls > Safety > Speed Limit Mode.
• Choose Off, Alert, or Prevent to set how your Tesla responds to speed limits.
• Tip: Prevent mode helps avoid speeding fines.

Step 5: Adjust Climate Auto Behavior

• Go to Controls > Climate.
• Set the climate control to Auto for optimal comfort.
• Common Pitfall: Forgetting to adjust it can lead to discomfort on hot or cold days.

Step 6: Enable Cabin Overheat Protection

• Navigate to Controls > Safety.
• Turn on Cabin Overheat Protection to keep the interior cool when parked.
• Tip: This feature is particularly useful in warmer climates.

Step 7: Set Seat Heating and Cooling Preferences

• Access Controls > Seats.
• Adjust the heating or cooling settings for each seat.
• Tip: Prioritize settings based on your comfort preferences during different seasons.

Step 8: Activate Steering Wheel Heating

• Go to Controls > Steering Wheel.
• Enable the heating feature for added comfort in cold weather.

Step 9: Adjust Screen Brightness and Auto Behavior

• Access Controls > Display.
• Select Brightness and set it to Auto for adaptive lighting.
• Tip: This can reduce eye strain during night driving.

Step 10: Schedule Dark Mode

• Head to Controls > Display.
• Set Dark Mode to activate during specific hours for a more comfortable nighttime display.

Step 11: Customize Quick Controls

• Navigate to Controls > Quick Controls.
• Select frequently used features for easy access.
• Tip: This helps streamline your driving experience.

Step 12: Set Up Driver Profiles

• Go to Controls > Driver Profiles.
• Create or modify profiles to save personalized settings for different drivers.
• Common Pitfall: Not using profiles may lead to discomfort for multiple drivers.

Step 13: Adjust Phone Key Behavior

• Access Controls > Phone Key.
• Ensure your phone is properly paired for easy entry and starting.
• Tip: Test the phone key feature frequently to ensure reliability.

Step 14: Configure Mirror Auto-Fold and Tilt

• Navigate to Controls > Mirrors.
• Enable Auto-Fold for mirrors when parked.
• Adjust tilt settings for better visibility when reversing.

Step 15: Set Daily Charge Limit

• Go to Controls > Charging.
• Set your Daily Charge Limit to enhance battery health.
• Tip: It’s generally recommended to charge to about 80-90% for daily use.

Step 16: Set Location-Based Charging Limits

• Access Controls > Charging > Schedule.
• Set up charging limits based on your regular locations to optimize charging times.
• Tip: This can save money by taking advantage of off-peak charging rates.

Step 17: Schedule Charging and Departure

• Navigate to Controls > Charging > Scheduled Charging.
• Set times for charging to align with your daily schedule.
• Tip: This feature can be crucial for maximizing battery lifespan.

Step 18: Enable Dashcam Recording

• Go to Controls > Safety.
• Enable Dashcam recording to capture important driving footage.
• Common Pitfall: Forgetting to check storage can lead to lost recordings.

Step 19: Customize Notification Preferences

• Navigate to Controls > Notifications.
• Adjust settings to manage alert frequency and types.
• Tip: This helps reduce distraction while driving.

Step 20: Update Preferences

• Access Controls > Software.
• Set your update preferences to ensure your Tesla is always running the latest software.
• Tip: Regular updates can improve performance and introduce new features.

Conclusion

By adjusting these settings, you can significantly enhance your Tesla driving experience. Customizing features like regenerative braking, climate control, and charging preferences not only improves comfort but can also increase efficiency. Take the time to explore these options and tailor your Tesla to best suit your lifestyle. Happy driving!