Tesla

Tesla Wheel Well Liner Snow Damage – Repair and Prevention

Snow and ice build up in a Tesla wheel well

We’ve driven in snow and ice conditions in a Tesla for over 4 years, but this was the first time we experienced damage to the wheel well liner. Snow, and ice managed to build up inside of our wheel well and caused enough pressure or force to pull the liner out from the retaining push clips. Read on to see how you can repair, or even prevent this from happening to your wheel liner. What Do Wheel Well Liners Do? Wheel well liners are a crucial part of any automobile, providing protection from dirt, debris, and moisture. They are often made from plastic or rubber and fit snugly against the wheel wells, helping to protect them from the elements. However, snow and ice can cause significant damage to these parts over time. As snow accumulates in the wheel well, it can freeze and expand, cause pressure or force, and lead to cracks and tears in the liner. In addition, moisture from melted snow or ice can seep into the interior of the car, damaging sensitive electrical components. How it Happened My wife had been driving our Tesla Model X and mentioned she heard a noise while driving. This was happening primarily after she let off on the accelerator or was turning. At first, I thought it might have had something to do with the regenerative breaking, but after looking inside the wheel well I noticed a section that was bulging downward. Upon a closer look, I saw sections of the wheel liner had pulled loose. Replacement Wheel Well Liner Retaining Clips Since the liner pulled out from the original retaining clips, the holes in the liner had been widened and the OEM clips would now longer work. It would require a clip with a wider head. As much as I’ve had several poor experiences, I was off to one of my local automotive stores. At first I tried going to O’Reilly’s, but their inventory was extremely limited and I ended up at Autozone, who has consistently provided me with really bad customer experiences. Despite my dislike for Autozone, I was able to find some clips that ended up working. The diameter of the “pin” section of the clip appeared to be identically as the OEM Tesla clip and the head was wider. You’ll notice on the picture above, two black air lines for the air suspension and two wire looms for electrical. The Tesla wheel well liner is protecting these components (and others) from road debris. Our liner did have a tear in it, so I’ll need to replace it later. These are the retaining clips I picked up from Autozone. They’re listed as an OEM replacement for Nissan, but had the same diameter as the Tesla’s, but with a wider head that I needed. Autozone allowed me to open up the package before purchasing to verify fit. To remove the existing retaining clip I used a trim remover tool similar to this one on Amazon. Eventual Liner Replacement I actually ran into a mobile Tesla repair technician a couple weeks after this occurred. He had asked if we had any issues with our Tesla and I mentioned the wheel well liner issue. The tech gave me some retaining clips he had and recommended reaching out to him in the spring. I wasn’t interested in having it replaced with a new one right now only to have it get damaged as we’re still in the middle of winter. The technician gave me his business card and said I could contact him later. I’ll update this post when I get an official quote for how much it will cost to replace the wheel well liner. It will be out-of-pocket since we’re out of warranty. Currently, these wheel well liners are around $200 on eBay which I think is absurd. Hopefully Tesla might actually sell them for less. Possible Prevention Fortunately, there are a few steps you can take to prevent excessive damage to your wheel well liners during winter months. First, make sure to regularly inspect your wheel wells for any cracks or tears in the liner. If you find any, be sure to repair them immediately. Second, try to keep snow and ice away from the wheel wells as much as possible. You can do this by brushing off excess snow when clearing your driveway or parking lot, or covering the wheel well with plastic sheeting when parking in snow. While the steps above may not always be convenient or even feasible, it’s certainly worth at least inspecting any snow or ice build up when you can. I’ve driven in sub-zero weather before, and the snow and ice can quickly build up, and it doesn’t come off easily. In these cases where it’s extremely hard, you may actually cause more damage trying to remove the build up of snow and ice. I’ve also read where this done happen to several makes and models of vehicles. One post I saw recommended the use of Pam, the spray cooking oil as it’s supposed to prevent snow or ice from building up. I may try this at some point, but similar to tire shine products, I’m sure you’d want to make sure not to get any on the tread of your tires. It would likely cause some traction issues if you have any type of oil on your tire treads. I’ll have to research this one some more and will likely test one side to compare to the other to see how well it works. Wrap-Up I’m still not sure what was different about the snow and ice on the roads when my wife drove on this day. We’ve been through much heavier, thicker snow conditions and ice before. Ideally I’ll replace this one and not have to worry about this issue again. Remember: even small cracks or tears can quickly lead to costly repairs, so it’s important to stay on top of maintenance and repair issues as they arise. Your car

9 Best Tires for Tesla Model 3 (Buyer’s Guide)

best tires for tesla model 3

If you’ve searched the internet for information on electric vehicles (EVs) tires before, you’ve probably come across blogs that tell you that they need different tires than internal combustion engine (ICE) cars. Because of that, you may be wondering: which is the best tire for my Tesla Model 3? The best tires for a Tesla Model 3 are designed for performance and comfort. They feature advanced tech that improves traction, reduces the braking distance, lowers rolling resistance, and improves grip, stability, and steering responsiveness. They’re durable, light, and hydroplaning-resistant. Read on for more insights into why a Tesla Model 3 uses different tires, what to consider when buying tires for your Tesla EV, and a review of the best tires on the market. Why Your Tesla Model 3 Needs Different Tires The main difference between EVs and ICE vehicles is the electric battery. These batteries are quite heavy and put extra stress on the car’s tires. Because of that, conventional tires would wear out prematurely if you installed them on your Tesla Model 3. Additional factors that require special tires include wear-and-tear due to faster acceleration and increased braking distance. What To Consider When Buying Tires for Your Tesla Model 3 When buying a tire for your Tesla, think about the following: Load index: Select a tire with a higher load index to accommodate your car’s weight comfortably. Rolling resistance: Choose a tire with low rolling resistance for better speed. Traction: Choosing the tires with the best traction can stop you from losing control while accelerating or braking. Tire noise: Since EVs are quiet, it’s natural to choose notoriously quiet tires. Trade-off: Consider the range and performance of the options and pick tires based on what you consider most important. The range is the distance the tires can cover, while performance refers to sound, traction, acceleration, and braking distance. Let’s review some of the highest-quality tires you can buy for your Tesla Model 3: Michelin CrossClimate Plus Michelin’s CrossClimate Plus comes with a multi-condition-focused tread pattern for superior performance in all weather conditions. The highly directional tread pattern also significantly improves this tire’s traction in snow, perfect for winter driving! The tread’s design has transverse ribs for outstanding cornering, while the tread blocks are bevel-edged for better traction on damp or wet surfaces. The product features different warranties, depending on your preferred rating. H- & V-speed rated models come with a 50,000-mile warranty, while the W- & Y-speed rated models feature a 40,000-mile warranty. In a nutshell, the CrossClimate plus has outstanding braking and handling on dry surfaces, provides excellent feedback, and has stable handling in all conditions. Goodyear Assurance MaxLife The Assurance MaxLife features an advanced rubber compound and a continuous center rib for constant contact with the road and outstanding responsiveness. If you need a tire with exceptional directional stability, we recommend trying the Assurance MaxLife out! The tire has notched intermediate ribs and partially closed shoulders for improved stability and cornering grip. The Assurance MaxLife also features four circumferential grooves and block edges for improved water evacuation and wet traction. You’ll be impressed by how well these tires handle wet and damp conditions. Bridgestone Ecopia EP422 Plus The Ecopia EP422 utilizes Bridgestone’s exclusive NanoPro-Tech for reduced rolling resistance. The tire features a symmetric tread pattern, independent center blocks, and a notched shoulder for improved dry traction and handling. Inside, you’ll find two steel belts wrapped with nylon and a polyester casing for increased tire strength, comfort, and durability. The circumferential groove design comes in handy in water evacuation, reducing hydroplane risks. Driving your EV on snow, slush, or ice-covered roads is quick and easy, thanks to the multiple sipes around the Ecopia EP422’s treads. The Continental TrueContact The Continental TrueContact is designed for performance, featuring advanced technology for stable, consistent driving under different conditions. The tire’s Tg-F Polymer and Silane construction delivers exceptional dry and wet traction. Simultaneously, the optimized symmetric tread pattern ensures constant contact with the road for better handling and steering response. The siped tread block and Continental’s patented Traction Grooves deliver superior gripping of the surface, even in the harshest elements. With this tire, you’ll get unique ride comfort and reduced noise and vibrations. If you need a long-lasting tire, look no further than the TrueContact – it features twin steel belts and a polyamide reinforcement for extra strength and durability. Vogue Custom Built Radial VIII Are you looking for a tire that combines performance with aesthetics? If so, the Custom Built Radial VIII is what you need. The well-crafted, beautifully designed tire comes with high-tensile steel belts, a gold puncture control pad, and polyester body plies for added stability, strength, and durability. The tread design is asymmetrical, allowing for driving in any and all weather and road conditions. Additional pros include the best-in-class wet and dry traction and remarkable handling and steering response. Firestone Champion The Firestone Champion, though designed with conventional vehicles in mind, comes in handy for EVs, too. This tire features advanced tech for reduced rolling resistance, limiting your car’s power consumption without hurting the grip, braking, and traction performance. The steel cord also adds strength while keeping the tire lighter. For durability, the Firestone Champion has a two-ply polyester body casing and comes with side steel belts and nylon reinforcement. For easy rotation, this tire has a symmetric tread design. Driving in wet and snowy conditions is also easier since the tread is deep enough, providing excellent traction in all elements. The full-depth tread’s biting edges make it easy to drive on snow-covered surfaces. The tire is also hydroplaning-resistant, thanks to the four circumferential grooves, which are effective in water evacuation. Yokohama Avid Ascend The Avid Ascend is an outstanding tire – its dry traction and steering response beat the competition by a mile. The solid tread pattern allows smooth acceleration and braking, giving you a nice, quiet ride. This tire has excellent steering response and stable cornering. Reviewers have pointed out its very good dry, wet,

17 Best Car Cleaning Products for Your Tesla

how to clean your tesla

Keeping your Tesla clean will not only make your car look nice, but it can also improve the lifetime of the paint and help prevent scratches. But what are the best cleaning products and methods for cleaning your Tesla? And what are the best ways to clean the exterior and interior of your Tesla? There are several great products for cleaning your Tesla. Many can be purchased at a local automotive shop or through online merchants. Knowing how to use the cleaning products correctly will help you make your Tesla shine and stay shiny for years to come, so keep reading to learn more! The Best Exterior Car Cleaning Products for Your Tesla In your Tesla owner’s manual, you should be able to find where it says to use mild automotive glass cleaner and mild automotive soap to clean the exterior. The manual also recommends using a soft cloth for washing and a chamois cloth for drying the car. If you would like to keep your Tesla sparkly and shiny, you probably want to know all the details and make use of the best cleaning products. Chemical Guys Mr. Pink Super Suds Car Wash Soap and Shampoo Car shampoo is a type of soap that is used to clean the exterior of your Tesla. Utilize the Chemical Guys car shampoo. They are experts on the chemistry needed to protect and shine your Tesla! Their shampoo is also pretty simple to set up. Follow these steps, and you will have no problems: Mix the car shampoo to a specific ratio with clean water in a bucket Use the shampoo/water mixture with a washcloth to wipe down and clean your Tesla Consider using their two-bucket method The two-bucket method is a great idea when using car shampoo. It is a foolproof way to make sure you are not rubbing dirt into your Tesla’s paint and scratching it. Chemical Guys Two-Bucket Wash System  Using a Chemical Guy’s two-bucket wash system will help ensure that you are cleaning your Tesla correctly. They make the best two-bucket system on the market and even include wash mitts and wash clothes. The two-bucket system you choose should include a grit filter that will filter out certain things to prevent them from coming into contact with and scratching the Tesla. This method protects your Tesla from things such as: Dirt Grit Debris The first bucket is the detailing bucket and holds the car shampoo that is mixed with clean water. This bucket is used to apply the shampoo/water mixture to your Tesla with a washcloth. The second bucket holds plain, warm water and is used to rinse off all the dirt that is wiped off with the first bucket. The grit filter traps all the dirt and grime in the bottom of the bucket, preventing it from being wiped back onto the Tesla. Using the two-bucket system is only one great option for cleaning your Tesla. Many Tesla owners use the two-bucket system with additional cleaning products to get their Tesla’s super clean. Sun Joe Pressure Washer The first step to cleaning your Tesla should be getting it wet. The water will help to loosen up any dried dirt or grime that has built up on the paint and wheels. To make things easier, you should use the Sun Joe pressure washer to spray down your Tesla with water. The Sun Joe pressure washer is a 1.8 Gallon, 14.5 Amp electric unit that will pair nicely with your electric Tesla vehicle! The Sun Joe pressure washers also have a receptacle that you can load car shampoo/soap into for easier application too! Be careful using a pressure washer to spray your Tesla. Do not stand or hold the nozzle close to the car: It can damage your paint if you hold it too close Stand at least 3-4 feet away If you do not have a water softener, it is recommended to use distilled water or a water filter – especially for the final rinse. Hard water (water containing a high amount of minerals) will leave ugly marks on your Tesla when it dries. Optimum No Rinse Wash and Shine There are types of car washing products that do not have to be rinsed off after application. Optimum No Rinse Wash and Shine is made with polymers that bind and catch any dirt on your Tesla and dries clean, leaving no marks. It can be applied with a pressure washer after being mixed with water at the correct ratio. When using Optimum No Rinse Wash and Shine, keep these things in mind for a better clean: The Optimum No Rinse Wash and Shine should be sprayed evenly onto the part of your Tesla that you are cleaning It should then be wiped away with a microfiber cloth It is best to do one part of your Tesla at a time to avoid the product drying before you could wipe it away You should only need to use light pressure when wiping the cleaner off your Tesla. Since the cleaner traps the dirt, it wipes off very easily. After wiping with a cloth, the remaining moisture will evaporate off your Tesla, leaving a shiny and protected surface. The Optimum No Rinse Wash and Shine leaves behind a light, glossy, and smooth protective coating. Chemical Guys Honeydew Snow Foam Snow foam is another type of car shampoo that can be used on your Tesla. The best one is Chemical Guys Honeydew Snow Foam. Their chemistry is superior to any other manufacturer on the market and makes cars spotless. Usually, you would not use both snow foam and Optimum No Rinse Wash and Shine during the same cleaning. If you are a serious clean-freak, go for it and use both. However, they provide the same level of cleaning, and it is not necessary to double up. Foam Cannon Snow foam can be applied to your Tesla with a pressure washer as well. You will need a foam cannon, like this one

How to Road Trip with a Tesla

tesla model x roadtrip

If you have a Tesla, you already know what an economic and low-impact vehicle it is. Long road trips with Teslas are even more convenient. When road tripping with your Tesla, you simply need to plan your route around available charging stations on the way and enjoy the advanced technology designed to assist you in driving. Road trips with Teslas are a convenient and efficient mode of travel.  Read on to discover the perks of traveling in your Tesla and how to make the most of your road trip with their available features and accessories.  Tesla’s Route Planning Tool Each model of Tesla has its own built-in road trip planner! This is an easy and useful tool for anyone trying to plan their road trip. You simply enter your location and destination, and Tesla does the rest of the work. Go Anywhere Tool with Tesla The Go Anywhere Tool is much like Google Maps or other navigation systems. Rather than planning the quickest route, it searches for the fastest routes with the most Tesla superchargers and destination chargers available. It’s important to note that this option does not specifically search for hotels or accommodations along your route; you will be responsible for booking these on your own. This tool will route your trip through the locations with the most destination and superchargers available, so you’ll never have to worry about being stranded without power. You may have to adjust your route if there aren’t any available stations, however, or check into non-Tesla charging options (more details on those options below).  The Go Anywhere Tool  is packed with handy information and provides: Information regarding how long to charge at the station to make it to the destination or next charging station Available on your touch screen display’s Navigation function Customizable routes: you can make adjustments to Tesla’s recommended route Information regarding how many stalls are currently open and what charging rate is available at each For example, entering a starting point of Seattle, Washington, and a destination of San Francisco, California, the Go Anywhere tool provides the following Supercharger station recommendations, assuming a Model 3 Standard Tesla starting with a full charge: 15 min charge in Woodburn, OR 35 min charge in Springfield, OR 30 min charge in Grants Pass, OR 35 min charge in Mount Shasta, CA 20 min charge in Williams, CA You have the option to see available destination chargers at each of these stations as well. The Go Anywhere Tool is designed to be user-friendly and simple, routing you toward Tesla’s own charging stations. Luckily, there are other available options for charging if Tesla stations are not readily available in your desired location. Charging Your Tesla on a Road Trip All Teslas are electric, meaning the usual gas station stops are unnecessary. However, they still require energy, and charging your Tesla will be the most important part of planning your road trip. When planning your route, it’s a good idea to plan your charge stops around your regular meal and bathroom breaks. Some of these chargers will fully charge your Tesla in the amount of time it takes to eat a meal at a restaurant.  By doing this, you virtually eliminate the “charging time” you would wait, by engaging in necessary activities (restroom, meals) during that time, your car charges when it would otherwise be sitting empty anyway. As a benefit, most charging stations are located in convenient places for this reason. There are two in-network, Tesla-based options for charging your Tesla on a road trip: Tesla Destination Chargers Tesla Superchargers With either charger, your Tesla Owners app (available on iOS and Android) will provide real-time updates from your car regarding charge level, and you pay for charges from your Tesla owner’s account with both. Tesla claims that they are opening six new charging stations every week, so accessibility is always increasing. Using Destination Chargers to Charge Your Tesla Destination chargers are the most common charging port for your Tesla. They are housed by Tesla’s “Charging Partners” worldwide and trade a charging location for (hopefully) more business, as their charging station is listed on Tesla’s software. There are over 4,500 destination charging stations, with variations in the number of ports available at each station. Some stations may only have 2 or 3 ports, while others can have dozens. These destination chargers are generally found in places where you’d be spending a moderate amount of time, such as: Restaurants Hotels These chargers are the slower of the two options, with an average of adding about 37.5 miles of range per hour of charge. To maximize your time, try to utilize these chargers when you stop overnight or have the time to leave your car for several hours, like when hiking or exploring a downtown area for the day.  Another perk of these chargers is that they are usually free to use as long as you are a patron of the facility you are charging (hotels, for example). If you’re on your route and need a quick boost to reach your next overnight stop on your road trip, a supercharger station is going to be the best choice.  Supercharging your Tesla on a Road Trip There has been a recent upgrade to charging your Tesla. In addition to the standard Destination Chargers, a Supercharger has been developed. Superchargers have been installed on popular routes and in densely populated areas, such as: Where to Find Tesla SuperChargers Main interstates Parking Garages in urban areas Downtown areas/city centers Grocery stores There are currently over 2,000 Supercharger stations in the US, with over 20,000 individual Supercharging stalls available. This charging station can fully charge any Tesla model under an hour and a half, or roughly 70 minutes. Why Superchargers are Useful With a supercharger, Teslas are designed to charge up to 80% capacity in the first 40 minutes of charging. The rate then slows to protect the battery, but a full charge isn’t necessary. If you find yourself needing a quick

Is the Tesla Autopilot Worth it? Here’s What You Need to Know

The technology many of us have been waiting for is on the horizon: a fully autonomous self-driving car. Tesla’s Autopilot is the boldest step we have seen a car manufacturer take to making this futuristic accomplishment a reality. However, while Tesla’s Autopilot is a breakthrough, it may not satisfy the expectations many eager consumers want out of a self-driving vehicle. Is it even worth the cost? If you are looking for a vehicle that can ease the hassles that come with driving, the Tesla Autopilot is a great and intuitive feature to utilize. However, if your desire is to be completely disengaged from your vehicle and the road, you may want to hold out until the technology further develops. There is a lot to take in when determining whether the Tesla Autopilot is right for you. Read on to learn about these factors and ensure you make the right decision before committing to this investment. Tesla’s Autopilot is now standard, we’ll cover it’s current features and explain the difference with the optional Full-Self Driving package. Read on! Tesla Autopilot Features Tesla’s innovative technology undergoes constant rapid growth, and we see this with their Autopilot feature. If you are considering investing in a Tesla vehicle for Autopilot, you should know there are two current versions of this technology: Base Level Autopilot and Full Self-Driving Mode. Let’s dive into the specifications of Tesla Autopilot’s two options and what kind of performance and key features you can expect from each one. Base Level Autopilot  While the Base Level Autopilot technology does not quite amount to the expectations one would associate with the traditional concept of an autopilot feature, it proves to be convenient and intuitive, nonetheless.  Tesla promotes two primary features with their standard Autopilot: Auto Steer and a Traffic-Aware Cruise Control.  Auto Steer When driving on the highway, it is easy to become absent-minded and accidentally drift over to the neighboring lane. This generally results in needing to make a quick readjustment in your steering but can become a dangerous hazard that can potentially lead to a traffic accident.  To prevent this common incident from occurring, Tesla has made auto-steering a primary function and highlight of their Autopilot feature. When you have autosteering enabled, your vehicle will ensure that you stay within your appropriate lane when driving.  Traffic-Aware Cruise Control Much like the cruise control system that can be found in almost any modern-day vehicle, the traffic-aware cruise control feature of the Tesla Autopilot will keep your car driving at a consistent speed. However, the technology of Tesla’s Autopilot also ensures that you keep a certain level of distance between you and the vehicle in front of you. To give you versatility and control over your traffic-aware cruise control system, Tesla has created the option to manually adjust the speed of your car, as well as the allocated distance you want to maintain between you and other vehicles.  With that being said, you will find the autopilot feature is quite sophisticated and will make logical adjustments in speed and distance without you needing to make manual changes yourself.  Full Self-Driving Mode When Tesla announced their Full Self-Driving Mode, the prospect of having a fully autonomous car available peaked consumers’ interests and stirred quite a bit of hype.  Unfortunately, this title has proved to be somewhat of a misconception. This feature did not deliver on the fully self-driving car that most of us have imagined since drivers are still required to pay attention to the road.   However, the Full Self-Driving Mode has some incredible features that Tesla drivers will swear by, and the package includes the primary functions that come with the Base Level Autopilot.  Navigate on Autopilot This feature made opting for the Full Self-Driving Mode a no-brainer for absent-minded drivers and those who simply want to arrive from Point A to Point B without dealing with the tediousness of driving on the highway while having to check their navigation system continually.  With the Tesla Autopilot, all you need to do is have a destination marked on your vehicle’s navigation system. The auto-navigate feature enables the vehicle to control your trip for your entire time on the highway. That means the car is doing all the driving for you from the moment you hit the on-ramp to your exit point—including all lane changes and adapting to highway interchanges. Street-Level Autopilot Street-Level Autopilot allows Tesla vehicles to recognize and react to traffic lights and stop signs on the road. While this is an entirely new feature in Tesla’s Autopilot technology and is still in a preliminary phase, the potential it will have as it further develops will be paramount to getting us closer to fully autonomous self-driving cars. Drivers who are looking forward to the day of never having to manually drive a car again are sold on the notion of a street-level autopilot. Smart Summon  If you have ever been blocked by a neighboring car due to a driver parking too close to your parking space, the Smart Summon feature may just be the highlight of the Full Self-driving Mode for you.  So, instead of getting frustrated and dealing with the hassle of locating the owner of the vehicle or having to resort to awkwardly sliding in through the passenger or backseat of your car, simply open up your Tesla App and engage your vehicle via your phone to back out of the spot to your location—without ever needing to be behind the wheel.  Of course, for safety reasons, this feature was intentionally designed to be limited to being used within a distance of 200 feet of your car. Smart Summon is also only available to be used within private driveways and parking lots. Auto Park No matter the longevity of your experience on the road, parking can be an absolute nightmare for many drivers. The Auto Park feature with Tesla’s Autopilot has made fitting into tight spots and parallel parking a breeze. As you cruise through a parking lot looking for

How To Change the Name of Your Tesla Car (2022)

how to name your tesla

Most of us name personal property and belongings like our cars to make it ours. While that’s a normal thing, you really don’t have a way to officially designate a name to your vehicle, except if you paint that name somewhere on your car or get a personalized license plate. Tesla owners have it good, though, because they can officially name their car without having to pay. To change the name of your Tesla car, you need to find the About Your Tesla page on your touchscreen then tap on the text in blue letters found on the opposite end. After doing so, a window will appear with an onscreen keypad that you can use to key in your car’s new name and save it. Different models, however, have different ways of getting to that About Your Tesla screen. So, depending on the model you own and whether you have kept the software updated, the steps for naming and renaming your Tesla will differ. Learn how to change the name of your Tesla car by reading on. Naming Your Tesla I named my first car Phoenix. It was a beaten-up and rundown Toyota that was ten years past its prime. Phoenix seemed like the perfect name for it, as it was an inside joke between my friends and me when it broke down and then chugged into action after a while. It was also an encouragement to rise from the proverbial ashes.  But as good as that name was, we were the only ones who knew about it. After all, it’s not like they include it in the registration papers.  Tesla owners have it better because they can name their cars and have it reflected on the in-car touch display. Naming or changing your Tesla’s name is easy, but the steps might differ depending on the model you drive. Generally, however, you will need to find the About Your Tesla interface to change your Tesla’s name. Naming or Changing the Name of Your Tesla Model 3 or Tesla Model Y In the Tesla Model 3 or Y, you can name your vehicle by touching the top center part of the Tesla’ T’. It will bring up the About Your Tesla interface, and all you need to do is tap “Model 3” or whatever the current name of your Tesla is. An on-screen keyboard will pop up, allowing you to type in the new name for your Tesla Model 3. This video will demonstrate just how you do this: If you don’t see the Tesla’ T’ on the touchscreen, it means that the system has upgraded to the latest firmware, and the latest software update got rid of the stylized ‘T’ icon at the top. If this is the case, you should find the car icon main menu at the bottom-left part of the screen. After tapping that icon, look for the line called “software” and tap on that as well. From there, you can see the car’s name in blue letters at the right part of the screen. You can touch this to update your Tesla’s name. If you’re changing your Tesla’s name after the software update has rolled out, you can watch this video to see how to set or change your Tesla’s name: Naming or Changing the Name of Your Tesla Model Y and Model X If you have a Tesla Model Y or Model X, you can follow the same steps as those used to change the name of a Tesla Model 3. In other words, start by pressing the ‘T’ or the car icon. Once the About Your Tesla window comes out, tap on the name in blue letters to change the name of your car. Changing the Name of Your Tesla Model S For older models such as the Model S, you can rename your vehicle by first looking at the toolbar found at the bottom of the screen. The bottom toolbar is always present, and the icon you’re interested in is the third one, called the Arrow button, that comes after the Car and Music icons. Tapping the Arrow icon will open a submenu where you can check other functionalities such as opening up a web browser, checking your schedule, finding out the car’s energy consumption, and firing up the camera, entertainment options, and the Toybox. You can change your Model S name by tapping the Name Your Vehicle (or whatever name is there) in blue letters from the About Your Tesla popup window. This video will show you how to do just that: Why Name Your Tesla, Anyway? Naming vehicles is something that has been around for quite some time. According to this article, about 42 percent of car owners name the cars that they drive. People have different reasons for naming their car, including giving it human-like attributes and expressing how valuable it is. It’s a practice that’s so popular that October 2 is now the National Name Your Car Day. Over the years, we have some famous cars that we call by name, including Knight Rider’s KITT, the Batmobile, the Ghostbusters’ Ecto 1, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, and Stephen King’s Christine, to name (pun not intended) a few. Tesla merely made it official. From September 2014 onwards, Tesla pushed out an update that allowed owners to name their Model S. Whatever you name your car will show up on both the mobile app and the in-car touchscreen. Do You Need to Name Your Tesla? Apart from identifying your Tesla by the name that you chose for it, there are no practical reasons for why you should do this. Not naming your car won’t keep it from running, and it will still function the way it always does. The good thing is that naming and renaming your Tesla is free, and it’s probably the easiest way to personalize your vehicle. By far, there are other customizations that you can do, but these can come with a hefty price. For instance, the

Tesla Lug Nut Removal – Caution, Most Have Caps!

tesla lug nut cap cover removal

If you ever plan to swap out the wheels on your Tesla, you’ll want to invest in this inexpensive tool. This could be to remove a wheel with a flat tire or swapping in or out from a set of winter tires. Tesla models that do not have an aero wheel cover (such as certain wheel options on the Model 3 and Model Y) will have these plastic lug nut covers. If you try using a tire iron or socket on them, they will quickly break. I learned this the hard way. They have a very thin walled designed and are not designed to have any torque applied to them whatsoever. To remove these plastic wheel covers, a lug nut cap cover removal tool set will make things much easier. It’s a essentially a plastic pair of tongs. There’s a raised section that will grip onto the lug nut cap covers. This allows you to easily get a grip on the lug nut covers and pull them off. Read on as we provide more information and tips on remove the lug nut covers from your Tesla, as well as options if you get a flat tire. Lug Nut Cap Cover Removal Tool I’ve read other articles where you can try and use a pair of flathead screwdrivers, but this can cause scratching. The first time we got a flat tire, I tried calling Tesla Roadside assistance, only to be informed that I was too far from their service center for them to provide service How To Remove Tesla Lug Nut Cap Covers Step 1: Grab your lug nut cap cover removal tool. Step 2: Insert the removal tool over the lug nut. Step 3: Press inward on the removal tool to apply pressure, ensuring they have gripped onto the cap covers. Step 4: Simply pull outward to remove the cap cover. What If You Get a Flat Tire on Your Tesla? Since Tesla’s and most other electric vehicles don’t have spare tires, you’ll find yourself with fewer options for getting back on the road. Several tire shops likely won’t have replacement tires in stock either. We’ll explore some of those now. Tesla Roadside Assistance While Tesla Roadside Assistance is free, it’s typically for a certain amount of time. Per their website: Tesla Roadside Assistance is a complimentary service offered under a Tesla warranty or some Extended Service Agreements. Please refer to the terms and conditions in your warranty document or service agreement to determine whether you are eligible for roadside assistance. https://www.tesla.com/sites/default/files/downloads/roadside-assistance-policy-en.pdf Tesla Roadside Assistance is available 365 days a year, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, however, you may find yourself having to wait a long period of time before someone is able to get to your location. Tow Truck Service In some cases you may find that you need to have your Tesla towed. Tesla strongly recommends that only flatbed trucks are used. If you find yourself having to call a towing service, make sure to specifically request for a flatbed. Also worth noting, you need to make sure to put your Tesla into tow mode in order for a tow truck to transport it. My neighbor works for the state highway patrol, and recently had a tow truck driver come out to tow a Tesla, only to have to leave because the owner was not there to put it into tow mode. We’ll add a new article on having a Tesla towed soon. Summary I’m not sure why certain manufacturers including Tesla opt for lug nut caps. Seems just having an enclosed lug nut would get the job done. However, since most Tesla wheels do have lug nut covers, having one of these tools in your glovebox at all times can certainly come in handy.

How to Clean Tesla Seats

Premium seating materials now come standard across all the Tesla lineup models. Tesla seating surfaces are designed to repel stains, however, Tesla does recommend regular cleaning to maintain an as-new appearance. It’s essential to keep them clean and protected from the elements to keep them at their best. Learning how to clean your Tesla seats properly will go a long way in ensuring that you do not have to replace these costly materials prematurely. You should wipe any spills and chemical residues from interior surfaces of your Tesla as soon as possible. Use a soft cloth that’s been dampened with warm water and a non-detergent soap. Tesla recommends wiping in a circular motion, then wiping dry with a soft, lint-free cloth. Micro-fiber towels are a great choice. In the article below, you will learn about the best methods for cleaning Tesla car seats, including ways that you can protect your seats from common sources of dirt or damage like spills, pets, and UV light from sun exposure. Precautions Regarding Your Tesla Seats Tesla warns that aftermarket seat covers may inhibit the occupancy sensor’s sensitivity sensor. They may also cause staining or other damage, so be cautious of what seat covers you purchase, if you plan to do so. Tesla Active Road Reduction I believe this is in 2021+ Model X and S only, but they are also equipped with microphones in the front seats for active road noise reduction. These must not be exposed to liquids. Make sure when cleaning in these areas that you do not over-saturate the area of the seats where these microphones are located. Note the blue highlighted areas below for where these microphones are located. Blue Jean Stains on your Tesla Seats and Other Common Stains This is common on the white interior seats. Tesla recommends promptly treating dye transfer from clothing. It also mentions again to avoid harsh chemicals including certain cosmetics. I’ve heard sun tan lotion can also cause staining. How to Clean Vegan Leather Tesla Seats In 2019, Tesla made the announcement that moving forward, the seats in the Model 3 would be made of 100% polyurethane; this is a vegan-friendly alternative to genuine leather and, as such, requires special care during the cleaning process. Improper cleaning practices, including the use of harsh chemicals, can significantly impact the material’s life expectancy. The seat’s color can fade to the extent that you may need to either replace the seats entirely or live with the effects. Tesla’s vegan leather seats require careful cleaning practices that differ from what you would do if you were simply cleaning a basic cloth seat, which is covered below.  Vacuum the Car and Seats Before doing anything else, you will need to vacuum the seats. Otherwise, debris lodged within the seat’s fabrics will be smeared against the surface and only further grounded into the car seat. Be sure to vacuum any loose debris first. You can certainly use a household vacuum, but this can be hard to maneuver. More suitable alternatives include: Shop Vacuums: A good shop vacuum, like the one found here on Amazon, will have a lot more suction power than most household vacuums.  Local Car Washes: You can always drive to a local car wash, where there are usually powerful vacuums available.  Handheld Vacuums: These are quite useful for getting into places that are difficult to reach with larger vacuums, like the space underneath the car seat or the space between the seat and the center console. Removing Pet Hair from Seats Pet hair can be challenging to remove, as it sure does tend to stick around. Fortunately, there are many methods for removing pet hair from your Tesla’s seats that won’t harm their vegan leather quality. You may notice some persistent strands of hair, even after you have vacuumed the entire car out. You can pick the remaining strands up by using a sticky pet hair remover. These come in handy for removing pet hair from articles of clothing as well. Use Warm Water for Routine Cleaning Avoid harsh chemicals as much as possible. These will only further degrade the fabric, making matters worse. For routine cleaning, you are encouraged to use only warm water. Follow these steps for routine seat cleaning: Wet a microfiber cloth with warm water. Gently wipe across the surface of the fabric using the wet microfiber cloth. Use another, dry cloth to wipe the surface dry.  Use a Mild Soap or Detergent for Deep Cleaning If the need arises for you to use something more potent than just water to remove tougher stains, you should start by trying a mild detergent and water solution; this should help refresh the car’s inside without potentially degrading the material the seats are made of. First, you’ll need to make or choose your desired mild detergent solution:  Natural Solution: Mix 2 parts vinegar to 1 part water in a clean spray bottle.  Laundry Detergent: These products are already formulated to handle potentially sensitive materials like artificial leather. Dilute the detergent with warm water, approximately one teaspoon to every 16 ounces of water. Add the mixture to a spray bottle. All-Purpose Cleaners: Opt for Biokleen Spray, which is marketed as an eco-friendly alternative to traditional cleaners. Note: You should also have a second spray bottle with clean, warm water present for rinsing purposes.  Then, follow these steps to clean your seats: Test out your cleaning solution by applying it to a small area of the seat that is not visible. If it doesn’t appear to stain the material, you can proceed by applying the cleaner to small sections one-by-one until all the seats are cleaned. Use a microfiber cloth to rub the solution into the seats.  Don’t leave the cleaning solutions to air dry; this can cause the surface of the seats to become stained with soap marks. After you have cleaned a section, immediately rinse it off with warm water. Wipe the seat dry with another clean cloth.  Note: Always use separate cloths

Tesla Custom Light Show

tesla custom light show

With Tesla’s 2021 “Holiday Update” that began rolling out around Christmas Eve, they added a new light show to the Toybox, but also the ability to create your own custom light shows! This is available on the Tesla Model 3 and Model Y, as well as the refreshed 2021 Model S and Model X. The new update included a new light show (new soundtrack and sequence compared to what was available on the first gen Model X. With this latest update, you can use your own soundtrack and light sequence! We’ve compiled a couple great resources for how to design your own custom Tesla light show or where to download files that others have already created. Read on to learn more! How to Create Your Own Custom Tesla Light Show Once again, it appears this will only work for Tesla Model 3’s and Y’s as well as the refreshed 2021 Model S’s and and X’s. The open-sourced software you’ll need to use is called xLights. Audio File and Command Lines You’ll need either an .mp3 or .wav file for the audio, however WAV is recommended. Light shows are also currently limited to 5 minutes of run and the number of command lines you can use in xLights is also limited. Step by Step Instructions This site here is a great resouce, Tesla Light Show page on GitHUB by the user JVB-Tesla has all the information you should need. How to Download and Setup an Already Made Custom Light Show TeslaLightShare.io is a great resource for custom Tesla Light Show’s. This site has a collection of files created by various individuals who have uploaded their creations to share. Projected Tesla Logo From New Matrix Headlights It appears that Model 3’s and Y’s produced possibly in November 2021 and later received updated matrix headlights. What are matrix headlights you might ask? They are comprised of a cluster of LED’s. These cluster allow for “adaptive lighting” in various situations such as on turns. It’s expected that Tesla will incorporate adaptive lighting for these headlights in an upcoming software update. This video posted on Twitter was one of the first to show the new Model 3/Y matrix headlights: pic.twitter.com/vbyxp5jf1R — Paul Kelly ?? (@shortword) October 9, 2021

Can Tesla Cars Tow Trailers? The Facts Explained

towing with a tesla

In the United States, around $18 billion worth of recreational vehicles are sold in any given year. A fifth of that are trailers. With the growing popularity of Tesla’s electric cars, many people are wondering if these vehicles, which are designed to travel light and rely on batteries, can tow trailers. A Tesla Model X can tow trailers. This Tesla car can easily tow trailers up to 5,000 pounds (2,267 kilograms) in weight. The tow package was made standard some time in 2018. When ordering a brand new Tesla Model Y, a tow package can be added for $1,000. The Model Y has a towing capacity up to 3,500 pounds (1,587 kilograms). If you’ve considered buying a Tesla car, but wondered if it can tow your trailers, then this guide could provide much-needed answers.. Your next trailer-towing vehicle could be an electric-powered Tesla. Tesla Factory Tow Packages and Specs The Model X currently comes standard with the tow package. The Model Y has an optional tow package. In Europe, the Model 3 also has an optional tow package. There are also aftermarket options. Additional Energy Use Among the different vehicle types, electric vehicles (EVs) are probably the most limited when it comes to towing. One of the biggest limiting factors is the energy required. Towing a trailer will use a substantial amount of additional energy, drastically reducing your battery’s range. Long distant towing will require a lot more stops to charge. Range Anxiety Towing requires more power because of the additional work your electric car does. As such, towing puts a strain on your batteries, and will almost certainly shorten the driving range you get on your electric vehicle. This is similar on an internal combustion engine vehicle. You’ll get less mileage when towing, but it can be magnified on an electric vehicle. Most consumers tend to prefer electric cars that can deliver the most range, allowing them to drive longer on a single full charge. Show them an electric vehicle with a shorter range, and not only do people refrain from buying the car, but those who own them also tend to give a low satisfaction rating. With the shorter range, especially while towing, it’s easy to scare off potential buyers. Especially if they plan on doing a lot of towing with the vehicle. Tesla Model 3 Towing Other Electric Car Models Can Be Used for Towing There are quite a few choices if you want to buy an electric vehicle that can also tow a trailer. Some of the most popular include: Audi e-Tron Mercedes EQC Jaguar I-Pace Rivian R1T While basic towing capability is a plus, it’s important that your car can tow something on the heavier side; for example, a tow trailer.  Tesla Cars Can Tow Trailers The Tesla Model X SUV has enough room for seven seats and a range of 340 miles (547 kilometers). This SUV goes from 0 to 60 miles per hour (0 to 97 kilometers per hour) in just 2.5 seconds with a peak power of 1,020 horsepower. Tesla states that the Model X can handle up to 5,000 pounds (2,268 kilograms). The Tesla Model X even comes with its own tow bar that you can hide away when you’re not using it. Trailer Mode Connecting a trailer to your Model X will trigger Trailer Mode to activate when the wiring harness is connected. When this happens, your vehicle’s: Rear parking sensors, auto park, and autosteer are disabled. Location-based and automatic height adjustments are disabled. Autopilot steering will not work. The AEB brake force is significantly decreased. Power Concerns Range is one of the major concerns people have about electric cars. Towing a trailer or camper uses up a lot energy than a regular drive or joyride. But how does the Tesla Model X address these issues? The long-range versions of Tesla’s models have an estimated range of: Model 3: 353 miles (568 kilometers) Model S: 412 miles (663 kilometers) Model Y: 326 miles (525 kilometers) Model X: 360 miles (579 kilometers) These estimates show that the Model X has the second longest range in Tesla’s current lineup. Its range is only beaten by the smaller Model S, which only has five seats and 28 cubic feet (0.8 cubic meters) of cargo capacity, as opposed to the Model X’s seven-seat and 88 cubic feet (2.5 cubic meters) capacity. However, towing with your Tesla Model X will mean a much shorter range. The reduction in how far you can go on a single charge can differ depending on how heavy the trailer is, as well as the added weight of everything inside the trailer. The range will also be shortened depending on the kind of terrain you’re driving on. Should You Use the Tesla Model X for Towing? Sure, the Tesla Model X can tow a trailer. But it might not be an excellent idea to buy a Tesla if your main purpose is to tow a trailer.  Tesla Model X loses a significant amount of driving range when it’s towing. A real-world test conducted by Australia’s Car Guide shows that towing halves the Tesla Model X’s driving range. Driving on its own, it will use up to 21.4 kilowatt-hours for every 100 kilometers (62 miles).  But towing a 1,746-kilogram (3,850 pounds) trailer, it needed 48.1 kilowatt-hours to travel the same distance, almost doubling the amount of charge required. Road conditions can affect towing performance, and you’ll spend more fuel when towing, even if you use something with a combustion engine.  Car Guide brought a Landcruiser VX along for the ride, and with the trailer attached, it needed only 10.35 liters (2.7 gallons) of gas for every 100 kilometers (62 miles). It then required 17.2 liters (4.5 gallons) to cover the same distance with a caravan attached to it. That’s only a 66 percent increase, compared to the 112 percent raise for Tesla. A Word of Caution: Towing = Longer Charging Time One of the things that one should consider when