Tech & Auto
8 Tesla Features Every Owner Should Know And Use
By MARK COWLEY
Joe Mode
Created in response to a user suggestion on Twitter, Joe Mode lowers the volume of certain notifications to avoid waking up passengers who might be sleeping.
The mode can be toggled on and off by going into Settings, Safety & Security, and locating the option. However, Joe Mode won’t lower any critical safety warnings.
Dog Mode
Dog Mode allows Tesla owners to leave their dogs unattended for short periods, as the car will stay at a comfortable temperature and explain the feature to passersby.
Owners can also check on their pets with the car’s built-in camera by using the Tesla app. Dog Mode can only be used when the car’s battery exceeds 20%.
Built-In Dashcam
While other dashcams are unsightly and may require a charging port for wired power, Tesla comes with one built-in that you can activate in a few steps.
You’ll need a formatted USB flash drive, which already comes in vehicles delivered from 2020 onward. The feature can be enabled by tapping Controls, Safety, then Dashcam.
Speed Limit Mode
A useful way to ensure that friends, teenage drivers, or other family members aren’t tempted to test the limits of your car is the Speed Limit Mode.
You can enable the mode in Controls, Safety, then Speed Limit Mode. Owners can choose a four-digit PIN to toggle it on or off and remotely control it with the Tesla app.
Car Wash Mode
While Tesla’s Owner’s Manual recommends cleaning your car by hand whenever possible, Car Wash Mode allows you to safely take your vehicle to an automatic washer.
You can enable the mode by tapping Controls, Service, and then Car Wash Mode. However, it won’t work if the car is moving or charging. The mode disables things like the sensors.