Tesla is known for its innovative electric vehicles that offer advanced features such as Autopilot, a driving assistance system that can steer, accelerate, and brake for you on highways and city streets.
But Tesla also has another feature that allows you to summon your car to your location or a destination of your choice, without you being in the driver’s seat.
This feature is called Smart Summon, and it is part of the Full Self-Driving Capability (FSD) package that Tesla offers as an optional upgrade for its vehicles.
What is Smart Summon?
Smart Summon is a feature that lets you use your Tesla mobile app to remotely control your car and make it drive to you or a location you specify on a map.
You can use Smart Summon to move your car out of a parking space, around corners, or through puddles.
You can also use it to retrieve your car while carrying packages or in bad weather conditions.
Smart Summon works when your phone is within approximately 213 feet (65 meters) of your car, and you have a clear line of sight to it.
You must also monitor the car and its surroundings at all times and be ready to stop it if necessary.
How to enable summon on Tesla Model 3?
To use Smart Summon, you need to have the latest version of the Tesla mobile app on your phone and ensure that your phone has cellular service and GPS enabled.
Your car must also have the FSD package installed and activated, and its cameras must be fully calibrated. Your car must be in Park, not charging, and all doors and trunks must be closed.
To start Smart Summon, open the Tesla mobile app and press Summon. Then press the Smart Summon icon located in the center of the image of your car.
The app will display a map with a blue circle, which represents the maximum proximity that you must maintain between your phone and your car.
The blue dot on the map represents your location, and the red arrow represents the vehicle.
You can then choose one of two options:
#1. Come To Me
This option will make your car drive to your current location, using your phone’s GPS as a target destination.
To activate this option, press and hold the Come To Me button on the app. You must keep holding the button until the car reaches you or you want to stop it.
#2. Go To Target
This option will make your car drive to a location that you select on the map. To activate this option, tap on the map where you want your car to go, then press and hold the Go To Target button on the app.
You must keep holding the button until the car reaches the target or you want to stop it.
You can also use Standby Mode to eliminate the delay that occurs when Smart Summon is starting up.
To enable Standby Mode, tap on the gear icon on the app and toggle on Standby Mode. This will keep your car ready for Smart Summon at all times, but it will also consume more battery power.
What are the limitations and warnings of Smart Summon?
Smart Summon is a beta feature that is still being improved by Tesla. It is not intended for use on public roads or in areas where traffic rules apply.
It is only designed for use on private property where the surrounding area is familiar and predictable. You must also follow these guidelines when using Smart Summon:
1. You are responsible for your car and its actions when using Smart Summon.
You must comply with local laws and regulations, and respect the rights and safety of others.
2. You must maintain a clear line of sight between you and your car at all times.
You must not use Smart Summon if there are obstacles or blind spots that prevent you from seeing your car or its surroundings.
3. You must monitor your car and its surroundings at all times and be prepared to take immediate action if necessary.
You can stop your car at any time by releasing the button on the app or pressing Cancel.
4. You must only use Smart Summon on paved surfaces. Do not use it on unpaved roads, grass, mud, snow, ice, or sand.
5. You must ensure that all cameras and sensors on your car are clean and functional.
Dirty cameras and sensors, as well as environmental conditions such as rain and faded lane markings, can affect Smart Summon’s performance.
6. You must not use Smart Summon if your phone has a low battery, poor cellular service, or weak GPS signal.
These factors can cause delays or errors in communication between your phone and your car.
7. You must not use Smart Summon if your car has low battery, mechanical issues, or software updates.
These factors can affect your car’s ability to drive safely and reliably.
Smart Summon is an innovative feature that can make your Tesla experience more convenient and fun. However, it is not a substitute for human driving or supervision. You must always use Smart Summon safely, responsibly, and as intended by Tesla.
