Tesla Steering Wheel Controls: Everything You Need to Know

Tesla is known for its innovative and futuristic design, and its steering wheel is no exception. Tesla’s steering wheel has a minimalist and sleek look, with only two scroll buttons on each side that can perform various functions.

In this article, we will explain everything you need to know about Tesla’s steering wheel controls, from adjusting the position and feel of the wheel, to accessing climate and media settings, to using voice commands and Autopilot features.

Adjusting the Steering Wheel Position

To adjust the steering wheel position, you need to use the left scroll button on the wheel. First, touch Controls and touch the Steering the icon on the vehicle’s touchscreen¹. Then, use the left scroll button to move the steering wheel to the desired position:

• To adjust the height/tilt angle of the steering wheel, roll the left scroll button up or down.
• To move the steering wheel closer to you, or further away from you, press the left scroll button to the left or right.

Warning: Do not make steering wheel adjustments while driving.

Adjusting Steering Effort

You can also adjust the feel and sensitivity of the steering system to suit your personal preference. On the touchscreen, touch Controls > Pedals & Steering > Steering Mode. Choose a steering option:

• Comfort – Reduces the effort required to turn the steering wheel. In town, Model 3 feels easier to drive and park.
• Standard – Tesla believes that this setting offers the best handling and response in most conditions.
• Sport – Increases the effort required to turn the steering wheel. When driving at higher speeds, the Model 3 feels more responsive.

Using Scroll Buttons

A scroll button is located on each side of the steering wheel. You can use your thumb to press this button to the right or left. You can also press the button or roll it up or down. Here are some of the functions you can perform with the scroll buttons:

Use the left scroll button to:

• Control the volume. Press the scroll button to mute/unmute the volume, and roll the scroll button up to increase the volume or down to decrease the volume.
• Change the song, station, or favorite (depending on what’s playing). Push the scroll button to the right to go to the next selection, or to the left to return to the previous selection.
• Adjust the position of the exterior mirrors. Touch Controls > Quick Controls > Adjustments > Mirrors on the touchscreen, then use the left scroll button to select and adjust each mirror.
• Adjust the angle of the headlights. Touch Controls > Service > Exterior Lights > Headlight Adjustments the touchscreen, then use the left scroll button to adjust the vertical angle of each headlight.
• Use the right scroll button to:
• Speak a voice command. Press the button to initiate a voice command (see Voice Commands).
• When using Traffic-Aware Cruise Control, adjust your set speed and the distance you want to maintain from a vehicle traveling ahead of you (see Traffic-Aware Cruise Control).

Note: The arrows associated with the scroll buttons are backlit in low ambient lighting conditions. To turn this backlighting on or off, touch Controls > Lights > Steering Wheel Lights.

To restart the touchscreen, press and hold both scroll buttons until after the touchscreen turns black.

Using Voice Commands

Voice commands allow you to control various functions of your Tesla without taking your hands off the wheel or your eyes off the road.

To use voice commands, press and hold the right scroll button on the steering wheel until you hear a beep, then speak your command. You can also say “Hey Tesla” followed by your command without pressing any button.

Some examples of voice commands are:

• “Navigate to home”
• “Call John”
• “Play AC/DC”
• “Open glovebox”
• “Set the temperature to 72 degrees”

You can see a list of voice commands by saying “Show me voice commands” or by touching Controls > Owner's Manual > Voice Commands.

Using Autopilot Features

Tesla’s Autopilot features allow you to drive with more confidence and convenience. To use Autopilot features, you need to activate them first by touching Controls > Autopilot on the touchscreen and enabling the desired settings.

Some of the Autopilot features are:

Traffic-Aware Cruise Control: This feature maintains a set speed and distance from a vehicle ahead of you. To activate it, pull the gear selector down once when driving at the speed you want to maintain.

You can adjust the set speed and the following distance using the right scroll button on the steering wheel. To deactivate it, pull the gear selector up once or press the brake pedal.

Autosteer: This feature assists you with steering within a clearly marked lane. To activate it, pull the gear selector down twice in quick succession when Traffic-Aware Cruise Control is active and a blue steering wheel icon appears on the touchscreen.

You can adjust the set speed using the right scroll button on the steering wheel. To deactivate it, pull the gear selector up once, press the brake pedal, or turn the steering wheel.

Navigate on Autopilot: This feature guides you along your navigation route by suggesting and making lane changes, taking exits, and maneuvering around other vehicles.

To activate it, touch Navigate on Autopilot on the navigation screen when a blue line appears along your route. You can adjust the set speed and the following distance using the right scroll button on the steering wheel.

To deactivate it, pull the gear selector up once, press the brake pedal, or turn off your destination.

Note: Autopilot features are intended for use with a fully attentive driver who has their hands on the wheel and is prepared to take over at any time. 

Tesla’s new steering wheel comes with Autopilot sensor-based drive monitoring that detects whether you are holding the wheel or not². If you do not hold the wheel, you will receive visual and audible warnings to remind you to do so.

Conclusion

Tesla’s steering wheel controls are designed to make driving easier, safer, and more enjoyable. By using the scroll buttons, voice commands, and Autopilot features, you can access various functions of your Tesla without distracting yourself from the road.

Tesla’s steering wheel is also adjustable to suit your comfort and preference. With Tesla’s steering wheel controls, you can experience a new level of driving convenience and innovation.