Tesla, the electric car company founded by Elon Musk, is known for its innovative features that aim to make driving easier, safer, and more fun.
One of these features is summon, which allows you to remotely control your Tesla vehicle using your smartphone.
But what is the difference between a summon and a smart summon, and how do you use them?
What is Summon?
Summon is a feature that lets you move your Tesla vehicle forward or backward up to 39 feet (12 meters) in or out of a parking space, while you are standing outside the vehicle.
This can be useful if you want to park or retrieve your car from a very tight spot, or if you want to avoid getting wet in the rain.
How does Summon work?
Summon uses ultrasonic sensors to detect obstacles around your vehicle and will stop if it encounters anything.
However, you should always monitor your vehicle’s movement and be ready to release the button if necessary.
Summon will also stop if you lose connection with your vehicle, or if any door or trunk is opened.
How to use Summon?
To use Summon, you need to have the Tesla app on your smartphone and be within 10 feet (3 meters) of your vehicle.
You also need to enable summon in the Autopilot settings on your touchscreen. Then, you can open the app and tap the summon icon.
You will see two buttons: forward and reverse. Press and hold the button that corresponds to the direction you want your vehicle to move.
You can also use the key fob to activate summon by pressing the center button once, then pressing and holding either the frunk or trunk button.
What is Smart Summon?
Smart Summon is an enhanced version of Summon that lets you move your Tesla vehicle a longer distance while steering around objects, using your smartphone as a remote control.
Smart Summon can also find you in a parking lot, or go to a chosen location on a map.
How does Smart Summon work?
Smart Summon uses your phone’s GPS, cellular service, cameras, and sensors (if equipped) to know where to go.
It can maneuver your vehicle out of parking spaces and around corners while avoiding obstacles and following traffic rules.
It can also locate your position on a map and drive to you, or let you select a destination on a map and drive there.
How to use Smart Summon?
To use smart summon, you need to have the Full Self-Driving Capability or Enhanced Autopilot package on your vehicle and be within 200 feet (60 meters) of it.
You also need to enable smart summon in the Autopilot settings on your touchscreen. Then, you can open the app and tap the summon icon. You will see two options: come to me and go to Target.
If you choose to come to me, your vehicle will attempt to drive to your current location, as shown by a blue dot on a map.
You can adjust your location by dragging the blue dot. If you choose to go to Target, you can select a destination on the map, as shown by a red pin. You can adjust the destination by dragging the red pin.
Once you have chosen an option, press and hold the summon button on the app. Your vehicle will start moving towards the desired location while avoiding obstacles and following traffic rules.
You can also see a live view of what your vehicle’s cameras are seeing on the app. You should always monitor your vehicle’s movement and be ready to release the button if necessary.
Smart summon will also stop if you lose connection with your vehicle, or if any door or trunk is opened.
What are the benefits of using Summon and Smart Summon?
Summon and smart summon are features that let you remotely control your car using your smartphone.
They can offer several benefits, such as:
1. Saving time and effort by parking or retrieving your car without getting in or out of it.
2. Protect your car from scratches or dents by moving it out of tight spots.
3. Avoid getting wet or cold by bringing your car closer to you in bad weather.
4. Have fun by impressing your friends or family with your car’s abilities.
What are the limitations and warnings of using Summon and Smart Summon?
Summon and smart summon is still in beta mode and may not work perfectly in every situation.
They may not recognize all obstacles, traffic signs, or pedestrians, and may not follow the optimal path. They may also encounter situations where they cannot proceed or get confused.
Therefore, you should use them with caution and only in private parking lots.
Some of the limitations and warnings of using summon and smart summon are:
1. You must maintain a clear line of sight between you and your vehicle and closely monitor its movement at all times.
2. You must be prepared to take immediate action at any time if something goes wrong.
3. You must only use them on paved surfaces.
4. You must not use them on public roads or in areas where there is heavy traffic or pedestrians.
5. You must ensure that all cameras and sensors (if equipped) are clean and calibrated.
6. You must comply with all local laws and regulations when using them.
Conclusion
Tesla Summon and smart Summon are features that let you remotely control your car using your smartphone.
Summon lets you move your car forward or backward up to 39 feet (12 meters) in or out of a parking space, while smart summon lets you move your car a longer distance while steering around objects, or find you in a parking lot.
Both features require you to monitor your car’s movement and be ready to stop it if necessary.
Tesla summon and smart summon are examples of how Tesla is pushing the boundaries of technology and making driving more convenient and enjoyable for its customers.
However, they are not substitutes for human drivers and should be used responsibly and safely.
