If it’s your first day with your Tesla - or your delivery day is coming up soon - you’re probably going to feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of features and settings at your disposal.

That’s why, in this article, we’ll guide you through everything you need to know before you hit the road with your new Tesla.

And if you’re more of a visual learner, check out the video below:

 

Driver Profile

Setting up your Driver Profile is one of the first things you should do, and the process is super simple:

1. Tap the profile icon at the top of the screen and go to Driver Profile Settings.
2. Select Add New Driver.
3. Enter a name for your profile and tap Create Local Profile.

After that, a message will appear with instructions on how to set up your seat, steering wheel, and side mirrors.

All Tesla vehicles, apart from the Standard variants of the Model 3 / Y, allow you to adjust the seats using physical controls on the side. On the Standard variants, however, these adjustments are made through the main touchscreen.

For the side mirrors, use the left scroll wheel on the steering wheel. Push it left or right to adjust the mirror horizontally, and scroll it up or down to tilt it vertically.

The steering wheel adjustment works a little differently. Use the left scroll wheel to move the steering wheel inward or outward and raise or lower it until you find your preferred driving position.

If you own the Standard variant of the Model Y, however, you may need to use the manual release underneath the steering column to adjust the wheel.

Easy Entry

You can also add Easy Entry to your Driver Profile. This automatically adjusts the steering wheel and driver’s seat to create more space, making it easier to get in and out of your Tesla.

To set it up:

1. Tap the profile icon at the top of the screen.
2. Open Driver Profile Settings.
3. Enable Use Easy Entry.
4. Shift the vehicle into Park.
5. Adjust the driver’s seat and steering wheel to your preferred entry and exit positions.

You can create and customize multiple Driver Profiles, each with its own preferred settings.

 

Phone Key

Next, it’s time to set up your Phone Key.

Open the Tesla app, where you’ll see a 3D visualization of your vehicle. Underneath it, you should see an option to set up your Phone Key, which will guide you through pairing your phone with the vehicle.

The process should only take a few moments. Just make sure you’re close to your Tesla and that your phone has Bluetooth enabled and a stable internet connection.

Once everything is paired, your phone can act as your Tesla key, allowing the vehicle to recognize you as you approach and letting you get in and drive without having to use the physical key card.

 

Walk-Away Door Lock

Your Tesla can automatically lock itself once you walk away and your Phone Key is no longer detected near the vehicle.

To enable it, go to Controls → Locks → Walk-Away Door Lock. You can also enable Close Windows on Lock to automatically close any windows left open when the vehicle locks.

Once everything is set up, you can simply get out and walk away without having to manually lock your Tesla.

 

Left Scroll Wheel Shortcut

While the right scroll wheel is used for functions such as adjusting speed and following distance during Autopilot drives, the left scroll wheel has a wide range of functions at your disposal.

You can create a shortcut to a specific function by going to Controls → Display → Scroll Wheel Function. Make sure the “Ask Each Time” box is unchecked and select the feature you want.

From then on, a long press of the left scroll wheel will instantly access your chosen function.

 

Trip Planner & Third-Party Chargers

One of Tesla's most convenient features for long-distance travel is its Trip Planner, which automatically calculates your route and charging stops to help ensure you reach your destination with enough battery charge.

Once you enter your destination, your Tesla - or the Tesla app - will suggest suitable Supercharger stops along the way.

If you'd also like to see compatible third-party charging stations, go to Controls → Navigation and enable Third-Party Charging Stations.

You can then further customize your trip by adding or rearranging stops to create a route that works best for you.

 

Green Traffic Light Chime

Another useful feature available on newer Tesla models is the Green Traffic Light Chime.

When you're stopped at a traffic light, your Tesla can play a chime when the light turns green, giving you an additional reminder that it's time to move.

You can find the option under Controls → Autopilot → Green Traffic Light Chime.

 

Car Wash Mode

When it’s time to wash your car, you want to make sure the charge port doesn’t accidentally open due to water pressure, allowing some amount to get inside and potentially ruin it.

You also don’t want your automatic wipers accidentally engaging.

That is what Car Wash Mode is for. 

When enabled, it closes the windows, locks the charge port, disables the windshield wipers, turns off Sentry Mode, disables Walk-Away Door Lock, and silences the parking sensor chimes.

To enable it, go to Controls → Service → Car Wash Mode.

 

Keep Climate On & Pet Mode

Whether it's scorching hot outside or freezing cold, your Tesla offers features that can keep the cabin comfortable while you're temporarily away from the vehicle.

Keep Climate On continues running the HVAC system at your selected temperature after you've left the car.

To enable it, open the climate controls and select Keep.

If you're traveling with your dog, you can instead use Pet Mode. It maintains a comfortable cabin temperature while also displaying a message on the center screen letting passersby know that your pet is safe and the climate control is running.

 

Quick Temperature & Volume Controls

You don't always have to open the climate menu to make a simple temperature adjustment.

Press and hold the temperature control at the bottom of the screen and slide your finger left or right. A slider will appear, allowing you to quickly adjust the cabin temperature.

The same gesture works with the volume control - press, hold, and slide left or right to quickly adjust the audio level.

 

Reduced Regenerative Braking

If you own a compatible Model Y Juniper, you may have access to a setting that reduces the strength of the regenerative braking.

This provides gentler deceleration when you lift off the accelerator, which some drivers may find more comfortable, particularly in situations where strong regen can make the ride feel abrupt.

To find the setting, go to Controls → Dynamics and select the Deceleration options.

 

Blind Spot Warning Light

Using its cameras, your Tesla monitors the surrounding area for vehicles and other potential hazards.

On equipped vehicles, when something is detected in your blind spot, a warning light appears on the speaker grille at the base of the corresponding front A-pillar.

A solid red light indicates that an object has been detected in your blind spot.

A blinking red light warns you that an object is in your blind spot while your turn signal is activated.

If you find the warning distracting, you can go to Controls → Safety → Blind Spot Warning Light and toggle the feature on or off.

 

Share Navigation From Your Phone

You can also send a destination directly from your phone to your Tesla.

For example, find the location or route you want in Google Maps, tap Share, and select the Tesla app. The destination will then be sent to your vehicle and appear in its navigation system.

This is especially useful when you're planning your destination before getting into the car.

 

Tesla Service

Finally, it's worth knowing how Tesla Service works in case you ever need repairs or troubleshooting.

Open the Tesla app → Service and select the issue you want to report. From there, follow the prompts and provide the requested information about the problem.

Depending on the issue, you may be asked whether the problem is intermittent or permanent, to provide additional details, and to attach photos and other supporting information.

Once everything is filled out, you can submit the service request directly through the app.

For eligible repairs, Tesla can also provide an estimate through the app as part of the service process, allowing you to review the expected work and pricing before proceeding, cutting the middleman. Other well-known car brands will ask to schedule an appointment so that they can run checks and diagnostics, charging extra for those services.

Conclusion

These are just the basics and barely scratch the surface of what Tesla vehicles can do. There is a vast range of features and settings that can make your driving experience smarter, more convenient, and more customizable.

However, if this is your first day with your Tesla, or you're still waiting for your car to arrive, this is a great starting point to help you get familiar with your new vehicle.