Unlocking the Secrets: 15 Hidden Features Tesla Model 3 Owners Are Discovering for Enhanced Drives

Tesla isn’t just another car; it’s a world of evolving technology on wheels. Beyond its sleek design and impressive electric performance, these vehicles are packed with fascinating software-driven capabilities and delightful surprises. Even seasoned drivers might overlook the nuanced, delightful, or surprisingly practical features hidden within the system, waiting to be discovered.

Tesla’s commitment to regular software updates means new functionalities are constantly emerging, transforming the driving experience for owners worldwide. This article is your ultimate guide to unearthing some of the most compelling hidden gems specifically for new Tesla Model 3 owners. Get ready to personalize your ride, boost performance, and discover new levels of convenience you never knew existed.

We’ve carefully explored the depths of Tesla’s ingenious design to bring you an in-depth look at features that promise to make your Model 3 ownership even more rewarding. From enhancing safety on the road to injecting a dose of fun into your daily commute, these discoveries are set to redefine how you interact with your vehicle. Let’s dive in and unlock these amazing capabilities, making your Model 3 truly your own.

1. **Enhanced Dashcam & Sentry Mode**Forget about buying an aftermarket dashcam; your Tesla Model 3 is already equipped to record the road with its advanced built-in camera system. Utilizing an array of cameras dotted around the car, your vehicle can function as a comprehensive dashcam, capturing footage while you drive. This integrated solution provides continuous recording, ensuring you always have a visual record of your journeys without needing any additional hardware.

To activate this essential feature, you’ll need a USB drive formatted to Fat32, with a specific folder named “TeslaCam.” Once prepared, simply plug the drive into a USB port, which you can usually find in your center console or glovebox. A small camera icon with a red dot appearing at the top of your touchscreen will confirm that the system is actively recording, giving you immediate peace of mind.

Footage is automatically saved to the drive, with older clips overwritten as capacity is reached, functioning much like traditional dashcams. For important moments, you can manually save a ten-minute segment by tapping the camera icon on your screen, protecting it from being saved over. Additionally, for security when your car is parked, Sentry Mode can be manually activated via “Control > Safety > Sentry Mode > On” to monitor your surroundings for incidents.

A truly practical enhancement for safety is the ability to link dashcam recording to your horn. By enabling the “capture footage on honk” option under “Controls > Safety > Dashcam,” a quick tap of the horn will automatically save recent recordings. This ensures that in unexpected incidents, crucial footage is instantly secured, proving invaluable for documentation and potentially for insurance purposes.

Car Model Information: 2019 Lexus GX 460 Premium
Name: Tesla Model 3
Manufacturer: Tesla, Inc.
Production: 2017–present
Assembly: unbulleted list
Designer: Franz von Holzhausen
Class: Mid-size car
BodyStyle: Sedan (car)
Layout: unbulleted list
Related: Tesla Model Y
Motor: unbulleted list
Transmission: Single-speed fixed (9:1 ratio)
Battery: unbulleted list
ElectricRange: unbulleted list
Charging: unbulleted list
Wheelbase: cvt
Length: unbulleted list
Width: cvt
Height: unbulleted list
Weight: cvt
Caption: 2019 Tesla Model 3 Performance
Categories: 2020s cars, ANCAP large family cars, All-wheel-drive vehicles, All Wikipedia articles in need of updating, All Wikipedia articles written in American English
Summary: The Tesla Model 3 is a battery electric powered mid-size sedan with a fastback body style built by Tesla, Inc., introduced in 2017. The vehicle is marketed as being more affordable to more people than previous models made by Tesla. The Model 3 was the world’s top-selling plug-in electric car for three years, from 2018 to 2020, before the Tesla Model Y, a crossover SUV based on the Model 3 chassis, took the top spot. In June 2021, the Model 3 became the first electric car to pass global sales of 1 million. A facelifted Model 3 with revamped interior and exterior styling was introduced in late 2023 for countries supplied by Gigafactory Shanghai and in early 2024 in North America and other countries supplied by the Tesla Fremont Factory.

Get more information about: Tesla Model 3

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2. **In-Car Entertainment & Infotainment**Your Tesla Model 3 isn’t just for driving; it’s also a sophisticated hub for entertainment, especially when you’re parked at a Supercharger or simply waiting. Two standout features, Careoke and Tesla Theater, offer unique and engaging ways to pass the time and make every moment in your car more enjoyable, transforming your cabin into a personal entertainment suite.

Careoke, for instance, turns your Model 3 into a mobile karaoke machine, displaying song lyrics prominently on your screen in a way that doesn’t interfere with essential driver data. Accessible by tapping the Music icon at the bottom of your screen and selecting “Careoke,” this feature uses songs provided by StingRay and even allows you to mute vocals for a full sing-along experience. While it can be used while driving, remember it requires an active data connection, often through a Tesla Premium Connectivity subscription.

For more traditional media consumption, Tesla Theater provides direct access to popular streaming services like Netflix and YouTube, exclusively when your car is safely parked. To access this, simply navigate to “Controls > Entertainment > Theater” and choose your preferred application. This allows you to catch up on your favorite shows or watch videos on the large central display, making waits more productive and enjoyable.

Beyond the built-in apps, the Tesla’s web browser offers a gateway to further entertainment via sites like abettertheater.com, which can access unsupported services such as Plex, Disney Plus, HBO Max, and more. Furthermore, your infotainment system allows for extensive personalization; you can set your preferred media source to play automatically at startup, use voice commands for hands-free control, and even rearrange your screen layout with customizable media shortcuts to fit your exact preferences.

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“Tesla Model X front view” by Don McCullough is licensed under CC BY 2.0

3. **Versatile Drive & Quiet Modes**The Tesla Model 3 isn’t a one-size-fits-all driving experience; it offers a suite of customizable drive modes designed to adapt to your specific needs and preferences. These hidden features allow owners to fine-tune everything from acceleration responsiveness to cabin ambiance, enhancing both performance and comfort. It’s all about making your drive uniquely yours, tailored to the moment.

For those traveling with little ones or sensitive passengers, Joe Mode is an absolute game-changer. This intelligent feature lowers the volume of your car’s chimes and alerts by 50%, providing a noticeably quieter cabin experience that minimizes disruptions. Activating it is straightforward: simply go to “Controls > Safety & Security” on your touchscreen, making it easier for everyone in the car to relax.

When you’re in the mood for an exhilarating ride, Sport Mode ramps up the Model 3’s responsiveness and acceleration, delivering a more dynamic driving feel. Conversely, Chill Mode offers a smoother, more relaxed ride, perfect for navigating congested city streets or conserving battery life during longer journeys. Both can be toggled via “Controls > Driving > Acceleration,” allowing you to switch your car’s personality on the fly.

For challenging road conditions like snow, mud, or sand, Slip Start proves invaluable by allowing the wheels to spin more freely for better traction, helping you get unstuck. And for those who prefer the familiar gentle forward movement of a traditional automatic transmission during slow traffic, Creep Mode mimics that behavior. Both these practical modes are accessible through “Controls > Driving,” ensuring optimal performance and comfort in diverse scenarios.

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4. **Tire Configuration & Optimization**Tires play a critical role in your Tesla Model 3’s projected range, overall performance, and efficiency. However, simply swapping out tires, whether for new ones or a seasonal switch to winter sets, can inadvertently throw off your car’s intricate range estimates and performance calculations. Fortunately, Tesla has integrated a clever feature to ensure your vehicle’s software remains perfectly synchronized with its physical components.

Whenever you change tires, it’s essential to reset the tire configuration. This action instructs your Tesla to forget its previously learned tire settings, allowing it to adapt to the new specifications and provide accurate data. This also conveniently resets the clock on the automatic wear and tread alert, which typically pops up every 6,250 miles, ensuring you get timely maintenance reminders based on your current setup.

The process for updating this information is intuitive and can be done directly from your touchscreen panel. Navigate to “Controls > Service > Wheel & Tire Configuration > Tires.” It’s a simple yet crucial step that ensures your car’s internal diagnostics accurately reflect its current setup. However, it’s important to only perform this reset when your tires actually change, as doing so unnecessarily can temporarily alter acceleration and regenerative braking performance.

For a complete optimization, particularly after a tire upgrade, utilize the “Service Menu” in your Model 3’s main settings, then find “Wheel Configuration.” Here, you can specify the exact type and size of your new tires. This detailed input helps your Tesla’s software fine-tune its energy usage and range predictions, ensuring that all performance metrics are spot-on and your car responds optimally to different road conditions.

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“Elon Musk, Tesla Factory, Fremont (CA, USA)” by pestoverde is licensed under CC BY 2.0

5. **Fun & Quirky Toybox Features**Tesla isn’t just about cutting-edge technology and electric performance; it also embraces a delightfully playful side through its “Toy Box” features. These entertaining and often humorous gimmicks showcase a unique personality, allowing owners to inject a dose of fun and surprise into their driving experience. It’s a testament to Tesla’s philosophy that engineering can indeed meet pure entertainment.

Leading the charge in whimsical features is Fart Mode, a true crowd-pleaser that allows your Tesla to emit a variety of flatulent sounds. Found in “Application Launcher > Tesla Toy Box > Emissions Testing Mode,” you can program it to fart on demand, with a turn signal, or even choose which seat the sound emanates from for maximum effect. For added mischief, the Remote Fart Control via the Tesla mobile app allows you to prank unsuspecting bystanders from afar.

Beyond farts, the Toy Box is brimming with other entertaining options. You can transform your navigation map into the surface of Mars, or activate a dazzling Light Show for a spectacle. Romance Mode creates a virtual fireplace with crackling sounds and warm air, perfect for setting a cozy atmosphere. The sketchpad allows for creative doodles, while the Boombox lets your Tesla play custom sounds externally, even iconic audio clips like “Toss a Coin to Your Witcher.”

These features extend to delightful Easter eggs, such as renaming your car to “42” for a subtle nod to “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy,” which changes its display name to “Life, the Universe, and Everything.” Similarly, renaming it “Patsy” will trigger a Monty Python-inspired big foot animation stomp with a fart sound. Santa Mode, activated by saying “ho ho ho,” transforms your car animation into a Santa sled with reindeer on screen, highlighting Tesla’s unique approach to user engagement.

“Tesla Model S Sedan” by jurvetson is licensed under CC BY 2.0

6. **Advanced Voice Commands for Convenience**Tesla’s voice command system goes far beyond basic navigation, offering a suite of hidden, practical functions that significantly enhance convenience and safety, particularly while driving. These hands-free commands minimize screen interaction, allowing you to control various aspects of your Model 3 with simple spoken phrases, making it a seamless integration of technology into your daily routine.

For an instant touch of comfort, especially during colder weather, direct voice commands like “My Butt is Cold” or even “my balls are cold” will swiftly activate the driver’s seat warmer. This straightforward and often humorous approach eliminates the need to navigate through menus, providing quick relief and a moment of amusement, significantly enhancing the driving experience with a personal touch.

Another fun and practical voice command is “Eject Passenger Seat.” While it certainly won’t launch your co-pilot from the vehicle, it cleverly activates the front passenger’s seat warmer. This makes for a great prank or a subtle gesture of care, adding a playful element to the Model 3’s advanced functionalities and making interactions with passengers more engaging. It exemplifies Tesla’s blend of utility and wit.

For climate control, saying “Enable Life Support” or “Disable Life Support” allows you to turn the AC on or off instantly. This hands-free solution is particularly useful while driving, as it prevents you from having to look down at the touchscreen, improving safety. Furthermore, when using the navigation bar, simply saying “Hungry” or “Lucky” will quickly find nearby restaurants or local points of interest like parks and tourist areas, streamlining your travel plans without manual input.

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“the Tesla has landed” by jurvetson is licensed under CC BY 2.0

7. **Speed Limiting & Valet Security**Beyond personalization and performance, the Tesla Model 3 also offers robust features designed to enhance control and security, especially when your car is operated by others or in specific environments. These hidden settings provide peace of mind, ensuring your vehicle behaves exactly as you intend, whether it’s limiting speed for a new driver or protecting privacy with a valet.

One such feature is Speed Limit Mode, an excellent tool for promoting safer driving habits or adhering to specific restrictions. Accessible via “Controls > Safety & Security > Speed Limit Mode,” you can set a maximum speed anywhere from 50 mph to 90 mph. Once activated, no matter how hard the accelerator is pressed, the car will not exceed the chosen limit, making it ideal for new drivers, teenagers, or when lending your car to others.

A similar yet more comprehensive feature is Valet Mode. Activated by tapping your profile name on the screen and selecting “Valet Mode” from the drop-down menu, this option limits the top speed to 70 mph and engages a suite of privacy features. It requires a 4-digit PIN for activation, ensuring that your personal settings, locations, and data are protected when the car is handed over to a valet or service personnel.

Valet Mode remains enabled until you explicitly deactivate it, offering continuous security and control. These speed and privacy limitations are invaluable for protecting your vehicle and its occupants, offering a granular level of control that goes beyond conventional car features. Together, Speed Limit Mode and Valet Mode underscore Tesla’s commitment to both high performance and responsible, secure ownership.

Having explored the initial suite of remarkable functionalities that transform the Tesla Model 3 experience, from advanced safety measures to unique entertainment options, our journey into discovery is far from over. Tesla’s innovative spirit extends deeply into convenience, security, and a range of surprising personalization options designed to make your ownership even more intuitive and enjoyable. Get ready to delve deeper into the next set of clever features that savvy Model 3 owners are actively uncovering, making your electric vehicle truly your own.

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“Tesla Model S” by nakhon100 is licensed under CC BY 2.0

8. **Dog Mode: Keeping Canine Companions Comfortable**For Tesla owners who frequently travel with pets or even young children, “Dog Mode” is an ingenious feature that prioritizes their comfort and safety. This dedicated mode ensures that the cabin temperature remains comfortable, regardless of external weather conditions. It provides peace of mind, knowing your beloved furry friend or little ones are in a climate-controlled environment while you step away.

Beyond just maintaining a comfortable temperature, Dog Mode cleverly displays a message on the large touchscreen. This message is clearly visible to passers-by, assuring them that your pet is safe and that the climate control system is active. This thoughtful addition prevents unnecessary alarm or concern from the public, allowing you to run errands or attend to appointments without worry.

Activating Dog Mode is a straightforward process, designed for quick access. Simply navigate to the HVAC control screen on your Tesla’s display and tap the distinctive Dog icon, easily identifiable by its paw print graphic, located on the right-hand side. It’s a dedicated control that immediately sets your car’s climate system to maintain a suitable temperature for your pet.

An important operational detail to remember is that Dog Mode requires a minimum battery charge of 20% to engage. This safeguard ensures that the system has sufficient power to function effectively for an extended period, protecting your pet without draining your car’s essential power. Tesla has also enhanced this feature to allow owners to remotely view a live feed of their car’s interior, letting you check in on your pet from afar.

“Tesla Model S” by cdorobek is licensed under CC BY 2.0

9. **Adjusting Your Trunk’s Maximum Height**The powered trunk lid on the Tesla Model 3 offers immense convenience, allowing for effortless opening and closing. However, for some owners, particularly those with lower garage ceilings or those who might be shorter, the default maximum height can sometimes be less than ideal. Thankfully, Tesla provides a simple, intuitive way to customize this setting, tailoring it precisely to your needs.

This hidden feature allows you to program the trunk lid to stop at a preferred, lower height, preventing it from striking obstacles or becoming difficult to reach. It’s a practical adjustment that enhances daily usability, eliminating the minor frustrations that can arise from a trunk opening too high for its environment or operator. This thoughtful design element ensures a smoother interaction every time you access your vehicle’s cargo space.

Adjusting this setting doesn’t require delving into complex software menus or intricate calibration processes. Instead, it leverages a physical interaction with the trunk itself. Begin by allowing the trunk to open, then manually pull it down to your desired maximum height. This sets the physical limit you wish to establish for future operations.

Once the trunk is positioned at your ideal height, a crucial final step is to press and hold the trunk closing button, typically located on the underside of the lid, for approximately three seconds. Your Model 3 will then emit a confirming chime, signaling that the new maximum height has been successfully saved. This simple procedure personalizes your vehicle, making it more accommodating for all users and parking scenarios.

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“The first Tesla Model 3 Deliveries tonight!!!!” by jurvetson is licensed under CC BY 2.0

10. **Manual Charge Port Opening for Unforeseen Circumstances**While the Tesla Model 3 offers multiple convenient ways to open its charge port—from the touchscreen and key fob to simply tapping the port itself—there are rare occasions when these digital or automatic methods might not function as expected. Whether due to a power issue, a stubborn charging cable, or other unforeseen circumstances, knowing how to manually open the charge port is an invaluable piece of practical knowledge for any owner.

This manual override serves as a crucial backup mechanism, preventing situations where you might be unable to disconnect from a charger or initiate a charging session. It’s an essential troubleshooting step that can save you time and potential frustration, ensuring you’re never left stranded or struggling with a stuck cable. Tesla’s design foresight includes these physical fail-safes for critical functions.

Locating the manual release mechanism is straightforward once you know where to look. Inside the Model 3’s trunk, typically positioned roughly level with the external charging port, you’ll find a triangular cutout in the plastic lining. Behind this panel, or within the cutout, there’s a fabric handle or cable. This is the physical tether that directly controls the charge port’s latch.

When utilizing this manual method, a crucial safety precaution is to ensure that any active charging session has been stopped, if possible. Pulling the fabric cord will release the lock, allowing the charge port to open or the cable to be removed. It’s imperative not to forcibly pull the cable out while someone is simultaneously activating the manual release, as this could lead to damage to the port or the charging connector.

Buying a high-performing used car >>>
Brand: Tesla Model: Model 3
Price: $30,991 Mileage: 72,932 mi.

The journey through the Tesla Model 3’s hidden features reveals a vehicle that’s constantly evolving, surprising owners with layers of convenience, personalization, and pure fun. These discoveries aren’t just technical specifications; they’re invitations to interact with your car in new and more profound ways, transforming every drive and every moment spent with your Model 3. From practical adjustments that streamline daily routines to delightful Easter eggs that bring a smile, Tesla truly offers an unparalleled ownership experience. Keep exploring, because with Tesla, there’s always something new waiting just around the corner, ready to be discovered and redefine your connection with automotive technology.