2021 Tesla Model 3 User Manual

The 2021 Tesla Model 3 is a symbol of how electric cars are changing the way we get around. It combines cutting-edge technology, simple style, and amazing performance. With its smooth, aerodynamic form, the Model 3 stands out and shows how efficient it is. The Model 3 changes what it means to drive. It has an electric powertrain that moves at a speed that will blow your mind, and it can go a long way on a single charge. Its interior has a sleek tablet interface and high-tech driver-assistance systems that make the driving experience feel immersive and futuristic. As a sign of how committed Tesla is to green transportation, the 2021 Model 3 moves us into a better, cleaner, and more innovative time for cars.

Traffic-Aware Cruise Control

To Use Traffic-Aware Cruise Control
To initiate Traffic-Aware Cruise Control when no vehicle is detected ahead of you, you must be driving at least 18 mph (30 km/h), unless certain vehicle and environmental conditions are met, in which case, you may be able to initiate it at lower speeds. If a vehicle is detected ahead of you, you can initiate Traffic-Aware Cruise Control at any speed, even when stationary, provided Model 3 is at least 5 feet (150 cm) behind the detected vehicle and certain vehicle and environmental conditions are met.
NOTE: The maximum cruising speed is 90 mph (150 km/h). It is the driver’s responsibility to cruise at a safe speed based on road conditions and speed limits.

When Traffic-Aware Cruise Control is available but not engaged, the touchscreen displays a gray speedometer icon beside the current driving speed. The number shown in gray represents the cruising speed that will be set when you engage Traffic-Aware Cruise Control.
When Traffic-Aware Cruise Control is actively cruising at a set cruising speed, the icon turns blue and displays the set cruising speed.

1. To engage Traffic-Aware Cruise Control when it is available, move the drive stalk down once, then release the accelerator pedal to allow Traffic-Aware e Cruise Control to maintain the cruising speed.
   WARNING: When cruising at the speed limit, there may be situations where the cruising speed may not change when the speed limit changes.
   WARNING: Do not rely on Traffic-Aware Cruise Control or Speed Assist to determine an accurate or appropriate cruising speed. It is the driver’s responsibility to cruise at a safe speed based on road conditions and applicable speed limits.
   NOTE: Moving the drive stalk down twice in quick succession engages Autosteer (assuming it has been enabled) as described in Autosteer on page 86).
2. To change your speed while using Traffic-Aware Cruise Control, you can use the scroll wheel, drive stalk or touchscreen. For more details, see Changing the Cruising Speed on page 82.
   • Roll the right scroll wheel up or down to increase or decrease your set speed.
   • Pull and hold the drive stalk down for approximately half a second or touch the speed limit sign on the touchscreen to cruise at the speed limit.
3. To cancel Traffic-Aware Cruise Control, push the drive stalk up once or press the brake pedal. See Canceling and Resuming on page 84 for more information.

Changing the Cruising Speed
Roll the right scroll wheel up to increase, or down to decrease, the set speed. Slowly rolling the scroll wheel changes the set speed in 1 mph (1 km/h) increments and quickly rolling the scroll wheel changes the set speed to the closest 5 mph (5 km/h) increment.
You can also use the touchscreen and drive stalk to change the set cruising speed:

• To adjust the cruising speed to your current driving speed, touch the speedometer icon.
• To cruise at the speed limit (plus any offset), pull and hold the drive stalk down for approximately half a second or touch the speed limit icon on the touchscreen (if displayed).
  NOTE: It may take a few seconds for Model 3 to reach the new cruising speed, assuming Model 3 does not detect a vehicle ahead driving slower than your set speed.

Cruising at the Set Speed
Traffic-Aware Cruise Control maintains your set cruising speed whenever a vehicle is not detected in front of Model 3. When cruising behind a detected vehicle, Traffic-Aware Cruise Control accelerates and decelerates Model 3 as needed to maintain a chosen following distance (see Adjust the Following Distance on page 83), up to the set speed.
Traffic-Aware Cruise Control also adjusts the cruising speed when entering and exiting curves. You can manually accelerate at any time when cruising at a set speed, but when you release the accelerator, Traffic-Aware Cruise Control resumes cruising at the set speed.
NOTE: When Traffic-Aware Cruise Control is actively slowing down Model 3 to maintain the selected distance from the vehicle ahead, brake lights turn on to alert other road users that you are slowing down. You may notice slight movement of the brake pedal. However, when Traffic-Aware Cruise Control is accelerating Model 3, the accelerator pedal does not move.

HOLD State
When following a vehicle, Traffic-Aware Cruise Control remains active at low speeds, even when Model 3 comes to a full stop. When the vehicle is moving again, Traffic-Aware Cruise Control resumes operating at the set speed. However, under the following circumstances, Traffic-Aware Cruise Control goes into a HOLD state, in which case, you need to briefly press the accelerator pedal to resume cruising. When the HOLD status is active, the touchscreen displays the HOLD icon and a message that indicates that you need to resume cruise control. The following circumstances can cause Traffic-Aware Cruise Control to go into the HOLD state:

• Model 3 has been at a standstill for 5 minutes.
• Model 3 detects a pedestrian (the HOLD state may clear when the pedestrian is no longer detected).
• Model 3 suddenly loses visibility of the vehicle in front of you.
• The ultrasonic sensors detect an obstacle in front of Model 3.

Cruising Near or On Freeway Exits
When cruising near an exit on a controlled access road (such as a highway or freeway) and engaging the turn signal toward the exit, Traffic-Aware Cruise Control assumes you are exiting and begins to slow down the vehicle. If you do not drive onto the exit, Traffic-Aware Cruise Control resumes cruising at the set speed. In a region with right hand traffic, this occurs only when you engage the right turn signal when driving in the right-most lane within 164 feet (50 meters) of an exit. Likewise in regions with left-hand traffic; when engaging the left turn signal when driving in the left-most lane within 164 feet (50 meters) of an exit.
When cruising onto an on-ramp to a controlled access road (such as a highway or freeway), Traffic-Aware Cruise Control automatically adjusts the set cruising speed to the speed limit of the highway, plus any offset you have specified (see Speed Assist on page 115).

NOTE: The onboard Global Positioning System (GPS) determines if you are driving in a region with right or left-hand traffic. In situations where GPS data is unavailable (for example, if there is inadequate signal), engaging the turn signal near an exit does not cause Traffic-Aware Cruise Control to slow down Model 3.
When enabled while on a highway interchange or off-ramp, Traffic-Aware Cruise Control may reduce your set speed in 5 mph (5 km/h) increments – to as slow as
25 mph (40 km/h) – to better match the reported speeds of other Tesla vehicles that have driven at that specific location. To override this and continue cruising at your set speed, tap the accelerator pedal or touch the plus (+) or minus (-) button on the touchscreen. The new set speed is maintained for the duration of the interchange or off-ramp (unless you override it or cancel Traffic-Aware Cruise Control). After the interchange or off-ramp, the set speed may revert or change as necessary based on the new location. For example, if you merged onto a different highway, the set speed reverts back to the set speed that was in use before driving on the interchange.

Adjust the Following Distance
To adjust the following distance you want to maintain between Model 3 and a vehicle traveling ahead of you, press the steering wheel’s right scroll button to the left or right. Choose a setting from 1 (the closest following distance) to 7 (the longest following distance). Each setting corresponds to a time-based distance that represents how long it takes for Model 3, from its current location, to reach the location of the rear bumper of the vehicle ahead of you.
NOTE: For vehicles manufactured after approximately April 27, 2021, the following distance must be set to 3 or greater.
As you adjust the following distance, the touchscreen displays the current setting.

Overtake Acceleration

When following a vehicle with Traffic-Aware Cruise Control active, engaging the turn signal (to indicate a move into the passing lane) accelerates Model 3 towards the vehicle ahead. By momentarily holding the turn signal stalk up or down, you can quickly accelerate up to your set speed without having to press the accelerator pedal. The turn signal causes acceleration only when all of the following conditions are met:

•  Traffic-Aware Cruise Control is operating and detects a vehicle in front of you.
• No obstacles or vehicles are detected in the target lane.
• Model 3 is traveling below the set speed, but over 45 mph (72 km/h).
  Overtake Acceleration is intended as an aid when passing a vehicle ahead of you. When the turn signal is engaged, Traffic-Aware Cruise Control continues to maintain distance from the vehicle ahead, but allows you to drive slightly closer than your selected distance.
  Acceleration cancels when one of the conditions happens:
• You reach your set cruising speed.
• Changing lanes takes too long.
• Model 3 gets too close to the vehicle ahead. OR
• You disengage the turn signal.
  NOTE: Overtake Acceleration occurs when you hold the turn signal in the momentary position (partially engaged). When you release the turn signal, Model 3 stops accelerating (in the same way as when you release the accelerator pedal) and resumes the set speed.

FAQ