Tesla Full Self-Driving (FSD) is often hailed as one of the most advanced semi-autonomous driver assistance systems available today. After three weeks of ownership, I have had the opportunity to drive around half of my miles using FSD, leading to a mix of impressive features and noticeable shortcomings.
While the technology holds great promise for the future of driving, it is clear that FSD is not yet perfect. If it were, we would all be able to relax completely while it navigates us through our daily commutes. Nevertheless, it has managed to impress many of my passengers during rides, providing a unique experience that blends convenience with a touch of the unexpected.
First Impressions of Full Self-Driving
As I began my journey with Tesla's FSD, I approached it with cautious optimism. My goal was to evaluate its performance objectively, highlighting both its strengths and weaknesses. Having driven the Model Y with Full Self-Driving capability, I quickly noted the range of experiences it provides based on varying driving conditions.
Where Tesla Full Self-Driving Excels
Highway Driving Performance
One of the standout features of FSD is its performance on highways. During my time using it, I experienced no critical interventions while driving on both easy highways and congested routes. Whether navigating the quiet stretches of Rt. 30 in Pennsylvania or the bustling I-695 near Baltimore, FSD handled the task remarkably well.
I typically operate FSD using the "Hurry" setting, which adjusts the driving style to be more in line with the surrounding traffic. This setting often feels more natural than the "Standard" mode, which can feel overly cautious at times. FSD successfully maintains a considerate speed, yielding to tailgating vehicles and positioning itself correctly when necessary.
Reducing Driving Stress
On one occasion, I found myself awake at 3 a.m. and decided to take a drive to a nearby Supercharger. During this late-night excursion, I allowed FSD to take control while I enjoyed my breakfast burrito and coffee. This experience was akin to being a passenger in a well-trained Uber, allowing me to take in the serene beauty of the sunrise without the stress of active driving.
Learning and Adapting
FSD's ability to learn from experiences has been another highlight. A few weeks ago, I encountered an "Except Right Turn" stop sign, a common feature in Pennsylvania. Initially, FSD stopped at this sign even though I was turning right. After reporting this incident to Tesla, I was pleasantly surprised to see that the car correctly navigated the stop sign on our next encounter, demonstrating its capacity for improvement.
Areas for Improvement in Full Self-Driving
Auto Wipers: A Quirky Issue
Despite its impressive capabilities, FSD still has some areas that warrant attention. One amusing issue is the performance of the auto wipers. They often activate at inconvenient times, either moving too slowly or too quickly. In fact, I've noticed that they tend to wipe once every time I drive under a specific branch near my home, which can be both frustrating and humorous.
Difficulty with Certain Traffic Signs
Another area where FSD struggles is with certain traffic signs that require reading. For instance, it sometimes fails to recognize "Stop Here on Red" signs that are located away from the intersection, leading to unexpected stops. While it can identify standard stop and yield signs, more complex signs appear to pose a challenge.
Driving Habits and Preferences
There are moments when FSD's driving choices clash with my personal preferences. For example, at an intersection where the right lanes go straight but the farthest right lane is for turning, FSD attempted to maneuver into the right lane, which I personally avoid. I prefer to adhere to traffic etiquette, and this moment required my intervention.
Final Thoughts on Tesla Full Self-Driving
Overall, my experience with Tesla's Full Self-Driving has been a mixture of enjoyment and occasional frustration. While there are areas needing improvement, I remain optimistic about the technology's future. After my three-month trial, I plan to continue my subscription and will soon be sharing videos to illustrate my experiences further.
As the technology evolves, it will be interesting to see how Tesla addresses these challenges and enhances the driving experience. For now, I am content with FSD as a tool that takes some of the stress out of driving, while still requiring my attention and involvement on the road.
