As the trend of autonomous technology continues to grow, Tesla has been at the forefront of the industry with its Autopilot feature. Autopilot is a suite of features and capabilities that allow a vehicle to take control of certain driving functions, providing users with an advanced level of convenience, safety, and comfort. In this blog, we'll explore the basics of Tesla Autopilot, offering a comprehensive look at the features and benefits of the technology.
Tesla Autopilot How It Works
Your Model 3 includes the following components that actively monitor the surrounding area:
- A camera is mounted above the rear license plate.
- Ultrasonic sensors (if equipped) are located in the front and rear bumpers.
- A camera is mounted in each door pillar.
- Three cameras are mounted to the windshield above the rear view mirror.
- A camera is mounted to each front fender.
- Radar (if equipped) is mounted behind the front bumper.
Model 3 is also equipped with high precision electronically-assisted braking and steering systems.
In addition, the cabin camera can determine driver inattentiveness and provide alerts when Autopilot is engaged. By default, data from the camera does not leave the vehicle itself. In other words, data is not saved or transmitted unless you enable data sharing. To enable data sharing, touch . Cabin Camera Analytics helps Tesla continue to develop even safer vehicles in the future.
Active Safety Features
These Active Safety features are designed to increase your safety:
- Lane Assist
- Collision Avoidance Assist
- Speed Assist
- Cabin Camera
You can enable/disable some of these features and in some cases, control how they work. To access settings for these features, touch .
Autopilot Features
These Autopilot convenience features are designed to reduce driver workload:
- Traffic-Aware Cruise Control
- Autosteer
- Auto Lane Change
- Autopark
- Summon
- Smart Summon
- Stop Light and Stop Sign Warning
- Navigate on Autopilot
- Traffic Light and Stop Sign Control
You can enable/disable some of these features and in some cases, control how they work. To access settings associated with these features, touch .
Drive to Calibrate Cameras
Model 3 must maneuver with precision when Autopilot features are being used. Therefore, before some features can be used for the first time or after some types of service repairs, cameras must complete a self-calibration process. For your convenience, the touchscreen displays a progress indicator.
When calibration is complete, Autopilot features are available for use. Calibration typically completes after driving 20-25 miles (32-40 km), but the distance varies depending on road and environmental conditions. For example, calibration completes quicker when driving on a straight road with multiple lanes (such as a controlled-access highway), with highly-visible lane markings (in the driving lane as well as the adjacent lanes). Contact Tesla only if your Model 3 has not completed the calibration process after driving 100 miles (160 km) in the described conditions.
If a camera has shifted from its calibrated position (for example, the camera or windshield was replaced), you must clear the calibration. To do so, touch . When the calibration is cleared, Model 3 repeats the calibration process. While this helps re-calibrate the cameras in many cases, Clear Calibration may not resolve all camera and sensor concerns.
Limitations
Many factors can impact the performance of Autopilot components, causing them to be unable to function as intended. These include (but are not limited to):
- Poor visibility (due to heavy rain, snow, fog, etc.).
- Bright light (due to oncoming headlights, direct sunlight, etc.).
- Damage or obstructions caused by mud, ice, snow, etc.
- Interference or obstruction by object(s) mounted onto the vehicle (such as a bike rack).
- Obstruction caused by applying excessive paint or adhesive products (such as wraps, stickers, rubber coating, etc.) onto the vehicle.
- Traffic signs that do not conform to standard recognizable formats, such as digital or temporary speed signs.
- Narrow or winding roads.
- A damaged or misaligned body panel.
- Use of gray or aftermarket glass.
- Interference from other equipment that generates ultrasonic waves.
- Extremely hot or cold temperatures.
Cleaning Cameras and Sensors
To ensure the various Autopilot components can provide information that is as accurate as possible, keep cameras and sensors (if equipped) clean and free of obstructions, condensation, or damage.
Condensation can form inside the camera enclosures, especially if you park your vehicle outside in cold or wet conditions. The touchscreen may display an alert stating that a camera is blocked and that some or all Autopilot features may be temporarily restricted until the camera vision is clear. To proactively dry the condensation, precondition the cabin by setting it to a warm temperature, turning the windshield defroster on, and directing the front air vents toward the door pillars.
