Opening a Tesla door may seem intimidating at first with its sleek, handle-less design, but it’s actually pretty straightforward. Once you know how, you’ll be getting in and out of your Tesla like a pro. So, let’s get to it, shall we?
Step by Step Tutorial: How to Open a Tesla Door
Before we dive into the steps, let’s understand what we’re trying to achieve. Tesla doors have a unique mechanism that differs from traditional car doors. We’ll go through the process of opening the door from both the outside and the inside.
Step 1: Approach the Vehicle
As you approach your Tesla, the car senses the key fob and unlocks automatically.
Tesla’s sophisticated technology allows the car to recognize when the key fob is within a certain distance. This means you don’t have to press any buttons to unlock the car; it’s ready for you as you get closer.
Step 2: Press the Door Handle
On the outside, gently press the flat part of the door handle.
Tesla Model S and X have handles that are flush with the door. When you press the flat part of the handle, it pops out, allowing you to grab it. For the Model 3 and Y, you need to push the wider part so the narrower part comes out.
Step 3: Pull the Door Handle
Once the handle is out, pull it to open the door.
The door should open smoothly. Tesla doors are designed to be effortless to open once the handle is out.
Step 4: Press the Interior Door Release
From the inside, press the button located on the door panel to release the door.
Instead of a traditional handle, Teslas have a button on the interior door panel. When you press this, the door pops open.
After completing these steps, the door will be open, and you can enter or exit the vehicle.
Tips for Opening a Tesla Door
- Keep your key fob nearby; it needs to be within range for the car to unlock.
- If the handles don’t pop out, double-check that the car is unlocked.
- On the Model 3 and Y, push the larger part of the door handle, not pull.
- For the interior button, press firmly until you hear the door release.
- Don’t force the door handle; if it doesn’t pop out easily, there may be an issue with the car’s locking system.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if the door doesn’t unlock when I approach the vehicle?
If the doors don’t unlock, make sure you have the key fob with you and that it has a working battery. If the problem persists, use the Tesla app to unlock the doors.
Can I open the door from the outside without the key fob?
No, you need the key fob or the Tesla app to unlock the doors before you can open them from the outside.
What happens if the interior door release button doesn’t work?
If the interior door release button doesn’t work, there’s an emergency release pull located on the door’s edge. Use this pull as a last resort, as it can damage the window seal over time.
Can I open the door if the car’s power is off?
Yes, the doors can still be manually opened from the inside using the emergency release pull.
How do I prevent fingerprints on the door handles?
Regularly clean the handles and consider applying a clear wrap or using a handle protector to reduce fingerprints.
Summary
- Approach the vehicle with the key fob.
- Press the flat part of the door handle.
- Pull the door handle.
- Press the interior door release button.
Conclusion
Opening a Tesla door is a breeze once you get the hang of it. The sleek design might throw you off at first, but with a little practice, it becomes second nature. Remember, the key fob is your best friend when approaching your Tesla; it does all the work for you. If you ever run into trouble, the Tesla app is a handy backup for unlocking the doors. Just like any new technology, there’s a slight learning curve, but once you’ve got it down, you’ll appreciate the simplicity and convenience of Tesla’s design. So, go ahead and give it a try – you’ll be opening those doors like a seasoned Tesla owner in no time. And who knows, maybe you’ll find yourself explaining how to open a Tesla door to a curious onlooker one day!