Turning off a Tesla may seem like a daunting task, especially if you’re new to the world of electric vehicles. But fear not, because it’s actually quite simple. Once you’ve followed a few easy steps, your Tesla will be powered down and resting peacefully.
Step by Step Tutorial to Turn Off Tesla
Turning off your Tesla is not as straightforward as turning off a traditional gasoline car. Unlike most cars, Teslas don’t have an "off" button. But don’t worry, the process is still pretty easy once you know what to do.
Step 1: Put the Car in Park
The first thing you need to do is put your Tesla in park. This is done by pressing the button on the end of the gear selector stalk, located on the right side of the steering wheel.
Once you’ve put the car in park, the systems begin to shut down automatically. The touchscreen will go dark, and the car will enter a sort of ‘sleep’ mode.
Step 2: Exit the Car
Next, simply get out of the car. Make sure to take your key fob or phone (which acts as a key) with you.
As you exit, the car will sense that you’re leaving and will turn off the climate control and other systems. The doors will lock automatically if you have the walk-away door lock feature enabled.
Step 3: Wait for the Car to Power Down
Once you’ve exited the vehicle, just wait for a minute or so. During this time, your Tesla is shutting down any non-essential systems and preparing to go into its energy-saving mode.
You’ll know the car is completely off when the lights turn off and the touchscreen remains dark. If you need to, you can double-check by trying to open the car with the handle. If it doesn’t open, it’s locked and fully powered down.
After completing these steps, your Tesla will be turned off and won’t use any significant battery power. This is great if you’re planning on not driving it for a while.
Tips for Turning Off Tesla
Here are some helpful tips to keep in mind when turning off your Tesla:
- Always put the car in park before exiting. This is crucial for the vehicle to understand that you’re leaving.
- If the touchscreen doesn’t turn off right away, don’t panic. It may take a moment for the car to power down completely.
- Remember to take your key fob or phone with you, as the car uses these to determine whether or not to power down.
- Check the settings in your Tesla to make sure the walk-away door lock feature is enabled for automatic locking.
- If you’re unsure if the car is off, wait for the exterior lights to turn off as a sign that the vehicle is fully powered down.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my Tesla is turned off completely?
Your Tesla is fully turned off when the touchscreen is dark, and the exterior lights are off. You can also try to open the door; if it doesn’t open, the car is locked and turned off.
Does my Tesla use battery power when it’s turned off?
When your Tesla is turned off, it uses minimal battery power, mainly to maintain key functions like battery temperature management.
Will my Tesla lock automatically when I turn it off?
If you have the walk-away door lock feature enabled in your settings, your Tesla will lock automatically when you exit the vehicle and walk away with the key fob or phone.
Can I turn off my Tesla from the touchscreen?
The Tesla doesn’t have an "off" button on the touchscreen. The car powers down automatically once you put it in park and exit the vehicle.
What should I do if my Tesla won’t turn off?
If your Tesla won’t turn off, double-check that it’s in park and that you have the key fob or phone with you. If it still won’t turn off, contact Tesla support for assistance.
Summary
- Put the car in park.
- Exit the car.
- Wait for the car to power down.
Conclusion
Turning off your Tesla is a piece of cake once you’ve got the hang of it. Remember that Teslas are designed to be user-friendly and energy-efficient. They don’t turn off like traditional cars because they’re anything but traditional. By following the simple steps of putting the car in park, exiting the vehicle, and waiting for it to power down, you can ensure your Tesla is off and conserving battery life. With the added tips and answers to frequently asked questions, you’re now equipped to handle this task with ease. So next time you’re done cruising in your Tesla, don’t sweat the small stuff; you know exactly how to turn off your Tesla and keep it ready for your next adventure.