You can jump to any section of a song by tapping anywhere on the progress bar
Not a Tesla App
Tesla vehicles are known for their cutting-edge technology, making the driving experience enjoyable and efficient. In this article, we will delve into Tesla tips and tricks that can further enhance your experience. While some of these tips may be specific to the Model 3 and Model Y, many are applicable across the Tesla lineup.
Automatically Start FSD With Full-Screen Visualizations
You can choose to automatically start visualizations in full screen
Not a Tesla App
If you love the Tesla's full-screen visualizations, you can choose to automatically go to full-screen every time you start Autopilot. Although the option isn't obvious, it's available in settings. Simply go to Controls > Autopilot and enable 'Expanded Full -Self-Driving Visualization.'
Now every time you start FSD, visualizations will automatically shift into full-screen mode. Likewise, if you've enabled this option before and didn't understand why visualizations were always full-screen, you can simply disable it.
To exit the full-screen visualizations, you can similarly swipe left near the top of the screen. Even a small swipe near the driver will suffice.
Easily Close an App
YYou can quickly swipe down from the very top of the screen to close an app
Not a Tesla App
There are various ways to close an open app, however, one of the easiest allows you to close an app without taking your eyes off the road. Everyone knows that you can swipe down on most apps to close them, however, what some owners don't realize is that you don't have to swipe down from exactly the top of the app.
Instead, your finger can actually start off screen -- so you can touch the very top of the monitor, and start a swiping motion downward. The app will still register it as a downward swipe and close, letting you keep your eyes on the road.
The only gotcha with this method is that there can't be any status icons in the between your finger and the open app. For example, you can't swipe your finger downward and go over the current time or temperature. It has to be an empty space. This has replaced my favorite method of closing an app.
Use the Maps Icon for Two Features
The new maps icons has two features
Not a Tesla App
As of update 2024.14, you can now add a new Maps icon to the dock through the all apps menu. The purpose of the nav icon is to give you a consistent, one-tap access to get back to the vehicle's navigation screen. While it's useful, it also has an addition purpose. If you're already viewing maps, you can tap the icon to essentially hide the maps and enable full-screen visualizations.
Reveal a Dropdown of Audio Sources
Jump to another audio source by tapping the app's icon
Not a Tesla App
This is a nice little hidden feature in Tesla's audio apps. From within any audio app, you can jump to any other audio source by tapping the app's icon. Tapping the icon will reveal a dropdown of all audio sources that haven't been hidden in audio settings.
Jump to Section in Song
When playing audio and you want to jump to a specific part of a song or podcast, you don't need to drag the progress bar. Instead, you can just tap anywhere on the progress bar to jump to that part.
Display Alternate Routes
You can tap the next turn display to show alternate routes
Not a Tesla App
When navigating to a location, you can tap the next turn module near the top of the screen to have the vehicle display any alternate routes to your destination.
The alternate routes view is similar to the ones displayed at the beginning of your drive, however, they're determined by your current location. This could be useful to circumvent construction or blocked roads.
As an alternative, you can also tap the compass icon at the top right of the display, which will also bring up alternate routes.
Set Cruise Control to Current Speed
You can tap the speedometer or speed limit sign to set your Autopilot speed
Not a Tesla App
While on Autopilot, you can tap the speedometer to set the maximum Autopilot speed to your current speed. This is useful if you want to maintain your current speed without manually adjusting it.
Auto Set Cruise Control to Speed Limit
Similarly, you can tap the speed limit sign to set the maximum speed to the speed limit plus your preferred offset. Again, this helps maintain a safe and legal speed while using Autopilot.
Open Music Selection
Tap the album art to open or close the large music panel, making it easy to access and control your music while driving.
Jump to Audio Settings
You can adjust audio settings by volume control in the launcher
Not a Tesla App
To quickly adjust audio settings, such as balance and equalizer, tap the volume button in the bottom right corner of the screen, then tap the levels icon.
Quickly Close Open Apps
Many apps can be swiped down to be closed, however, you don't have to swipe down from the very top of the app. If the app is already scrolled to the top, you can swipe down on any non-interactive part of the app, or white space to close the app.
You can also simply close all apps or menus by using a simple voice command such as "show map" or by tapping the icon for the open app.
One-Touch Access to Calendar
Tap the clock to quickly open your calendar, keeping your schedule at your fingertips.
Quickly Navigate Home
Swipe down on the navigate button to quickly navigate to your home or work, making your daily commute seamless.
Jump Back to Maps
In a Model 3 or Model Y, if your map is covered either with an app or menu, you can tap the navigation box that appears next to your speedometer to quickly jump back to the map screen and minimize any open apps.
Turn Off Climate
To turn off the climate system, hold down the climate temperature button.
Quickly Open Climate Screen
Swipe from anywhere in the launcher to open the climate window, giving you quick access to climate controls.
Unsync Passenger Temperature
Sync cabin temperature for the driver and passenger by pressing the climate arrows and choosing "split." Alternatively, use the voice command "sync climate" or "unsync climate" to control temperature settings.
Charging Menu
Tap the battery icon to jump to the charging menu, allowing you to monitor and adjust charging settings.
Switch Between Miles and Percentage
Tap the range to switch between displaying miles and percentages, providing a customizable view of your remaining charge.
Details on Indicator Lights
Indicator lights that appear on the left can also be tapped to access the appropriate menu. For example, tapping the headlights icon brings up light settings, while the low tire pressure icon opens the tire pressure menu.
You can tap on the indicator lights to go to the appropriate menu
Tesla
Adjust Wiper Speed
Pressing the button on the left stalk will wipe the windshield once and bring up wiper settings so you can easily adjust them. As of update 2023.12, you'll also be able to use the left scroll wheel once the wiper settings are on the screen to easily adjust between wiper settings.
Disable Auto Highbeams
Flicking your high beams stalk also brings up light settings, giving you quick access to headlight controls.
Temporarily Enable Blind Spot Monitor
Whether or not you use Tesla's blind spot cameras when your turn signal is enabled, you can tap the turn signal icon on the screen to either temporarily enable or disable the blind spot camera. This is especially useful for drivers who choose not to use the blind spot camera, but would occasionally like to view what's beside them.
Heated Mirrors
If your mirrors are fogged up or have snow or frost on them, you can turn on your heated mirrors by enabling the rear window defroster.
Voice Commands
To open the glovebox, use the voice command "open glovebox" or tap the car icon on the touchscreen, followed by the glovebox icon.
Did you know the Cybertruck’s air suspension automatically levels the truck, even while it’s asleep? This is a great feature, especially for camping or off-road adventures. However, it can be an issue when lifting a wheel to change a tire.
Fortunately, there’s a solution: Jack Mode.
Jack Mode
Jack Mode is made for jacking up the truck and prevents the Cybertruck from self-leveling.
To enable Jack Mode, you’ll first need to set the Ride Height to Medium from Controls > Dynamics > Ride Height. You can also set it from the Tesla app by navigating to the Controls section and sliding up until you see Ride Height. This will give you enough clearance for most jacks to get under the truck and lift it.
You can also activate Jack Mode in Low or High, but Tesla recommends a Medium ride height for best control of the vehicle and sufficient tire clearance to safely remove and reinstall the tire. However, once the vehicle is in Jack Mode, the Ride Height cannot be changed.
Next up, go to Controls > Service > Jack Mode to enable Jack Mode. The vehicle will warn you that Jack Mode is enabled and can either be disabled by pressing the button again or by putting the vehicle into drive.
For the duration that Jack Mode is active, it is safe to lift your Cybertruck, even on one side only. It will not self-level for the duration that Jack Mode is enabled.
Automatic Jack Mode
Jack Mode can also activate automatically to protect the suspension from potential damage. For example, if the vehicle’s bumper is resting on a curb, Jack Mode may engage on its own.
Once the obstacle is cleared, or if you shift into Drive or Reverse, Jack Mode will automatically be disabled.
On March 27, the U.S. Administration announced a 25% tariff on all imported vehicles and foreign-made automotive parts, an attempt to strengthen domestic manufacturing. Currently, Tesla and Rivian stand out as the major EV automakers with a predominantly U.S.-built lineup.
In this analysis, we’ll explore the potential impact of these tariffs, examining key factors and what they mean for the industry moving forward.
Percentage of American Parts
One key item we want to point out here before we continue is that the NHTSA defines North American made parts as parts built in either the United States or Canada - Mexico is not included in this number. In November 2024, we found out the percentage of parts Tesla uses that come from the U.S. and Canada. At the top we have Tesla’s Model 3, which uses 75% North American parts.
We’ll be sticking with overall percentage of North American parts since we don’t actually know what percentage Tesla sources from Canada. We do know today that some cameras, essential die parts, and other key components are sourced from Canada for nearly every vehicle in Tesla’s lineup - so it isn’t an insignificant percentage.
Insulated from Tariffs?
At first glance, Tesla may seem insulated from these tariffs. However, its dependence on a global supply chain—particularly parts moving across the U.S.-Canada border under the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA)—adds complexity to the equation. Additionally, potential retaliatory tariffs from Canada could further pressure Tesla, a trend already evident in the company being excluded from multiple EV incentives across the country.
While Canada isn’t Tesla’s largest market, it still accounts for a meaningful share of sales. Even a small decline in that market could have a noticeable impact on the company’s bottom line.
Domestic Advantage
Tesla’s domestic advantage is impressive—it manufactures all vehicles sold in North America at just two facilities: Tesla Fremont and Gigafactory Texas. The initial 25% tariff, set to take effect on April 2, 2025, applies to cars and light trucks assembled outside the U.S., likely dealing a heavy blow to competitors like Hyundai and Volkswagen. According to a Goldman Sachs report, these tariffs could drive up vehicle prices by $5,000 to $15,000.
However, this advantage is partially offset by exemptions under the USMCA. To avoid the full tariff, vehicles and parts must meet a strict “rules of origin” requirement, meaning at least 75% of components must come from the U.S., Canada, or Mexico. This exemption remains in place until May 3, 2025, when the second stage of tariffs kicks in—targeting non-U.S. content more directly.
Effectively, the NHTSA and USMCA’s existing framework for defining “North American-made” components is being upended. This shift plays to Tesla’s strengths, but to understand the full impact, we need to take a closer look at its supply chain.
Supply Chains
Tesla’s supply chain is deeply integrated across North America. Approximately 25% of the Model 3 Long Range RWD and AWD comes from Mexico - and some undefined percentage also comes from Canada. That number rises significantly for the other vehicle’s in Tesla’s line-up, which is available in the chart below from early November 2024.
Phase 2 of the tariffs will place an increasing impact on Tesla - especially as it won’t be simple nor quick for Tesla to move all part production to the United States.
Vehicle
Pct made in US/Canada
Model 3 LR AWD/RWD
75%
Model 3 Performance
70%
Model Y (All Variants)
70%
Cybertruck
65%
Model S
65%
Model X
60%
Battery Production
This is particularly evident in Tesla’s reliance on Canadian minerals, which are crucial for its battery production. Tesla sources key materials like nickel, lithium, and cobalt from Canadian mines, with most of these resources being shipped across the border in an unrefined state. Currently, these shipments face a relatively low 10% tariff from Canada. However, potential retaliatory tariffs could drive costs higher or even restrict access to these essential minerals.
While limiting access may seem extreme, Ontario has already threatened to halt nickel exports from Canada’s largest nickel mine to the U.S.—a move that could pose a serious challenge for Tesla.
Even Elon Musk has acknowledged that Tesla won’t emerge from these tariffs unscathed.
Important to note that Tesla is NOT unscathed here. The tariff impact on Tesla is still significant.
Tariffs are rarely a one-way street. Canada and Mexico are likely to respond with retaliatory tariffs on U.S.-made auto parts or vehicles. Both countries have already explored reducing EV incentives by excluding Tesla from certain rebates. Additionally, there have been discussions about imposing tariffs specifically on Tesla, partly due to Elon Musk’s political involvement.
Consumer Impact
Several scenarios impacting consumers can unfold in response to these upcoming tariffs.
In the short term, higher prices for competitors could drive more customers toward Tesla as they seek more affordable products. However, increased import costs could force Tesla to either absorb the expense or raise prices—potentially offsetting any sales gains.
Cox Automotive, a leading industry analyst, has warned that by mid-April 2025, North America could see reduced production, tighter supply, and rising vehicle prices. Tesla, despite its domestic production, won’t be immune to these effects due to its reliance on a continental supply chain.
To mitigate long-term costs, Tesla could explore securing domestic mineral rights—an expensive move initially but one that could provide stability if tariffs remain in place for years under the current administration.
However, Tesla CFO Vaibhav Taneja acknowledged during the Q4 2025 Earnings Call that the company remains heavily dependent on global parts sourcing. Given Tesla’s own admission of the impact, consumers should expect price increases as the company adjusts to the shifting trade landscape.
What to Take Away
Overall, the 25% tariff presents a double-edged sword for Tesla. While it may offer short-term advantages by making competitors’ vehicles more expensive, long-term, Tesla will also be impacted. Tesla’s reliance on cross-border parts, coupled with potential retaliatory tariffs, could quickly escalate costs and increase vehicle prices.
As the political landscape around tariffs continues to evolve on what seems to be a daily basis, Tesla will need to navigate these changes carefully. Tesla’s supply chain has been optimized for cost-effectiveness and efficiency. Any changes that happen could be driven by the new tariffs. Tesla may be forced to make changes that prioritize reducing tariff costs, potentially at the expense of efficiency. However, if these policies continue to evolve or if tariffs are later removed, Tesla is then stuck with a less-efficient supply change.
The company will likely address these challenges in detail during the Q1 2025 Earnings Call, though that remains several weeks away.
