Essential Tips for Safeguarding Your Electric Vehicle

Unlocking the Future: How Tesla Revolutionizes Door Locks

Power door locks might not seem like groundbreaking technology today—they first appeared in a Scripps Booth luxury car back in 1914. However, despite their early introduction, it wasn’t until the 1950s that power door locks became a standard feature in luxury automobiles. Fast forward to today, Tesla has taken this technology to the next level, blending convenience and security with cutting-edge features. But what makes Tesla’s door locks so unique? Let’s dive into the different ways you can lock and unlock your Tesla, and how they’ve streamlined security with advanced technology.

Different Ways to Lock Your Tesla

Tesla vehicles, such as the popular Model 3, offer a multitude of ways to lock and unlock the doors, each method leveraging Tesla’s innovative technology. These methods vary based on the key type and model of the vehicle. Moreover, Tesla’s touchscreen display allows drivers to set and control different lock configurations. Here’s a comprehensive guide to the various methods of locking a Tesla:

Locking via the Tesla App

Your smartphone can connect directly to your Tesla, allowing you to lock and unlock your car through the Tesla app. This app provides a range of functionalities that go beyond simple phone pairing like Apple Car Play or Android Auto. Here’s how to secure your Tesla using the app:

1. Open the Tesla app.
2. Tap on the lock indicator on the left side of the screen to lock your doors.

Alternatively, you can use the "Control" feature within the app:

1. Open the Tesla app.
2. Select "Controls," then tap “Lock” to secure your doors or “Unlock” to open them.

Locking with a Key Card

Tesla’s key card functions much like a smart key, both powering up the vehicle and operating the door locks. For those who prefer a tangible key, here’s how to use a key card:

1. Place and tap your key card on the reader located on the driver’s side door pillar.
2. The vehicle’s lights may flash, the horn may honk, and the mirrors may fold, indicating the door is locked.

Locking Using the Touchscreen

Inside every Tesla, the touchscreen serves as a central hub for controlling various functions, including door locks. Here’s how you can lock your car via the touchscreen:

1. Once inside, locate the lock status indicator at the top left of the touch screen, next to the time.
2. Press this indicator to lock or unlock the doors.

Walk-Away Door Lock

Yes, your Tesla can lock itself. The "Walk-Away Door Lock" feature activates when the registered phone key moves out of the vehicle’s proximity. To enable or disable this function:

1. Use the touchscreen to select the "Controls" icon.
2. Navigate to "Locks" in the menu.
3. Scroll down to the "Walk-Away Door Lock Selector" and toggle it on or off.

Additional settings like "Home Exclusion" and "Camping Mode" can be adjusted to customize the lock behavior even further.

Drive Away Locking

As an added layer of security, Tesla vehicles lock all doors and the trunk automatically once the car exceeds 5 mph.

Sentry Mode: Your Car’s Surveillance System

Sentry Mode is a Tesla-exclusive security feature that goes beyond traditional door locks. When activated, this mode keeps your vehicle’s cameras and sensors operational to monitor and record any suspicious activity around your Tesla. Here’s how to use Sentry Mode:

1. Ensure your vehicle’s battery is at least 20%, as Sentry Mode disables if the charge drops below this threshold.
2. Plug a flash drive into your vehicle’s USB port.
3. Activate Sentry Mode via voice command ("Sentry On") or through the Control menu (Controls > Safety > Sentry Mode > On).

Conclusion

Tesla models vary in specifics, including key types and touchscreen orientations. For instance, the Cybertruck does not come with a key fob, unlike other models. Despite these differences, the core functionality remains consistent across the range, enhancing convenience and safety for all Tesla drivers. Through innovations such as Sentry Mode and multiple locking mechanisms, Tesla continues to set new standards in automotive technology.

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Zak Yankowski, Editor of CarBuzz for Automotive.fyi