The Tesla touch screen is one of the many innovative aspects that puts Tesla at the forefront of the electric car industry. It has numerous groundbreaking features that redefine the term modern luxury vehicle.
Although most owners understand the touch screen’s fundamentals, there are various easter eggs left to uncover. Below are a few lesser-known Tesla screen features you might find interesting.
1. Streaming Services Support
Tesla owners can enjoy their favorite streaming services from the comfort of their electric vehicles. The Tesla display screen supports nearly all the popular streaming services, including Netflix, Hulu, YouTube. This streaming access allows passengers to enjoy countless hours of entertainment during long road trips and weekend excursions.
However, the Tesla touch screen supports streaming services only when the vehicle isn’t in Drive. So, be sure to put it in Park if you want to take advantage of this unique feature.
2. Built-in Video Games
When most people think of video game systems, the Tesla infotainment screen doesn’t usually come to mind.
Tesla owners can access both classic and contemporary video games through their touch screens. They can play popular modern titles like Cuphead or retro favorites like Centipede and Missile Command.
Players can plug in a gamepad or use the steering wheels as a controller for a one-of-a-kind gaming experience. Much like the streaming services feature, Tesla prohibits owners from playing video games while the car is in Drive.
4. Dog Mode
Any responsible pet owner knows not to leave their furry friends in their vehicle for long durations, especially during the scorching summer months.
Dog Mode keeps onboard animals cool by turning on the air system while owners complete their weekly errands. To assure onlookers that enclosed pets are safe, the Tesla touch screen also displays, “My owner will be back soon.”
5. Bioweapon Defense Mode
The Tesla touch screen in the Model S and X features a unique Bioweapon Defense Mode that keeps owners safe from numerous natural and artificial disasters.
It utilizes a HEPA air filter that removes hazardous particles like smoke, exhaust fumes, allergens, and other contaminants tainting the air, allowing occupants to breathe safely no matter the situation.
Studies show that the HEPA air filter removes 99.97% of particles 0.3 micrometers dense.
Although it’s unlikely owners will need to use the feature to protect themselves from a bioweapon, it’s incredibly helpful for allergy-sensitive drivers. It also saves passengers from potential nausea passing by odorous animal farms.
6. Emissions Testing Mode
Tesla’s CEO, Elon Musk, isn’t one to shy away from eccentric humor. The infamous Emissions Testing Mode, better known as Fart Mode, is proof of this.
Owners can make their Tesla vehicle emit ripping fart sounds on-demand through the touch screen when they turn on Emissions Testing Mode. The vehicle also breaks wind whenever the driver pushes the turn signal while using the feature.
Despite Emissions Testing Mode’s juvenile nature, it’s a great way to prank friends and family members who don’t expect such antics from a luxurious electric vehicle. Next time April 1st rolls around, make sure to try out Emissions Testing Mode during drive-bys.
7. Music Services Support
Streaming services and video games aren’t the only things Tesla owners can enjoy on their touch screens. The sophisticated electric vehicles also support a few streaming music services.
Drivers have access to both DAB radio and Spotify with a 4G connection, allowing them to play their favorite tunes with relative ease.
They can also purchase an upgrade that includes a radio tuner and antenna to access FM or Sirius radio.
It’s important to note that Tesla vehicles don’t support specific music services like Apple Music, at least right now. However, it’s a small sacrifice for the many other benefits the Tesla touch screen provides.
8. Autopilot
Tesla continues propelling the electric car industry forward with its groundbreaking autopilot system. Although autopilot started as a distinct bonus feature Tesla owners could purchase separately, most newer models provide it at no extra cost.
Autopilot makes highway driving easier than ever by assisting the driver with the fundamentals like steering, braking for traffic, and keeping pace with other vehicles. As long as the driver keeps their hands on the steering wheel and guides the car, autopilot takes care of the rest.
People looking to get the most out of the autopilot feature can upgrade to a Full Self-Driving Mode for $10,000. This feature allows owners to sit back and relax while the Tesla drives them around town.
This automatic chauffer handles everything from adjusting speeds to stopping at traffic lights and changing lanes. However, only a small group of beta testers use the Full Self-Driving Mode right now.
It’s still in the early stages and needs a bit more time to flesh out some of its issues. Hopefully, Tesla will smooth out the feature and make it readily available soon.
9. PIN-To-Drive Feature
While most cars need keys to start up and drive, Tesla vehicles utilize a unique PIN-to-drive feature. Tesla owners enter their PIN through the touch screen every time they use their electric car, making lost keys a thing of the past.
If Tesla owners don’t want to use the PIN-to-drive feature, they can deactivate it and instead utilize their Tesla phone app or keycard.
10. The I’m Feeling Lucky Feature
Google’s I’m Feeling Lucky button allows users to bypass the search results and go directly to the first ranked webpage. The Tesla touch screen puts a unique spin on the I’m Feeling Lucky feature by pulling up a location that might interest the driver.
Tesla vehicles also have an I’m Feeling Hungry feature that gives the driver directions to the closest restaurant or drive-thru. I’m Feeling Hungry comes in handy when people are out of town or need to grab a bite to eat during long road trips.
There are many more hidden features of the Tesla touch screen to find. From the silly to the helpful, Tesla’s innovative touch screen offers something for everyone, driver or passenger. Next time you’re safely parked or charging your car, explore the touch screen to see what you can find.
Garry is the happy owner of a funky 2018 Nissan Juke Ti-S AWD. After growing up around his family’s mechanics shop, he is passionate about bringing budget-friendly car care to every driver. Garry has a business degree and is a car enthusiast.
