Getting In and Out
The easy way: your phone 📱 (recommended!)
Setting up your phone as a key takes about two minutes, and it makes your whole trip smoother:
- Download the Tesla app and create a free account before you arrive.
- When your Tesla invite comes in, tap the link to add the car to your app.
- Once you're at the car, open the app and tap Set Up Phone Key.
That's it! The car unlocks as you walk up and locks behind you as you walk away. Just get in, press the brake, and go. You can also use the app to warm up or cool down the car before you get in, find nearby chargers, and check your charge level from anywhere.
Tip: Keep Bluetooth on and let the Tesla app run in the background so your phone key works every time.
Prefer a keycard? Just ask!
A keycard is available upon request and approval. Just send me a message before your trip. If you're set up with one, here's how it works:
- Lock or unlock: Tap the card on the pillar between the front and back doors, just below the camera.
- Start the car: Set the card on the center console behind the cupholders, then press the brake.
Opening the doors from inside: Press the button near the top of the door handle. Gently, please!
Driving
Shifting gears (cars with a gear stalk on the right)
- Up: Reverse
- Down: Drive
- Press the end of the stalk: Park
If your car doesn't have a gear stalk, swipe up for Reverse or down for Drive on the car icon at the left edge of the screen.
Turn signals and wipers (left stalk, or the buttons on the steering wheel on newer models)
- Up for right, down for left
- Press the end once for a single wipe, or hold it to spray washer fluid.
Steering wheel scroll buttons
- Left: Volume, plus adjusting things like wiper speed
- Right: Voice commands, so you can ask for directions, send a text, and more.
The one thing that feels different: When you lift your foot off the accelerator, the car slows down on its own, and your brake lights come on just like normal. This is called regenerative braking, and it puts energy back into the battery. Most people get the hang of it within a few minutes, and soon you'll barely touch the brake pedal!
Autopilot 🛣️
Autopilot is one of the most fun parts of driving a Tesla! It keeps you centered in your lane and holds a safe distance from the car ahead, which makes highway driving a breeze. Here's how to turn it on in your car:
Cybertruck
- Press the right scroll button on the steering wheel. You'll see "Self-Driving" light up in blue on the screen.
- Make sure the headlights are set to On or Auto and the tailgate is closed.
2026 Model Y
- Press the right scroll button on the steering wheel. You'll hear a chime, and the steering wheel icon at the top of the screen turns blue.
- Roll the right scroll wheel up or down to adjust your speed.
Older Teslas (with a gear stalk on the right)
- While in Drive, push the gear stalk down twice quickly. You'll hear a chime, and the steering wheel icon turns blue.
- Pushing it down just once turns on cruise control only.
To turn it off: Tap the brake, press the right scroll button again (Cybertruck and 2026 Model Y), or push the stalk up (older Teslas).
A few friendly reminders:
- Make sure your seat belt is buckled. Autopilot won't start without it.
- Keep your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road. Autopilot is there to help you, but you're always the driver.
- It works best on highways with clear lane lines.
The Touchscreen
The screen is your command center:
- Climate: Heat, A/C, and seat warmers
- App Launcher: Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music, and more
- Car icon (opens all the settings):
- Controls: Child locks, window locks, mirrors, and steering wheel position
- Dynamics: Acceleration and steering feel
- Charging: The charge limit is set to 80%. You can raise it if you need extra range for a road trip.
Please leave everything else as it is.
Charging 🔌
Superchargers are the fastest way to charge. Just tap the lightning bolt on the car's map to find the nearest one. There's no card or app to set up, either. Plug in and charging starts automatically, since payment is already linked to the car. After your trip, I'll send you one easy invoice through Turo for any charging fees.
Road Trip Tips 🗺️
- Let the car plan your route! The best way to get anywhere in a Tesla is to enter your destination on the car's screen. It automatically plans charging stops along the way and tells you exactly how long to charge at each one, so you can relax and enjoy the drive.
- Check for chargers where you're headed. Before you go, make sure your destination has chargers nearby so you can top up when you arrive. If it doesn't, charge to a higher percentage at your last stop so you'll have plenty of range once you get there.
Other chargers: You'll find plenty of others in Apple Maps, Google Maps, or on the car's map. Your car comes with an adapter that works with standard J1772 public chargers, and you'll find it in the center console or the driver's side door pocket. These chargers are slower than Superchargers but handy in a pinch.
Home charging: Just ask and I'm happy to provide a travel charger that plugs into a regular wall outlet. It's slow, but it adds range overnight.
Returning the car: Please bring the car back with the same charge level it had when you picked it up. If you purchased the prepaid recharge option, no need to worry about charging before you return it. Thank you!
A Few Extras
- Tolls: Drive through any toll roads you like! The car takes care of paying them, and at the end of the month I'll send you one simple invoice through Turo with all the tolls from your trip.
- Sentry Mode: Sentry Mode is on by default, so the car keeps an eye on itself while parked. Don't be surprised by the little red dot on the camera!
Need a Hand? 📞
I'm always happy to help! If you have a question, run into a hiccup, or just want a quick tip, call or text me anytime at (918) 637-1995.