Steering Wheel

Adjusting the Steering Wheel Position

Warning IconA warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation
Warning
Do not make steering wheel adjustments while driving.

Using the Touchscreen

Applies only to vehicles that do not have a lever under the steering wheel column.

To adjust the steering wheel, touch Controls and touch the Steering icon.

Use the left scroll button on the steering wheel to move the steering wheel to the desired position:

  • To adjust the height/tilt angle of the steering wheel, roll the left scroll button up or down.
  • To move the steering wheel closer to you, or further away from you, press the left scroll button to the left or right.

Using the Adjustment Lever

Applies only to vehicles that have an adjustment lever under the steering column.

To adjust the steering wheel, pull the lever under the steering column and manually reposition the steering wheel as desired.

Once you are done adjusting the steering wheel, push the lever back into the steering column to lock it into position.

Warning IconA warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation
Warning
Ensure that the lever is fully locked before driving Model 3.

Adjusting Steering Weight

Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
Note
Depending on trim, configuration, and date of manufacture, your vehicle may not be equipped with the option to adjust the steering weight.

You can adjust the feel and sensitivity of the steering system to suit your personal preference:

  1. On the touchscreen, touch Controls > Dynamics > Steering Weight.
  2. Choose a steering option:
    • Light - Reduces the effort required to turn the steering wheel. In town, Model 3 feels easier to drive and park.
    • Standard - Tesla believes that this setting offers the best handling and response in most conditions.
    • Heavy - Increases the effort required to turn the steering wheel. When driving at higher speeds, Model 3 feels more responsive.

Steering Wheel Overview

The steering wheel design may vary but the function is the same.

  1. Turn stalk (if equipped) (see Turn Signals Using the Turn Stalk)
  2. Wipers (see Wipers and Washers)
  3. High beam headlights (see High Beam Headlights)
  4. Left scroll wheel (see #GUID-6AEC2DDC-4E10-4BF2-9326-968022A5ADF9)
  5. Multifunction icon (non-functional)
  6. Horn (see Horn)
  7. Cruise control icon (non-functional)
  8. Right scroll wheel (see #GUID-65E170E7-5C9D-41E4-A017-D1AE7EDD3A77__GUID-55ADFD36-231B-4F1A-9145-073BFBFB273E)
  9. Rear-facing camera button
  10. Voice commands (see Voice Commands)

Scroll Wheels

The scroll wheel on the left side of the steering wheel controls functions such as mirror adjustment, volume control, and wiper speed. The right scroll wheel controls Autopilot features, such as Autosteer initiation and max speed limit.

Left Scroll Wheel (Multifunction)

Mode Action Function More Information
Normal Press Play/pause media Media
Tilt left/right Next/previous track
Scroll up/down Adjust volume
Wipers* Press Confirm speed Wipers and Washers
Scroll Select wiper speed
Multifunction Long press Activate/set function Left Scroll Wheel Customization
Tilt left/right Navigate list
Scroll Select function
Phone call Tilt left/right Answer/decline a phone call Using the Phone App
In a call, tilt left Mute/unmute
In a call, tilt right End a call

* First press the wiper button on steering wheel to activate.

Left Scroll Wheel Customization

Choose from a list to create quick access to a function by touching Controls > Display > Scroll Wheel Function. Selecting a function sets the default action when you long press the left scroll button, unless you select Ask each time.

Right Scroll Wheel ( Autopilot )

Mode Action Function More Information
Single Click* Press Activate Autosteer Autopilot Settings
Tilt left/right Adjust follow distance
Scroll up/down Adjust max speed
Double Click* Press Activate Traffic-Aware Cruise Control
Double press Activate Autosteer
Tilt left/right Adjust follow distance
Scroll Adjust max speed
Full Self-Driving (Supervised) ** Press* Activate Full Self-Driving (Supervised) Full Self-Driving (Supervised)
Grok (Beta) Long press Talk to Grok Grok (Beta)

* Choose how you want Autopilot features to be enabled by touching Controls > Autopilot > Autopilot Activation .

** First enable Full Self-Driving (Supervised) by touching Controls > Autopilot > Full Self-Driving (Supervised) .

Heated Steering Wheel

Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
Note
Depending on trim, configuration, and date of manufacture, your vehicle may not be equipped with a heated steering wheel.

To warm up the steering wheel (if equipped), touch the fan icon on the touchscreen to display climate controls (see Adjusting Climate Control Settings), then touch the steering wheel icon. When on, radiant heat keeps the steering wheel at a comfortable temperature.

Horn

To sound the horn, press and hold the center pad on the steering wheel.