How to Properly Turn Off a Tesla Electric Vehicle

Table of Contents

Introduction

Tesla electric vehicles (EVs) have revolutionised the automotive industry with their cutting-edge technology and sustainable approach to transportation. One key aspect of owning a Tesla is knowing how to turn it off safely and efficiently. In this article, we will guide you through the process of properly shutting down your Tesla, ensuring the vehicle’s safety and longevity.

The Importance of Properly Turning Off Your Tesla

Turning off your Tesla correctly is essential for several reasons. First and foremost, it ensures the safety of both you and your vehicle. Secondly, it conserves energy, extending the range of your electric car. Lastly, proper shutdown procedures help prevent any potential issues or malfunctions down the road.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to turn off your Tesla

1. Park Your Vehicle Safely

Before attempting to turn off your Tesla, make sure your vehicle is parked in a safe and secure location. Ensure that it is in “Park” and the parking brake is engaged if necessary.

2. Shift Into Park

If your Tesla is not already in “Park,” shift it into this position. This step is particularly important for Tesla models equipped with automatic transmissions.

3. Prepare the Cabin

Before turning off the vehicle, consider the interior conditions. Ensure all passengers are safely disembarked and any valuable items are removed. Turn off the air conditioning, heating, or other climate control systems.

4. Turn Off Your Tesla’s Drive Mode

Most Tesla models have a gear selector that you need to put in the “Park” position to turn off the car. In some models like the Model 3, you can turn off the car by simply pressing the brake pedal and holding the gear selector down for a few seconds until the “P” symbol appears on the dashboard screen.

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5. Turn Off Accessories and Electronics

To conserve energy, turn off all accessories and electronics, such as lights, wipers, and media players, before shutting down your Tesla. This practice ensures that the vehicle’s auxiliary systems are not unnecessarily drawing power.

6. Exit the Vehicle

Make sure all doors are closed securely and exit the vehicle. This will help activate the vehicle’s automatic shutdown process.

7. Lock the Doors

If your Tesla is equipped with a key fob or the Tesla mobile app, lock the doors remotely. This step is particularly important if you want to ensure the security of your vehicle and its contents.

8. Charging Considerations

If your Tesla is currently charging, it is advisable to disconnect the charging cable before turning off the vehicle. Tesla vehicles are designed to handle charging and discharging simultaneously, but disconnecting the cable can help preserve its life.

9. Wait for Shutdown

After locking the doors, give your Tesla a moment to complete its shutdown sequence. This process typically takes a few minutes and ensures that all systems are safely powered down.

10. Confirm the Vehicle Is Off

To confirm that your Tesla is successfully turned off, check the dashboard display. It should be completely dark, indicating that the vehicle is not drawing any power.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Do Teslas need to be turned off?

Although usually not needed, you can power off Model 3 while sitting in the driver’s seat, provided the vehicle is not moving. Touch Controls > Safety > Power Off. Model 3 automatically powers back on again if you press the brake pedal or touch the touchscreen.

Does Tesla lock automatically?

Doors and trunks automatically lock whenever you walk away carrying the key fob or if the key fob is otherwise not detected by your vehicle (not present, dead battery, etc.). To turn this feature on or off, touch Controls > Vehicle > Walk-Away Door Lock.

Conclusion

Properly turning off your Tesla electric vehicle is a simple yet crucial task that ensures your safety, conserves energy, and extends the life of your vehicle’s systems. Following the steps outlined in this article will help you shut down your Tesla efficiently and effectively. By doing so, you can fully enjoy the benefits of owning an electric car while contributing to a more sustainable future.

Editor