Model 3 (2024 and newer): Climate & Comfort

Pet Mode keeps the climate running in Park after we leave, and the touchscreen shows the cabin temperature so passersby know our pet is safe. 1) Turn off Low Power Mode. 2) Shift into Park. 3) Touch Pet Mode on the climate screen. Windows cannot open while it runs, and the Tesla app alerts us if climate turns off or the battery drops below 20%. Tesla warns to check local laws and never leave a pet for long.

Camp Mode keeps the cabin temperature steady in Park and powers the USB ports and low-voltage outlet, while the touchscreen stays on for media, browsing, Arcade and Theater. With Low Power Mode off, we shift into Park and touch Camp Mode on the climate screen or in the Tesla app. While it runs, Sentry Mode, the alarm and Walk-Away Door Lock are off. Tesla advises not to use it if the climate system needs service.

In Controls > Safety > Cabin Overheat Protection, On runs the A/C when the cabin goes above 105°F (40°C) or our chosen temperature, No A/C runs only the fan, and Off disables it. Exclude Home turns it off at our saved Home. It can take up to 15 minutes to start after we leave and runs for up to 12 hours, using battery energy. Tesla warns it may not prevent dangerous heat, so we never leave children or pets inside.

Keep Climate On keeps the heating or air conditioning running in Park, even after we leave the car, until we shift out of Park or turn it off. 1) Make sure Low Power Mode is off. 2) Shift into Park. 3) Adjust the climate if needed. 4) Touch Keep Climate On on the climate screen. Software updates cannot install while it runs. Tesla advises against using it when the battery is low and warns never to leave a child unattended.

Model 3 has one or more cabin air filters that keep pollen, industrial fallout, road dust and other particles out of the air vents. Tesla says the filters need periodic replacement and lists the timing in the maintenance service intervals. Outside air enters through the grille in front of the windshield, so we keep that grille clear of leaves and snow to help the system breathe properly.

If ice stops the charge port latch from releasing, we touch Controls > Service > Inlet Heater. If the cable still will not release after several minutes, we use the manual charge cable release. In extreme cold, Defrost Car in the Tesla app helps thaw the latch, and a charging Schedule helps keep it from freezing. Tesla notes a frozen latch may not lock the cable, but the car can still charge at a slow AC rate.

Tesla suggests starting climate 30–45 minutes before we leave, using Controls > Schedule or Defrost Car in the Tesla app, which also warms the battery. We keep the car plugged in, navigate to chargers with Trip Planner so the battery preheats, and check tire pressure, which drops about 1 PSI per 10°F (6°C). If ice is expected while parked, we turn off mirror Auto-Fold and use Wiper Service Mode to raise the wipers.

Tesla suggests cooling the cabin 30–45 minutes before we leave, from the Tesla app or with Schedule, and using Cabin Overheat Protection, which runs the A/C or fan above 105°F (40°C). We park in shade or use a sunshade, keep the car plugged in, and use Pet Mode to keep pets or perishables cool. Turning the A/C off about 30 seconds before shifting into Park reduces puddles under the car.

On the touchscreen, we touch and drag the air waves shown for each front vent to aim the airflow. Air aimed at the center flows as one stream; aimed outward or inward, it splits into two mirrored streams, each weaker than a single stream. On cars without a rear touchscreen, rear passengers adjust the vents at the back of the center console by hand. We keep the grille in front of the windshield clear so outside air can flow in.