Model X · 2021 and newer

1) We install the Tesla app and log in. 2) We turn on Bluetooth for the phone and the app, and set the app's location access to Always. 3) In the car, we turn on Controls > Safety > Allow Mobile Access. 4) Inside or near Model X, we touch Set Up Phone Key in the app and follow the prompts. Tesla warns not to leave a paired phone inside the car.

Model X comes with two key cards. To lock or unlock, we tap one on the reader about one-third of the way up the driver's side door pillar, holding it one to two seconds if needed. To drive, we press the brake within two minutes; after that, we tap it on the reader at the center console wireless phone charger. Walking away with the card does not lock the car. Tesla says to always carry one as a backup.

On the Model X key fob, a double-click on the front trunk button unlatches the frunk, and on the rear trunk button opens or closes the liftgate; holding the rear trunk button 1 to 2 seconds opens the charge port. One click on Lock/Unlock All locks, a double-click unlocks. A double-click on a falcon wing door button opens or closes that door, and one click stops it. Tesla warns these doors may not detect every obstacle.

The fob uses a CR2354 coin cell lasting up to about a year; the touchscreen warns when it is low. 1) With the fob button-side down on a soft surface, we release the bottom cover with a small flat tool. 2) We lift out the old battery. 3) We fit the new one plus side up, against the spring. 4) We snap the cover on and test it. Tesla warns that swallowed coin cells can be fatal.

To add a key card or fob, we touch Controls > Locks > Keys > Add Key, scan the new key on the wireless phone charger card reader, then scan a paired key to confirm. Owners can also add a card in the Tesla app. To remove one, we touch its trash icon in Controls > Locks and scan a paired key. Model X holds up to 19 keys; one key card or fob must always remain.

With Controls > Locks > Phone Left on Wireless Charger on, Model X chimes and shows a touchscreen graphic if it detects a phone left on a wireless charger after all passengers exit. It works even with the chargers disabled, but not with Keep Accessory Power On enabled. Tesla warns it may miss phones in thick cases or with coins, keys or cards in between, so we never rely on it for our phone key.

With Controls > Locks > Walk-Away Door Lock on, Model X locks the doors and trunks when we walk away with our phone key or paired key fob, and the lights flash once. It does not lock if a key is still inside, a door or trunk is open, we leave through a non-driver door, or we park at Home with Exclude Home checked. Tesla says we are still responsible for checking the car is locked.

We touch Controls > Locks > Unlock on Park and turn it on. After that, whenever we stop and shift Model X into Park, all the doors unlock so everyone can get out. If we would rather keep them locked, we leave it off and unlock from the touchscreen or the Tesla app when needed. With Walk-Away Door Lock on, the car locks again once we walk away carrying our key.

We touch Controls > Locks > Child Lock and choose Both, Left or Right. This disables the interior release buttons on the rear doors, and on Model X it also stops children from opening the falcon wing doors with the interior switch. Tesla warns to turn on the child locks whenever children sit in the rear seats.

With Controls > Locks > Driver Door Unlock Mode on, the first unlock releases only the driver door, and only when a key is detected on the driver's side. The other doors stay locked. To unlock them, we use the touchscreen or the Tesla app, or press the key fob a second time.

We turn on Controls > Locks > Car Left Open Notifications. Model X then sends a notification to the Tesla app if a door, trunk or window is left open, or if the car is unexpectedly left unlocked. With Walk-Away Door Lock on, the car also locks itself as we walk away, but Tesla says we stay responsible for checking that it is locked.

We touch Controls > Locks > Window Lock to stop passengers from using the rear window switches, and touch it again to unlock them. Tesla says to lock the rear switches whenever children sit in the back, to check that no one has a hand or head through the opening before closing a window, and never to leave children alone in the car.

While the liftgate is moving, we pause it on the touchscreen or move it by hand to the height we want, then follow the touchscreen prompt or press and hold the button under the liftgate until it chimes. Model X also opens lower under a detected low ceiling and can save a higher height there. Controls > Service > Remove Saved Locations resets this. Tesla notes the liftgate can open up to about 8 ft (2.5 m).

Tesla lists two rear trunk limits for Model X: up to 88 lbs (40 kg) in the lower compartment and up to 285 lbs (130 kg) in the upper compartment above its cover. Exceeding them can cause damage. We spread cargo evenly between the front and rear trunks, put heavy items in the upper compartment and secure everything before driving. The total load, including passengers, must stay within the GVWR.

It needs a phone with UWB support and the Tesla app, with Nearby Interactions allowed; an existing phone key may need Phone Key > Upgrade in the app. We turn on Controls > Locks > Hands-Free Trunk, which can exclude Home. With the phone in a front pocket, we stand still behind the car; it chimes and the liftgate opens. Tesla warns to check the area is clear and never to leave the phone in the trunk.

In Park, we open the frunk with Controls > Frunk, the Tesla app, a double-click on the key fob's front trunk button, or by touching a UWB-capable phone key to the Tesla logo under it. To close: 1) Lower the hood onto the latches. 2) Press down firmly with both hands on the green areas. 3) Lift the front edge to check it latched. Tesla says never to slam it or press the red center area.

Tesla lists a maximum front trunk load of 110 lbs (50 kg) for Model X, and exceeding it can cause damage. We spread cargo evenly between the front and rear trunks and keep the total within the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). If the frunk is open when we shift out of Park, the touchscreen asks us to confirm and speed is limited. Tesla cautions never to leave a paired phone in the frunk.

Yes. Model X has an illuminated button inside the front trunk that glows after brief exposure to ambient light. Pressing it unlatches the hood, and then we push the hood up. Tesla warns never to climb into the frunk or close it with someone inside, and to keep stored items from bumping the release button, which could open the hood by accident.

The center console has a main compartment, opened by squeezing the latch under its front lip, and a front compartment with a sliding cover. Two cup holders slide out from under the rear touchscreen. We open the glovebox with Controls > Glovebox and can add a 4-digit PIN in Controls > Safety > Glovebox PIN. A coat hanger sits on each side above the second-row windows. Tesla says to keep the glovebox closed while driving.

We turn on Controls > Locks > Hands-Free Frunk and Trunk. It needs a phone with background UWB support and the Tesla app, with Nearby Interactions allowed; an existing phone key may need Phone Key > Upgrade. With the phone in a front pocket, we stand still in front of the frunk; Model X chimes and opens it, and stepping away cancels. Tesla warns to check the area is clear and never to leave the phone in the frunk.

We open a falcon wing door with its handle, a double-click on the key fob, the switch on the door pillar inside, or Controls > Locks. Sensors stop or adjust the door near obstacles and low ceilings; Controls > Locks > Falcon Door Height sets the height. If Calibration Required appears, we clear both door paths and touch Controls > Service > Calibrate Doors. Tesla warns the sensors cannot detect everything, so we watch the door.

With Controls > Locks > Automatic Doors on, the driver's door opens partway, between 20° and 45°, as we approach and closes as we leave. A double-click on the fob unlock button opens it; a second double-click opens the passenger door. Once seated, pressing the brake closes the driver's door. Exclude Automatic Doors Opening at Home stops it opening at Home. Tesla warns to watch the door's path and not rely on it on steep hills.

All Model X seats have heating pads, and both front seats are also ventilated. We control the heater for any seat from the touchscreen climate controls. A seat heater may switch off by itself after about 30 minutes of continuous use; we simply turn it back on, and if it keeps turning off or will not turn on, we schedule service. Tesla warns that people with reduced pain sensitivity should use seat heaters with care to avoid burns.

No. Tesla's Model X manual says not to use seat covers. They can restrict the seat-mounted side airbags in a collision and reduce the accuracy of the occupant detection system that switches the passenger front airbag. Tesla also says not to place aftermarket covers, mats or blankets between the seat and the occupant, or cushions and pillows near the airbags. So we keep the factory seat surfaces uncovered.

No. Model X seats have integrated head supports that cannot be adjusted or removed. The only head restraints that move are in the third row: to fold a third-row seat, we press the button in its top outside corner, fold the head restraint forward, then fold the seatback forward. To raise it again, we hold the same button, pull the seatback up until it latches, then pull forward to check.

The driver and passenger seat icons are on the main climate controls screen, which we open by touching the temperature in the bottom bar. Levels run from 3 (highest) to 1 (lowest); red lines mean heating and blue lines mean cooling. Auto warms or cools the front seats based on cabin temperature. We can also add seat heaters to the bottom bar. Tesla warns people with reduced pain sensitivity to use seat heaters carefully to avoid burns.

The instrument panel shows a reminder when an occupied seat's belt is unbuckled. If it stays on with everyone buckled, we re-latch the belts and remove heavy objects from empty seats. A rear reminder can be paused from the popup unless the law requires it. On each front seat: 1) Press and hold the shoulder anchor button. 2) Slide it up or down. 3) Release and tug the belt to check it locked. The belt crosses mid-collarbone.

LATCH lower anchors are on the second-row outboard seats, bench or monopost, and on the third-row outboard seats if equipped, between the backrest and cushion. A child seat identification button on the seatback sits right above each anchor. The second-row bench center seat has none. Top tethers are on the back of the second- and third-row seats. Tesla says children 12 and under ride in the second or third row, never in the front passenger seat.

The touchscreen shows the passenger front airbag status, set by the occupancy classification system using a front passenger seat sensor. It shows OFF for an empty seat and child seats, and ON for an adult over about 100 lb (45 kg). If an adult sits there and it shows OFF, we check they sit upright and clear items under or around the seat. If it still does not match, they move to the rear and we schedule service.

It depends on the seats. Bench seats split 60/40: we pull up the side lever on the outboard seat and push the back fully forward to fold it, and only seven-seat benches slide, using the lever under the outboard seat. Monopost seats use a button near the top to move the backrest and an L-shaped button at the bottom to slide the seat. We clear the seats and footwell first. Tesla warns to check every seat is latched before driving.

To reach the third row, we press the button on a second-row outboard seatback: on bench seats it tilts and slides the seat forward, and on monopost seats Controls > Safety > Third Row Easy Entry sets single press or hold. To fold a third-row seat, we press the button in its top outside corner, fold the head restraint forward, then the seatback. Tesla warns never to use these buttons with anyone, especially a child, in the second row.

If Model X has a third row, its outboard seats have LATCH lower anchors between backrest and cushion, and top tether anchors on the seat backs, possibly hidden under a slit in the material. We keep the tether strap off the third-row access button. If the child seat moves away from the anchor bars, a latch is not fully engaged and we reinstall it. With a child in a second-row monopost seat, Tesla says to set Easy Entry to OFF.

We touch the temperature icon on the touchscreen to open the climate controls, then touch the steering yoke (or steering wheel) icon to turn the heater on. Once on, radiant heat keeps it at a comfortable temperature. Tesla cautions us to keep hand sanitizer, lotion and sunscreen off the yoke or wheel, and warns never to adjust the steering position while driving.

Left scroll button: press left or right to change track, roll to change volume and press to mute or pause; it also answers calls and adjusts mirrors and steering position. To set its custom function, such as Climate or Dashcam status, we hold it and choose from the instrument panel menu. Right scroll button: press to engage or cancel Traffic-Aware Cruise Control or Autosteer, and roll to change the set speed. Holding both while parked restarts the touchscreen.

We touch Controls > Dynamics > Steering Weight and choose one of three settings. Light reduces steering effort, making Model X easier to drive in town and to park. Standard is Tesla's recommended setting for the best handling and response in most conditions. Heavy increases steering effort, and Tesla says Model X then feels more responsive at higher speeds.

We press the arrow button for our direction on the left side of the steering yoke or wheel. An indicator lights and a clicking sound plays. It cancels when the steering shows the turn is complete, or when we press it again. In Controls > Lights > Automatic Turn Signals, Auto Cancel also ends it after a lane change, merge or fork, Override keeps it on with a brief press and hold, and Off leaves it to us.

With the high beam button on the left of the yoke or wheel, a quick press flashes the high beams, and pressing and holding until the instrument panel timer ends latches them on. Adaptive Headlights, where available, are on by default each drive; they dim individual high-beam pixels for oncoming traffic and follow curves. A gray A icon means they are enabled but high beams are off. Tesla warns we stay responsible for suitable lighting.

We turn on Controls > Lights > Headlights After Exit. After we park in low light, the exterior lights stay on for one minute or until we lock the car, whichever comes first. Locking with the Tesla app or key card turns them off right away, while Walk-Away Door Lock leaves them on for the full minute. With the setting off, the headlights turn off as soon as we shift into Park and open a door.

We press the wiper button on the steering yoke or wheel, or touch Controls > Wipers. One press gives a single wipe and opens the wiper menu, where we roll the left scroll button to pick Off, a speed or Auto. In Auto, Model X detects rain and sets the speed; Tesla labels it Beta and suggests manual control if unsure. Pressing and holding sprays washer fluid. Tesla cautions to clear ice first and keep the hood closed.

Stuck Assist lets the wheels spin at a limited speed to help free Model X from mud, snow, ice or sand, or to rock out of a deep rut. We turn it on in Controls > Dynamics > Stuck Assist at 30 mph (48 km/h) or slower, but not while cruise control is in use. It turns off above 50 mph (80 km/h) and at the next startup. Tesla recommends turning it off as soon as we are free.

Slippery Surface spreads traction evenly across all tires for more grip and stability. Tesla suggests it for slippery conditions such as rain, snow or ice, and we turn it on in Controls > Dynamics > Slippery Surface. Traction control itself stays on by default and limits wheel spin; its amber light flashes while working. Tesla warns traction control cannot prevent collisions caused by dangerous driving or turning too sharply at high speed.

When we leave Model X with our phone key or key fob, it powers off by itself, turning off the instrument panel and touchscreen. It also powers off after 30 minutes in Park, even with someone in the driver's seat. To power off manually while the car is not moving, we touch Controls > Safety > Power Off. Pressing the brake pedal or touching the touchscreen powers it back on after a short time.

If the touchscreen is unresponsive, Tesla suggests restarting the touchscreen first. For a full power cycle: 1) Shift into Park. 2) Touch Controls > Safety > Power Off. 3) Wait at least two minutes without touching anything: no opening doors, no brake pedal and no touchscreen. 4) After two minutes, press the brake pedal or open a door to wake Model X.

It means Model X could not detect a key when we pressed the brake. The phone key may not be found, its battery may be low or dead, the wireless link may have failed, or more than two minutes have passed since we used the key card. To fix it, we place the key card on a phone dock in the center console, which restarts the two-minute window, then press the brake to drive.

With the brake pressed, the drive mode strip appears on one side of the touchscreen. We swipe up for Drive or down for Reverse, and touch P for Park. Switching between Drive and Reverse needs a speed below 5 mph (8 km/h). If the strip is unavailable, we use the backup selector buttons on the center console; briefly pressing both scroll buttons activates it. Tesla warns to always confirm Park before getting out.

Auto Shift (Beta) chooses Drive or Reverse for us based on the surroundings. It is off by default; in Controls > Dynamics > Auto Shift (Beta) we pick On, for multi-point turns, parking and reversing out, or from Park, only when leaving Park. It needs the seat belt fastened, the brake pressed and all doors and trunks closed, and is not available in modes such as Valet or Trailer Mode. Tesla warns to confirm the selection before accelerating.

In Controls > Mirrors we can turn on Mirror Auto Fold (folds when we exit and lock, unfolds when we unlock), Mirror Auto Dim (dims the rear view and side mirrors against night glare) and Mirror Auto Tilt (both side mirrors tilt down in Reverse; Adjust Tilted Position sets the angle). Mirrors cannot be folded above 31 mph (50 km/h). Tesla suggests turning off Auto Fold when ice is expected, because ice can stop the mirrors folding.

Park Assist alerts us to nearby objects at low speed, in front in Drive and behind in Reverse. With Tesla Vision, cameras on the front, rear and sides show surrounding objects; where available, we switch between Standard and Tesla Vision in Controls > Self-Driving > Park Assist. Red means closer and yellow farther. Chimes are in Controls > Safety > Park Assist Chimes. Tesla warns it is guidance only and may miss objects lower than about 8 in (20 cm).

Vehicle Hold keeps the brakes applied after Model X stops, even when we lift off the brake pedal. With the stopping mode set to Hold, it turns on by itself at every complete stop, and a gray H in a circle shows on the instrument panel. We release it by pressing the accelerator, pressing and releasing the brake pedal, or shifting into Neutral. After about 10 minutes of holding, Model X shifts into Park and Vehicle Hold cancels.

We touch Controls > Dynamics to choose a drive mode: Comfort, Standard or Insane (called Plaid on performance cars), or Custom. The acceleration levels are Chill for gentler acceleration, Standard for normal, and Insane or Plaid for maximum acceleration, available immediately. Tesla notes Insane or Plaid can reduce range and efficiency. In cold weather, a lower mode helps cabin heating, and after switching back up the battery needs time to warm before full acceleration.

Ride & Handling offers three ride settings for the air suspension. Comfort gives a gentler ride for relaxed driving, Standard adapts to a wide range of roads and driving styles, and Sport gives a firmer, more controlled ride with more road feel. In Comfort or Standard, the suspension may raise on rough roads in the U.S., using up-to-date map data. In Controls > Dynamics we can also turn on Use Comfort Damping in Self-Driving.

Easy Entry moves the driver's seat and the steering yoke (or wheel) for easier entry and exit. It works when Model X is in Park and the driver's seat belt is unbuckled, and pressing the brake returns them to the driver profile. We turn it on by checking Use Easy Entry in Controls > Profiles > Add New Driver or an existing profile. Tesla warns not to move the seat fully back with a child seat behind it.

In Park, we touch Controls > Safety > Valet Mode and create a 4-digit PIN the first time; the Tesla app can also start or cancel it in Park. Valet Mode limits speed to 70 mph (113 km/h) and power, locks the frunk and glovebox, hides Home and Work and needs the key card. To exit, we touch the Valet Mode icon at the top of Controls and enter the PIN. Tesla warns not to use it when towing.

Whenever Model X is moving and we release the accelerator, regenerative braking slows the car and feeds energy back to the battery. It is limited when the battery is cold or fully charged; for consistent slowing, we turn on Controls > Dynamics > Apply Brakes When Regenerative Braking is Limited, so the regular brakes help. The green part of the power meter shows regen. Tesla warns regen may cause loss of traction on snow or ice.

That is the Pedestrian Warning System. Because electric cars are quiet, Model X makes a sound to alert pedestrians whenever it is out of Park and below about 19 mph (32 km/h), and also in Reverse. The sound gets louder as speed increases. Tesla warns that pedestrians may not notice the car if they cannot hear it, so we should not rely on it alone, and we schedule service if it stops working.

When parked, the instrument panel shows estimated range, an image of Model X with its status, such as an open door, plus outside temperature, time, drive mode and alerts. When driving, it shows a live view of the road and nearby road users, speed, the Speed Assist limit, the cruise set speed, navigation, range and a power meter. Controls > Display > Energy Display switches range between distance and percent. Tesla warns it may not show every vehicle.

Model X has a steering yoke (or steering wheel) with buttons for the left and right turn signals, high beams, wipers, the camera view and voice commands, plus the left and right scroll buttons; we press the middle to sound the horn. Some buttons are touch-sensitive, so Tesla says not to rest fingers on them; if one turns on by accident, we lift our fingers for a few seconds. Holding both scroll buttons while parked restarts the touchscreen.

We press the brake, touch Controls and choose a ride height. Very High lowers after about 100 ft (30 m) or at 15 mph (24 km/h), and High after about 100 ft (30 m) or at 35 mph (56 km/h); a Persist option keeps it raised up to that speed. Raising to High or Very High saves the location, so Model X raises again when we return. Tesla cautions to clear obstacles above and below before changing height.

1) Touch Controls > Dynamics > Drag Strip Mode; on non-performance cars, first set Drive Mode to Insane. 2) Wait for Peak Performance Ready on the instrument panel. 3) In Drive and fully stopped, hold the brake firmly with the left foot and fully press the accelerator; the front lowers into Cheetah Stance. 4) When Ready to launch shows, release the brake. It stays on for three hours. Tesla warns to use it only on closed courses.

We press and hold the Neutral icon on the touchscreen drive mode strip until Neutral engages; touching Controls shows the strip. The backup selector on the center console also has N. Below about 5 mph (8 km/h), we press the brake to leave Neutral. Model X shifts into Park when the driver's door opens, so to let it roll freely for winching or transport, we use Controls > Service > Towing > Enter Tow Mode.

Brake disc wiping keeps the brakes responsive in cold or wet weather. When Model X detects those conditions, it repeatedly applies a barely noticeable amount of brake force to clear water from the brake discs. Tesla warns that disc wiping does not replace proper braking, so we keep a safe distance from the vehicle ahead and stay ready to brake ourselves.

We find trip information in App Launcher > Energy App > Trips on the touchscreen. Trips show distance, duration, and total and average energy use since the last charge, for the current drive and any trips we add. We tap a trip to see details or make changes, and hold and drag trips to rearrange them. The odometer is in Controls > Software, on the instrument panel, or at the bottom of the Tesla app main screen.

We touch Controls > Self-Driving > Speed Limit Warning and pick Off, Display (the speed limit sign grows when we exceed the limit) or Chime (adds a chime). We can then choose Relative, which warns only past an offset such as +10 mph (+10 km/h), or Absolute, a fixed limit from 20 to 140 mph (30 to 240 km/h). Tesla warns not to rely on Speed Assist to set our speed, since signs and map data can be wrong.

Calibration happens by itself as we drive, usually within 20–25 miles (32–40 km). It finishes faster on straight multi-lane roads with clearly visible lane markings, ideally in the middle lane of a wide highway with little traffic. Some features stay disabled until it finishes. After a camera or windshield replacement, we touch Controls > Service > Camera Calibration > Clear Calibration. Tesla says to contact them if it has not finished after 100 miles (160 km).

We clean all cameras and remove anything blocking them before each drive. If one is blocked, the instrument panel shows a message and Self-Driving features may be unavailable. Controls > Service > Camera Visibility shows where visibility was poor on the last drive. For condensation after parking in cold or wet weather, Tesla suggests preconditioning the cabin to a warm temperature, turning on the windshield defroster and pointing the front vents at the door pillars.

Model X has a camera above the rear license plate, one in each door pillar, two on the windshield above the rear view mirror, one on each front fender and one on the front fascia. A cabin camera also sits above the rear view mirror. The camera button on the steering yoke or wheel shows the front camera view. Tesla warns not to rely on the cameras to tell whether an area is clear, and to always check ourselves.

We turn on Automatic Blind Spot Camera in Controls > Display and choose whether the image shows on the Center Screen or the Driver Screen. When we signal, the screen shows the camera view from that side, and a vertical red bar appears when a vehicle is detected in the blind spot. We can touch and drag the image to another shaded spot. Tesla warns it does not replace attentive driving or shoulder checks when changing lanes.

1) Touch Controls > Self-Driving > Autosteer (Beta), read the popup and touch Yes. 2) Press the right scroll button on the yoke or wheel to engage; a chime sounds and the steering icon turns blue. Headlights must be on Auto or On and the cameras clean. Autosteer is hands-on, so we keep our hands on the yoke or wheel and watch the road. Pressing the brake or the right scroll button cancels it.

With Autosteer active, we engage the turn signal toward the next lane and Model X moves over one lane; signaling again moves one more. Lane markings must allow it, the cameras must be clear, and no vehicle can be in the blind spot or target lane. If a vehicle is there, it waits until safe, and if it loses the outer lane marking midway, it returns to the original lane. Tesla warns we must still check visually.

Navigate on Autosteer (Beta), where equipped, builds on Autosteer and Traffic-Aware Cruise Control to suggest and make lane changes and take exits along our navigation route on controlled-access highways. We turn it on in Controls > Self-Driving and set options under Customize Navigate on Autosteer, such as Speed Based Lane Changes and Lane Change Notification. Leaving the highway returns us to Autosteer. Tesla cautions it may miss an exit or lane change, so we stay ready to steer.

1) Drive below 8 mph (13 km/h) and watch the instrument panel for detected spaces. 2) Roll the right scroll wheel to choose one. 3) Press the right scroll button and let go of the yoke or wheel. Steering, shifting, braking or opening a door cancels it. It handles parallel spaces with a car in front or behind and marked perpendicular spaces, but not angled ones. Tesla cautions not to use it with a ball hitch, bike rack or trailer.

In Controls > Self-Driving > Lane Departure Avoidance we choose Off, Warning or Assist. Warning shows a blue line and vibrates the yoke or wheel when a front wheel crosses a lane marking; Assist also steers Model X back. It works from 40 to 90 mph (64–145 km/h) on clearly marked roads and stays quiet when the turn signal is on. Tesla warns it does not work in every situation, so we keep our hands on the yoke or wheel.

We touch Controls > Safety > Blind Spot Collision Warning Chime to turn it on or off. When it is on, a chime sounds if a vehicle is in our blind spot and a possible collision is detected. The display can also draw colored lines, from white to red, toward vehicles beside or behind us. Tesla warns the chime and the Blind Spot Camera cannot detect every collision, so we still use mirrors and shoulder checks.

A red blind spot warning light sits in the upper speaker grille of both front door pillars (Controls > Safety > Blind Spot Warning Light). It glows solid when something is in the blind spot, blinks when we signal that way and blinks rapidly when we must act. Controls > Lights > Blind Spot Warning Accent Lights lets the accent lights turn red too. Tesla warns not to rely on it and to check visually before opening a door.

When a collision is considered unavoidable, Automatic Emergency Braking applies the brakes to reduce speed and impact. It works from about 3 to 124 mph (5–200 km/h) and is on at every startup. To turn it off for one drive, we shift into Park and touch Controls > Self-Driving > Automatic Emergency Braking, though Tesla strongly advises against it. Sharp steering or hard acceleration stops it. Tesla warns it is not designed to prevent all collisions.

The cabin camera above the rear view mirror watches for driver inattentiveness when Self-Driving is engaged and gives audible reminders. By default, its images stay in the car and are not sent to anyone, including Tesla. If we turn on Controls > Software > Data Sharing > Allow Cabin Camera Analytics, short clips can be shared after a safety-critical event such as a collision. Tesla says it does no facial recognition, and cautions against chemical or abrasive lens cleaners.

1) In Park, touch Controls > Self-Driving > Full Self-Driving (Supervised), read the popup and touch Yes. 2) With the seat belt buckled and headlights on Auto or On, press the right scroll button at any speed below 85 mph (140 km/h), or enter a destination and touch Start Self-Driving. The cabin camera monitors our attention, and we stay ready to take over. Pressing the brake or the right scroll button, or steering, ends it.

Traffic-Aware Cruise Control holds our set speed and slows to keep a following distance behind the vehicle ahead. We press the right scroll button and release the accelerator; it works from 18 to 85 mph (30–140 km/h). Rolling the right scroll wheel changes the set speed, and Controls > Self-Driving > Cruise Follow Distance sets the gap. Pressing the brake or the button cancels it. Tesla warns it is a comfort feature, not a collision avoidance system.

We enable Actually Smart Summon in Controls > Self-Driving and use the Tesla app (version 4.38.0 or later), pressing and holding Come to Me, Go to Target or, for Dumb Summon, Forward or Reverse. Model X must be in Park, not charging, with doors and trunks closed, and our phone within 279 ft (85 m). Summon is for private parking lots and driveways only. Releasing the button stops the car, and Tesla warns we must watch it at all times.

With a formatted USB drive plugged in, ideally in the glovebox port, we turn on Controls > Safety > Dashcam and pick a mode. Auto saves clips when it detects a safety-critical event such as a collision, though Tesla warns not to rely on it for every event. Manual saves the last ten minutes when we touch the Dashcam icon, and On Honk does so when we press the horn. Clips are not sent to Tesla.

Sentry Mode watches Model X when it is locked and in Park. We turn it on in Controls > Safety > Sentry Mode, by voice or in the Tesla app. If it detects a threat or strong jerky motion such as towing, it pulses the headlights, sounds the alarm, alerts the app and saves footage to a USB drive. It is not available in Low Power Mode. Tesla cautions it is not a complete security system.

Partly. Without a USB drive, Model X still alerts us in the Tesla app about security events, but there are no camera recordings. To save footage, Tesla requires a properly formatted USB drive, preferably in the glovebox port, with Dashcam turned on in Controls > Safety > Dashcam. Cars built from about 2020 include a pre-formatted drive in the glovebox, or we can format our own drive in the car or on a computer.

Tesla asks for a drive of at least 64 GB with a sustained write speed of at least 4 MB/s; larger is better because footage takes a lot of space. It must work with USB 2.0 and be formatted as exFAT, FAT, ext3 or ext4, as NTFS is not supported. We plug it into the glovebox USB port if equipped, otherwise a front center console port, and never a rear port, since those only charge.

1) Plug the drive into a front USB port that supports saving footage. 2) Touch Controls > Safety > Format USB Drive. Model X erases everything on the drive, formats it as exFAT and creates the TeslaCam folders, so we move anything we want to keep first. Automatic formatting needs a drive with no more than one partition. Otherwise we format it on a computer as exFAT, FAT, ext3 or ext4 and add a top-level folder named TeslaCam.

In Park, we open the Dashcam icon in the app launcher. Clips are listed by location and time, and we can pause, rewind and fast forward; recording pauses while the viewer is open. On a computer, the TeslaCam folder holds RecentClips, SavedClips and SentryClips. Encrypted clips play only in the car that recorded them, or at dashcam.tesla.com when signed in with the Tesla account linked to that car. Tesla says displayed speed and steering data are for reference only.

We touch Controls > Safety > PIN to Drive and follow the prompts to create a 4-digit PIN; after that, Model X cannot be driven until the PIN is entered. If we forget it, we tap the link on the PIN to Drive popup, sign in with our Tesla account and follow the steps. The owner can also clear it in the Tesla app under Security & Drivers > Clear PIN.

We touch Controls > Safety > Glovebox PIN and follow the touchscreen directions to create a 4-digit PIN. It is separate from PIN to Drive, so we can use one without the other. From then on, the glovebox opens only after the PIN is entered. To turn it off, we switch the toggle off and enter the PIN. If we forget the PIN, we reset it by signing in with our Tesla account credentials.

1) Shift into Park. 2) Touch Controls > Safety > Speed Limit Mode. 3) Choose a maximum speed from 50 to 120 mph (80–193 km/h). 4) Slide the toggle on and enter a 4-digit PIN, created the first time. The Tesla app can also turn it on. Acceleration switches to Chill, and within about 3 mph (5 km/h) of the limit a chime and message warn us. Tesla warns the car can exceed the limit downhill.

With Controls > Safety > Security Alarm on, the alarm arms about one minute after we leave, once the doors lock and no key is detected. If a locked door or trunk is then opened without a key nearby, the headlights and turn signals flash, and a battery-backed siren sounds if equipped. Pressing any key fob button turns it off. Tilt/Intrusion, if equipped, adds cabin motion detection. These settings are not available while Sentry Mode is on.

Parental Controls let us set limits for other drivers. In Park, we touch Controls > Safety > Parental Controls, choose options, touch Confirm and enter a PIN. Options include Limit Speed, Reduce Acceleration (Chill), Require Safety Features, curfew notifications from 11 PM to 4 AM, and blocking the Browser, Theater and Arcade. They cannot be turned on while Speed Limit Mode is on, and cannot be turned off from the Tesla app.

On cars equipped with it, the Enhanced Anti-Theft upgrade makes the horn sound when a locked door or trunk is opened with no key nearby. With Controls > Safety > Tilt/Intrusion turned on, the horn also sounds if motion is detected in the cabin or the car is moved or tilted, for example by a tow truck or jack. It works alongside the Security Alarm, which flashes the lights when the alarm is triggered.

Model X has five USB ports. Two in the front compartment of the center console charge devices and play audio in the Media Player. Two below the rear touchscreen charge only. One in the glovebox holds the USB drive for Sentry Mode and Dashcam. The ports supply up to about 27 W, which may vary by build date. Tesla suggests USB 3.0-compliant cables and advises against connecting several devices through a USB hub.

Rear passengers can use it for climate, including temperature, the rear fan and rear seat heaters, as well as moving the front passenger seat, media, video, games, a route view and volume. Its settings pair up to two sets of Bluetooth headphones. Rear media or volume changes also affect the front cabin. To lock it, we open the rear screen remote app in the front bottom bar or touch Controls > Display > Lock Rear Display.

1) Shift into Park. 2) Press and hold both scroll buttons on the yoke or steering wheel until the screen turns black; we do not need to press the brake. 3) Wait for the Tesla logo, then about 30 seconds for the restart. This restarts only the touchscreen, not the whole car. If it is still unresponsive after a few minutes, Tesla suggests power cycling the vehicle if possible.

On equipped cars it stores up to three devices. 1) Park facing the door and keep its path clear. 2) Touch the transceiver icon at the top of Controls and create a new device. 3) Name it, choose Standard, D-Mode or UR-Mode and touch Start. 4) Follow the onscreen steps, touch Save and test it. Auto-open and auto-close are set in the device settings. Tesla warns to use it only with doors that have safety stop and reverse.

1) Plug a USB flash drive into a USB port at the front of the center console; the rear ports only charge. 2) Touch Media Player and select USB. 3) Touch the folder we want to play. Tesla says only flash drives are recognized, and the drive should be exFAT, as NTFS is not supported. Other devices, such as media players, connect over Bluetooth instead, using the Phone source in Media Player.

We fully press the microphone button on the right side of the yoke or steering wheel, wait for the chime and speak. Examples include Navigate to a place, Navigate home, Show nearby Superchargers, Call or Text a contact with a paired phone, Listen to a song, Make it cooler, Sync climate, Lock the doors, Fold the mirrors, Start charging and Open the glovebox. Some commands, such as Sentry Mode, work only in Park.

With the Tesla app version 4.3.1 or later, we go to Security > Add Driver from the car's home screen and follow the onscreen steps. The added driver signs in with an existing Tesla account or creates a new one, and can use every app feature except buying upgrades. To remove a driver, we use Security > Manage Drivers. Mobile access must be allowed in the car under Controls > Safety > Allow Mobile Access.

1) Sit in Model X with the touchscreen on and turn on Bluetooth on the unlocked phone. 2) Touch Controls > Bluetooth and, when the phone appears, touch Connect. 3) Check the number matches on both screens and confirm on the phone. 4) Allow access to contacts and calls if we want. We can pair up to 10 phones and set one as the Priority Device. Tesla cautions against leaving a paired phone in the car.

Yes. Tesla says we can connect to a mobile hotspot instead of Wi-Fi, subject to the carrier's fees and restrictions. We touch Controls > Wi-Fi, pick the network, enter the password and touch Confirm. To stay connected while driving, we select Remain Connected in Drive. Captive networks, meaning public hotspots that need a web login page, are not supported. Once connected, Model X reconnects automatically whenever a known network is in range.

Trip Planner adds Supercharger stops when we need charge to reach our destination, aiming to minimize total driving and charging time. We turn it on in Controls > Navigation > Trip Planner, where available. The route list shows each stop, the recommended charging time and the estimated energy on arrival. Charging longer or shorter adjusts later stops, and we can remove all charging stops from the turn-by-turn list. It does not route to third-party chargers automatically.

We touch Controls > Navigation and turn on Avoid Tolls or Avoid Highways; Avoid Ferries is in the same menu. While navigating, we can also reach these options from the navigation settings icon. Tesla notes that toll avoidance works only when possible. The same menu has Use HOV Lanes, which can be Off, On or Auto, where Auto uses the cabin camera to count occupants and is not available in Mexico.

Arcade works with Bluetooth or USB controllers, but only some games support them. A Bluetooth Classic controller pairs the same way as a phone and then connects automatically, and up to two Bluetooth devices can connect at once. For USB, cars built before about November 1, 2021 use the front center console ports, while later cars use the glovebox USB port. Tesla says these features are for use only while parked.

Theater streams video while parked over Wi-Fi or cellular, and shifting out of Park pauses the video. Arcade has games played with the yoke or steering wheel buttons or a controller. Toybox includes Boombox, which needs the Pedestrian Warning System, plus Romance, Emissions, Light Show, Light Sync, Sketchpad, Paint Shop, Mars and TRAX. Options vary by region, build date and configuration, and Tesla says using them while driving is illegal and dangerous.

Updates download automatically over Wi-Fi. When a yellow clock icon appears at the top of the touchscreen, we touch it and choose Install Now or Set For This Time; Controls > Software also lists updates. Model X must be in Park, and some installs take about 30 minutes. Tesla warns not to use the car while it installs, as some safety systems, doors and windows may not work. Software cannot be reverted to an earlier version.

On cars with a tilting touchscreen, we touch Controls, then the display icon, and choose a position. Tesla warns to keep fingers, jewelry and other objects out from between the screen and the instrument panel before tilting. To control the rear screen from the front, we open the rear screen remote app in the bottom bar, and Controls > Display > Lock Rear Display locks it. Sync in the climate controls matches front and rear temperatures.

It reduces low-frequency road noise on rough surfaces. Microphones in the seats measure cabin noise, and the speakers play anti-noise to create quieter zones around the front occupants. We turn it on or off in Media Player > Audio Settings > Options; it may need several minutes of driving to calibrate. It can switch off with a window down, a door open, the fan on high or a rear passenger. Tesla notes the seat microphones must stay uncovered.

We touch and hold any app in the My Apps area of the bottom bar to enter customization mode; if it is empty, we touch the App Launcher first. Then we drag an app or control from the app tray onto My Apps. When it is full, adding one removes the rightmost app. To remove an app, we touch and hold it and touch its X. Seat heaters added from the tray appear next to the temperature control.

At select busy Supercharger sites, the waitlist is an honor-system queue. If we navigate there, Model X joins as we approach; otherwise we tap the touchscreen notification or join in the Tesla app. The order follows when drivers joined, and we see our position and estimated wait. When it is our turn, we have 3 minutes to plug in, with Add 30 Seconds for more time. Leaving the site or missing our turn twice removes us.

We touch Controls > Software > Release Notes to read the notes for the current software version. They also appear on the touchscreen after an update finishes installing. Tesla asks us to read all release notes, because they may contain important safety information or operating instructions. In the same menu, Software Update Preference lets us choose Advanced for updates sooner and more often, or Standard for fewer releases.

Pet Mode keeps the cabin at a comfortable temperature for a pet while we are away. We turn it on from the climate screen with Model X in Park, and the windows cannot be lowered while it runs. The Tesla app alerts us if climate turns off, the battery drops below 20% or the cabin temperature changes a lot. Tesla warns we stay responsible for the pet, should not leave it for long and should check local laws.

Camp Mode keeps the cabin temperature comfortable and powers the USB ports and the low voltage outlet, while the touchscreen stays on for media, games and Theater. We turn it on from the climate screen with Model X in Park. It disables Sentry Mode and the alarm, and Walk-Away Door Lock is inactive. Software updates cannot install while it runs, and turning climate off in the Tesla app stops it.

Cabin Overheat Protection keeps the cabin from getting too hot after we leave. We set it in Controls > Safety > Cabin Overheat Protection or in the Tesla app. The air conditioning runs when the cabin goes above 105°F (40°C) or our chosen temperature. It can take up to 15 minutes to start and runs up to 12 hours, or until Low Power Mode begins. Tesla warns never to leave children or pets unattended, even with it on.

Keep Climate On keeps the climate system running while Model X is in Park, even after we leave, for example so groceries do not spoil. It works only in Park and not in Low Power Mode, and it runs until we shift out of Park or turn it off. Tesla suggests avoiding it when the battery is low, and software updates cannot install while it is on. Tesla also reminds us never to leave a child unattended.

The cabin air filter sits in the HVAC module behind the front right footwell cover, and Tesla recommends replacing it every 2 years (yearly in China). 1) Turn off climate and move the front right seat fully back. 2) Pull down the footwell cover and disconnect its harness. 3) Squeeze the filter door lock and remove the door. 4) Slide in the new filter, arrows facing the rear. 5) Refit everything and reset the interval in the Maintenance Summary.

If ice holds the charge cable in the port, we touch Controls > Service > Inlet Heater and wait several minutes. If that fails, we try the manual charge cable release. If ice stops us inserting or removing the cable, or blocks Supercharging, we use Climate > Defrost Car in the Tesla app. To prevent it, we set a schedule in Controls > Schedule. A frozen latch may not lock the cable, but slow AC charging still works.

Tesla suggests keeping Model X plugged in when parked to keep the battery warm. We set a departure time in Controls > Schedule or start climate in the Tesla app 30–45 minutes before leaving; Climate > Defrost Car clears ice from the windshield, windows, mirrors and charge port. Tire pressure drops about 1 PSI per 10°F (6°C), so we inflate when the TPMS light appears. Controls > Service > Wiper Service Mode lets the wipers defrost with the windshield.

Tesla suggests cooling the cabin from the Tesla app 30–45 minutes before we leave, or setting a Schedule. When parked, we turn on Cabin Overheat Protection, park in shade or use a sun shade in direct sun, and keep Model X plugged in so cooling draws on the charging system instead of the battery. Pet Mode helps with pets or perishables inside. Turning off the air conditioning about 30 seconds before Park reduces puddles under the car.

Model X has a wide face-level vent across the dashboard, plus vents at the top and bottom of the rear console. To aim the air, we turn on the face-level vent and touch and drag the air waves from that vent on the touchscreen. Centered waves give one stream; dragging them outward or inward splits the air into two mirrored streams, each a little weaker. We keep the grille in front of the windshield clear of leaves and snow.

With Model X in Park, we press the button on the Tesla charge cable, touch Controls > Charging > Open Charge Port, or hold the key fob rear trunk button for 1–2 seconds. If the cable will not release: 1) Stop charging on the touchscreen. 2) Open the rear trunk. 3) Pull the charge port release cable down. 4) Remove the charge cable. Tesla warns never to do this while charging or with orange high voltage parts exposed.

Yes, with the right adapter for the station; some stations must be started or stopped on their own controls. A NACS connector may fit but only fast charges if Model X supports CCS, which we check in Controls > Software > Additional Vehicle Information; a retrofit may be offered by service appointment. Third-party stations stay hidden on the map until we turn on Controls > Navigation > Third-Party Charging Stations, and Trip Planner will not route to them.

White or light blue: the door is open and ready, or the latch is unlocked. Blue: connected but not charging, for example a scheduled charge. Blinking blue: talking to the charger. Blinking green: charging, slowing near full. Solid green: charging complete. Solid amber: the connector is not fully in. Blinking amber: charging at reduced current (AC only). Red: a fault stopped charging, so we check the touchscreen. The light stays off with no key nearby.

Tesla does not give one number here: Controls > Charging and the Tesla app show the recommended daily and trip range for our Model X, and we set the limit with the slider. Going past the daily recommendation gives a one-time increase that resets afterwards. The battery icon turns yellow at 20% or below, which Tesla says to avoid. Charging may continue slowly after reaching 100%, which is normal, and Tesla recommends staying plugged in when parked.

Congestion fees apply only when a Supercharger site is at capacity and our battery is above the congestion limit, or our session has ended. The first five minutes are waived, then the fee runs until we move Model X, and we get a notification. Rates for each site show in its popup on the touchscreen or in the Tesla app. Session cost estimates can differ from the final charge, which we check in our Tesla account.

1) Touch Controls > Schedule; it also opens from the climate and charging screens or the Tesla app. 2) Choose Current Location, Home or Work. 3) Set Precondition with a departure time, and Charge with start and stop times. 4) Touch Create. Without Repeat Weekly, it runs once. Model X then warms the cabin and battery for departure. Setting End by to our departure time finishes charging just before we leave. Schedules are ignored at Superchargers and other fast chargers.

Tesla offers the Wall Connector, installed where we park and the fastest option for daily charging, and the Mobile Connector, which plugs into common outlets with the right smart adapter attached first. Adapters for the most common public stations in each region are also available. All are sold at shop.tesla.com, with availability varying by region. Tesla warns the high voltage system has no user-serviceable parts, and its cables are usually orange.

Tesla suggests we drive gently, choose Chill in Controls > Dynamics > Acceleration, and ease off the accelerator so regenerative braking recovers energy. We use seat and yoke or steering wheel heaters rather than heating the whole cabin, and precondition while plugged in. We keep tires at the right pressure and alignment, remove extra cargo, close windows, turn off Sentry Mode and Cabin Overheat Protection when not needed, and stay plugged in when parked.

Low Power Mode saves energy when range runs low. We set it in Controls > Charging > Low Power Mode, choosing a level between 10% and 20% (20% by default). Below that level, Model X turns off Sentry Mode, Keep Accessory Power On, Actually Smart Summon standby, Keep Climate On and Camp Mode, Cabin Overheat Protection and preconditioning. Tesla notes the screen and Tesla app still use energy, and energy can drop faster in cold weather.

Where the feature is available, we touch Controls > Service > Battery Health Test, read the popup and touch Start Test. Model X must be in Park, below 20% charge, plugged into an AC charger of at least 5 kW, online, with no pending updates or battery alerts. The test takes up to 24 hours and drains the battery below 10%, possibly to 0%. Tesla warns climate is off, so no one stays inside, and to cancel before unplugging.

Tesla says to keep Model X plugged in when parked and to charge regularly; waiting for a low charge brings no benefit. If the car recommends an 80% daily limit, we set about 80% and use 100% only before long trips. We avoid sitting near 0% or 100% for long, and avoid over 24 hours above 140°F (60°C) or below -22°F (-30°C). Tesla cautions that at 0% we plug in right away to avoid permanent damage.

Model X keeps checking its energy level and how close it is to known chargers. If we risk driving beyond charging range, the touchscreen offers a list of chargers we can reach; selecting one starts navigation, with the predicted energy on arrival shown in the turn-by-turn directions. Touching Chargers in the navigation search bar switches charger types, such as Superchargers and destination chargers. Tesla notes the range estimate may fall faster than the distance we drive.

The right pressure is on the Tire and Loading Information label on the driver's center door pillar; we use it, not the pressure molded on the tire. We check monthly with cold tires, after at least three hours parked, because about 1 mile (1.6 km) of driving warms them. Pressure drops about 1 PSI per 10°F (6°C) drop in temperature, and we never let air out of warm tires to match the cold value.

After we fit different wheels, the TPMS resets itself once we drive above 15 mph (25 km/h) for more than 10 minutes, and false warnings may show until then. This automatic reset is for new wheels, not for a tire change or rotation. After fitting new tires, Tesla says to set them in Controls > Service > Wheel & Tire > Tires. If warnings keep coming back, we book service in the Tesla app to check the sensors.

A solid tire pressure light means one or more tires are well under the right pressure, or overinflated. We stop as soon as it is safe, check the tires and set them to the door pillar label value; the light can stay on briefly afterwards. If it flashes for about a minute at power-on and then stays on, the system has a fault and may miss low pressure, so we book service in the Tesla app.

To remove a wheel cover: 1) Pull each trim piece from between the spokes. 2) Push the clips at each spoke end from underneath. 3) Pull the cover toward us. To refit, align it with the valve stem, press from the center outward and press the center cap by hand. For lug nut covers, we insert the cover tool or a small hex key at the T base, twist and pull. Tesla says covers must be secure before driving.

Tesla-approved chains (one specific model) are for 20-inch and 22-inch tires only, fitted to the rear tires, never the front, and never on summer tires. We stay below 30 mph (48 km/h), set the air suspension to Medium, turn off Default Ride Height to Low, never deflate tires to fit chains and remove them when conditions allow. Tesla warns other or poorly fitted chains can damage the suspension, body, wheels or brake lines, which warranty does not cover.

Tesla recommends rotating the tires every 6,250 miles (10,000 km), or sooner if the tread depth differs by 2/32 in (1.5 mm) or more since the last rotation. For staggered, non-directional sets, Tesla says to rotate side to side only, not front to back. We also check tire pressure monthly and keep it at the value on the door pillar label.

After fitting different wheels, we touch Controls > Service > Wheel & Tire > Wheels and pick the matching wheel from the list. We also check whether the new set is staggered and fit it the same way. The setting affects range estimates, TPMS warning levels and the car image on the screen. Tesla warns to use only Tesla-approved wheels, as Tesla is not liable for damage from other wheels.

Tesla lists a lug nut torque of 129 lb-ft (175 Nm) for Model X, with a 21 mm socket. The factory wheels are 20-inch and 22-inch, each 9.0J wide at the front with a 40 mm offset and 10.0J wide at the rear with a 35 mm offset, so the rear wheels are wider than the front.

In the US, Canada, Puerto Rico and Korea, 20-inch all-season tires are 265/45R20 front and 275/45R20 rear. The 22-inch all-season and summer tires are 265/35R22 front and 285/35R22 rear. In Mexico, the same sizes come as summer tires. Pressures are on the label on the driver's door pillar. Tesla warns never to drive on damaged, badly worn or wrongly inflated tires.

Tesla says to lift Model X only at the body lift points shown in the manual's underbody diagram, never under the battery or side rails. 1) Center the car between the lift posts. 2) Raise the suspension to Very High, then touch Controls > Service > Jack Mode. 3) Close the Falcon Wing doors. 4) Place the pads under the lift points and raise with help. Tesla warns that without Jack Mode the suspension can self-level and cause injury.

Tesla's temporary tire repair kit seals punctures up to 1/4 in (6 mm); for bigger holes or sidewall damage we call Roadside Assistance. 1) Park somewhere safe. 2) Connect the sealant tube to the valve and plug the kit into the low voltage outlet. 3) Run it until the gauge shows the door pillar pressure. 4) Drive gently for about 10 minutes, then reinflate. Tesla warns not to drive on a flat or remove objects stuck in the tire.

Tesla recommends genuine Tesla floor mats to extend carpet life and make cleaning easier. We clean the mats regularly, check that they are attached properly, and replace any that are excessively worn. Tesla warns that the driver's mat must be secured so it cannot interfere with a pedal, and that we should never lay one mat on top of another mat or covering.

With Model X stationary and not charging, we touch Controls > Service > Car Wash Mode. It closes all windows, locks the charge port and turns off the wipers, Sentry Mode, walk-away door locking and parking sensor chimes. For an automatic wash, we press the brake and touch Enable Free Roll so the car rolls freely. It ends above 9 mph (15 km/h) or when we touch Exit. Tesla says car wash damage is not covered by warranty.

1) Rinse off grit with a hose, including wheel wells, panel seams and road salt underneath. 2) Wash with a clean soft cloth, cold or lukewarm water and a mild car shampoo. 3) Rinse with clean water before soap dries. 4) Dry with a chamois, then brake a few times while driving to dry the brakes. Tesla says to use touchless car washes only, keep a pressure washer at least 12 in (30 cm) away, and avoid direct sunlight.

We touch Controls > Display > Screen Clean Mode, which darkens the display so dust and smudges are easier to see. Then we wipe it with a soft, lint-free cloth made for monitors and displays. To leave the mode, we press and hold HOLD TO EXIT. Tesla says not to use glass cleaners, alcohol-based gels such as hand sanitizer, wet wipes, or dry cloths that build static, such as a freshly washed microfiber cloth.

Tesla says to keep camera lenses free of dirt, condensation and obstructions, because a dirty camera can limit Self-Driving and safety features. We spray water on the lens, then dry it carefully with a microfiber cloth, at least weekly in wet weather and monthly in dry weather. For the front camera, we open Camera from the app launcher and press the spray icon. Tesla warns not to use chemical or abrasive cleaners on the lenses.

Yes. Tesla suggests a genuine Tesla car cover, available from the Tesla Shop, to protect the paint when Model X is not in use. Tesla warns that when the car is plugged in, we should use only a Tesla-approved cover, because a non-Tesla cover can stop the battery from cooling properly while it charges. So we keep any non-Tesla cover off the car while it is plugged in.

Model X uses a 26 in (650 mm) blade on the driver's side and a 21 in (530 mm) blade on the passenger side; the new connector must match the original. Tesla recommends replacing them at least once a year. To change them, we shift into Park, turn the wipers off and use Controls > Service > Wiper Service Mode. Tesla cautions that the wiper arms do not lock when lifted, and each new blade must click into place.

The washer fluid reservoir sits behind the front trunk, and it is the only reservoir owners can add fluid to. 1) Open the hood. 2) Clean around the filler cap and open it. 3) Fill until the fluid is just below the filler neck. 4) Wipe up spills, rinse with water and refit the cap. Below 40°F (4°C) we use fluid with antifreeze. Tesla cautions to use only its recommended washer fluid, since plain water can cause bacteria and odor.

They can. Tesla says to use only genuine Tesla parts and accessories, bought from Tesla stores, tesla.com or parts.tesla.com. Tesla cannot assess parts from other sources, and damage caused by non-approved parts or modifications is not covered by the warranty. For collision repairs, non-original or salvaged parts, and any damage they cause, are not covered either. Tesla warns that non-approved parts can affect performance and occupant safety.

Tesla's Model X schedule: replace the cabin air filter every 2 years, the HEPA and carbon filters every 3 years and the wiper blades every year. Rotate the tires every 6,250 miles (10,000 km), or sooner at a 2/32 in (1.5 mm) tread difference. Clean and lubricate the brake calipers every year, or every 12,500 miles (20,000 km) where roads are salted. The brake fluid also gets a health check. Controls > Service > Maintenance shows what is due.

Daily, Tesla suggests checking the charge level, tire condition and pressure, lights, horn, turn signals, wipers and washers, any alerts, the brakes and seat belts, and looking under the car for leaks; a small puddle of A/C water is normal. We clean the Self-Driving cameras weekly in wet weather and monthly in dry weather. Monthly, we check the washer fluid level and that the air conditioning works.

No. Tesla's Model X maintenance page says not to top up the brake fluid, and that fluid level checks are for Tesla or a professional shop only. A brake fluid health check is on Tesla's maintenance schedule, with replacement if needed, and heavy braking from towing, mountain descents, performance driving or hot, humid conditions may call for more frequent checks. Tesla also warns that brake fluid is poisonous.

Service Mode is meant for qualified automotive professionals to run diagnostics, repairs and maintenance. It shows more detail on vehicle alerts and allows simple procedures such as brake burnishing. Tesla cautions that improper use can cause loss of vehicle operation, permanent damage or serious injury. Speed is limited and features such as Sentry Mode are disabled, and damage from misuse is not covered by warranty. For owner jobs, Tesla lists wiper blades, cabin filters and the paint protection film kit.

Tesla says to mount an RFID toll transponder inside the car, near the topmost area of the windshield, where it gets the best reading and the least obstruction. We follow the transponder maker's own instructions for the exact spot. A weather-proof toll transponder can be attached to the front license plate instead. Tesla also notes that some accessories can change expected range and vehicle dimensions.

Tesla lists Model X at 199.1 in (5,057 mm) long and 89.4 in (2,271 mm) wide with mirrors, or 78.7 in (1,999 mm) without. Height is 66.1 in (1,680 mm) with the suspension at medium and 67.7 in (1,720 mm) at highest. The wheelbase is 116.7 in (2,965 mm). Ground clearance runs from 5.8 in (146 mm) at the lowest suspension setting to 8.1 in (206 mm) at the highest. Tesla says values are approximate.

The front trunk holds 6.5 cu ft (183 L). Behind the second row, 5-seat cars have 39.2 cu ft (1,111 L), and 6- and 7-seat cars have 14.8 cu ft (420 L) behind the third row. With the rear seats folded, space behind the first row reaches 87.3 cu ft (2,471 L) with 5 seats, 88.0 cu ft (2,492 L) with 6 seats and 83.9 cu ft (2,375 L) with 7 seats. Tesla says figures are approximate.

On 275/45R20 tires, Model X can tow up to 5,000 lbs (2,300 kg), Class III, with up to 500 lbs (230 kg) of tongue weight. On 285/35R22 tires, the limit is 3,500 lbs (1,588 kg), Class II, with up to 350 lbs (158 kg) on the tongue. Tesla recommends trailer brakes for loaded trailers over 1,000 lbs (450 kg) and a tongue weight of about 10%. Heavy passenger or cargo loads reduce these limits.

1) Find the combined occupant and cargo limit on the Tire and Loading Information label on the center door pillar. 2) Add up the weight of the driver and passengers. 3) Subtract that from the limit; the rest is our cargo allowance. For example, a 1,400 lbs limit with five 150 lbs passengers leaves 650 lbs. Towing reduces it further. Tesla warns never to exceed the GVWR or axle ratings on the Vehicle Certification label.

We can find the VIN in three places. On the touchscreen, it is under Controls > Software. It is stamped on a plate on top of the dashboard, visible through the windshield on the driver's side. It is also printed on the Vehicle Certification label on the door pillar, seen with the driver's door open. The emission control label is on the liftgate on pre-2022 model years and inside the hood on 2022 and newer.

Tesla's Subsystems page lists the Model X low voltage battery at 15.5 V with a capacity of 6.9 Ah; the page does not name the battery type. The high voltage battery is a liquid-cooled lithium-ion pack at 407 V DC. Tesla says not to leave the car in ambient temperatures above 149°F (65°C) or below -22°F (-30°C) for more than 24 hours at a time.

To fit the removable 2 x 2 in hitch, we unlock it with the key, set the locking cylinder, push the hitch in until it locks and pull down to check it. Trailer Mode turns on when the trailer plug is connected, or in Controls > Pedals & Steering > Trailer Mode. It disables Autosteer, may disable rear parking sensors and limits emergency braking. Tesla warns never to exit Trailer Mode while towing and not to rely on automatic detection.

For a front door, we pull up the manual door release in front of the window switches. For a Falcon Wing rear door: 1) Carefully remove the speaker grille from the door. 2) Pull the mechanical release cable down and toward the front of the car. 3) Once the latch releases, lift the door up by hand. Tesla cautions to use these releases only without power or when necessary, as the window does not lower and can be damaged.

We need an external low voltage supply, such as a portable jump starter. 1) Unsnap the front tow eye cover with a small flat screwdriver. 2) Pull out the two wires. 3) Connect red (+) to red and black (-) to black. 4) Turn on the supply; the hood releases immediately. 5) Disconnect, black first. Tesla says to keep power connected no more than 30 seconds. These terminals only release the hood and do not charge the battery.

With a portable jump starter: 1) Open the hood using the no-power steps and remove the maintenance panel. 2) Connect red (+) to the jump post under the red cover; before about January 2023 it sits behind the wiper motor and fluid reservoir. 3) Connect black (-) to the ground point in front of the low voltage battery. 4) Turn the supply on and touch the touchscreen. 5) Disconnect, black first. Tesla warns Model X cannot jump-start another vehicle.

Tesla says not to count on any range at 0 miles (0 km) or 0%. If Model X runs out, we pull over safely and call Tesla Roadside Assistance or a tow provider, who should take it to the nearest charger. The low voltage system must then be jump-started before the car can charge, and the external supply is removed once charging starts. Tesla notes that towing and low voltage battery damage from running out are not covered by warranty.

Model X must be unplugged, with a key detected and low voltage power available. 1) Shift into Park and chock the tires. 2) Press and hold the brake pedal and touch Controls > Service > Towing. 3) Touch Enter Tow Mode; the button turns blue and the car rolls freely. Tesla says to move it only below 5 mph (8 km/h) and less than 30 ft (10 m). We exit with Exit Tow Mode or by shifting into Park.

Where available, we choose Roadside Assistance in the Tesla app to speed up the request. The phone number is also under Controls > Service on the touchscreen. In the United States and Canada we call 1-877-798-3752, and in Mexico 800-228-8145. We have the VIN ready (Controls > Software), plus our exact location and a description of the problem. Tesla says the service runs 24/7 for the duration of the warranty.

In the US, Emergency Drive Away lets us stop charging and drive away from a Tesla Supercharger with the connector still plugged in, only in a true emergency. 1) Press the brake to show the drive mode strip. 2) Select Drive or Reverse. 3) Keep braking and touch Activate. 4) Select Drive or Reverse again. Tesla warns it can damage the car and charger at our cost, and the car then needs a Tesla Service inspection.

Tesla suggests moving Model X to higher ground before a flood. If we cannot, we unplug it, lower the charge, set the air suspension to High or Very High and use Jack Mode before raising it on stands. Afterwards, we treat it as an accident, call our insurer, keep it unused until inspected and tow it at least 50 ft (15 m) from structures. Tesla warns to move away and call first responders if there is smoke, hissing or heat.

The Model X Troubleshooting Alerts page lists many charging alerts. Several point to the Wall Connector or building wiring, such as no ground, a ground fault, wrong input voltage or an overheated connection; Tesla suggests resetting the breaker or having an electrician check it. Others mean a communication error or a charge handle not fully seated, so we reseat it or try other equipment, then schedule service if it continues. Some battery alerts say not to charge until serviced.

On Model X, alert APP_w396 means hazy residue on the windshield is limiting the front camera's view, so Self-Driving features may be limited. Tesla suggests scheduling service to have the inside of the windshield in the camera area cleaned if needed. A related alert, APP_w304, means one or more cameras are blocked or blinded; Tesla asks us to clean the cameras and check the door pillar camera enclosures for condensation.

Model X air suspension self-levels even with the power off, so Tesla says to turn on Jack Mode first: 1) Touch Controls. 2) Press the brake and touch Very High. 3) Touch Controls > Service > Jack Mode, which cancels above 4 mph (7 km/h). We then fit the tow eye from the front trunk, put the car in Tow Mode and winch it on slowly. Tesla warns never to transport Model X with its wheels on the ground.

On Model X, alert DI_a250 means adaptive ride control has been disabled, and a red indicator shows on the instrument panel. While the alert is active, top speed is limited to 90 mph (144 km/h) and the ride may feel softer than usual. If the alert persists, Tesla says to schedule service rather than ignore it.

On Model X, alert BMS_a027 means the car has repeatedly measured electrical isolation below Tesla's threshold, so it may not start again once it is turned off. Tesla says to schedule service immediately and not to drive any further. A related isolation alert, BMS_a151, tells us not to charge and to schedule service if the alert persists.

Alert APP_w207 means Autosteer cannot be used for now. Tesla says it is often caused by outside conditions such as faded lane markings, weather or glare, and it can also appear after exceeding the Autosteer speed limit. If it continues, we check for obstructions or damage and schedule service if we find none. If APP_w218 (Autosteer speed limit exceeded) shows, we take over steering immediately, then stop and shift into Park to reset.

On Model X, alerts DIF_a251, DIR_a251, DIREL_a251 and DIRER_a251 mean the gearbox fluid needs to be inspected. Tesla says the car is OK to drive for now, but extended driving with the alert active may cause permanent gearbox damage. So we schedule a service visit as soon as we can rather than ignoring the alert.