Last Updated: February 17, 2026
💡 How I Put These Range Tips Into Practice
I drive a 2021 Tesla Model 3 Long Range in Cornwall – hilly terrain and fast A-roads rather than flat motorways. On a trip from Cornwall to Edinburgh, I leaned heavily on these tips: Tesla's navigation planned every Supercharger stop door-to-door, I always arrive at chargers with around 5% remaining to hit the fastest part of the charging curve, and at home I charge overnight with Octopus Intelligent Go at around 7p/kWh – roughly £20 a month for 300kWh. Keeping tyre pressures right and using scheduled departure (so the car is warm and fully charged at the right time) makes a noticeable real-world difference.
Steven | Tesla Model 3 LR owner, 59,500+ miles, Cornwall-based
Looking to squeeze every last mile from your Tesla? Whether you're preparing for a long road trip or want to maximise daily efficiency, these practical tips can help you increase range, reduce costs, and prolong your EV’s life.
1. Use Chill Mode for Smoother Driving and Better Tyre Life
Chill Mode softens acceleration, helping reduce energy usage and extending tyre life. Less aggressive driving means you’ll not only use less power but also replace your tyres less often. Enable it via your infotainment system.
2. Minimise Use of Air Conditioning and Heating
Heated seats use far less energy than cabin heating. In colder months, try relying on seat warmers instead of blasting the heater. In summer, vent windows early or precondition your car before unplugging.
3. Keep Your Tesla Clean
A clean car reduces aerodynamic drag. Dust and dirt increase resistance, meaning your battery has to work harder. Regular cleaning doesn’t just keep it looking sharp – it genuinely improves efficiency.
4. Maintain Optimal Tyre Pressure
Tyres at incorrect pressure increase rolling resistance. Tesla recommends around 42 PSI. Measure pressure after a drive when the tyres are warm for an accurate reading.
5. Drive Steadily and Monitor Energy Usage
Avoid sudden acceleration and braking. Use the Tesla Energy app to monitor real-time usage and optimise your driving style. Regenerative braking in stop-and-go traffic also helps recover energy.
6. Remove Unnecessary Weight and Cargo
Extra items in your boot or frunk create unnecessary drag. Remove anything you don’t regularly use to keep your car lighter and more efficient.
7. Remove Roof Racks When Not in Use
Roof racks create drag even when empty. Unless you’re carrying bikes or gear, take them off. The same applies to any non-aero accessories.
8. Keep Your Tesla Plugged In When Parked
Keeping your Tesla plugged in helps regulate battery temperature and maintains optimum charge. You can also set a daily charging limit (e.g., 80%) in the Tesla app.
9. Precondition the Battery with Scheduled Departure
In the Tesla app, you can schedule your departure time. This preheats the battery, reducing inefficiencies from a cold start. Also helps with regenerative braking performance during short winter trips.
10. Choose Your Wheels Wisely
Wheels can make a big difference. Smaller wheels with aero caps are generally more efficient. Experiment or research to determine which wheels provide the best performance for your model.
11. Get More Miles Per Pound with Octopus Energy
While it doesn’t increase range directly, switching to the Intelligent Octopus Go tariff can cut home charging costs dramatically. You'll pay just 7.5p per kWh during off-peak hours. That’s more miles for less money, especially when scheduled smart charging is enabled.
🚨 Bonus Tip: Track Battery Health with the Tessie App
If you want deeper insight into your battery’s long-term performance, the Tessie App is a must. It offers detailed metrics and long-term tracking beyond what Tesla provides in the app.
🚨 Extra Savings Tip: Refer Friends and Earn Rewards
Don’t forget to refer friends using your Tesla referral link to earn £250 worth of credits. Credits can be used for Supercharging, accessories, or even towards your next Tesla.
I’m Steven, founder of MoneyAppReviews. I test money apps, referral programs, and EV tools in real life before I write about them. I drive a 2021 Tesla Model 3 Long Range, use Octopus Intelligent Go for home charging, and regularly track costs, savings, and app performance over time. I focus on practical, evidence-based reviews that help people decide what is actually worth using, not just what pays the highest commission.