Last Updated: February 17, 2026
💡 Settings I Changed on Day One of Tesla Ownership
When my Tesla Model 3 Long Range arrived via Cinch on April 12 2026 at 44,000 miles, I had a list of settings ready to change straight away. I connected Octopus Intelligent Go that same evening – by the next morning I was charging at 7p/kWh overnight with scheduled departure keeping the car warm and fully charged at door time. I dropped the charge limit to 80% for daily use, switched to Chill mode for smoother driving around Cornwall, and connected Tessie immediately to start tracking from 44,000 miles as my baseline. The whole setup took under 20 minutes and made a real difference from day one.
Steven | Tesla Model 3 LR owner since April 2026, Octopus Intelligent Go customer
Just taken delivery of your brand new Tesla Model Y? Congratulations! Before you hit the road, take a few moments to get your car set up properly. These tips will help you unlock your vehicle’s full potential, enhance your safety, and save you money in the long run, especially if you're new to electric driving.
From key setting tweaks to energy-saving tricks and charging hacks, this guide will walk you through the most important things to change or activate in your Tesla Model Y as soon as it’s in your hands.
🚀 1. Enable Data Sharing (Selective Is Fine)
When you first start up the Model Y, you’ll see a prompt for data sharing preferences. Tesla collects data to improve Autopilot, navigation, safety features and more. You can choose “Accept Selected” rather than “Accept All” to protect privacy while still contributing to the platform's development. Most owners keep sound detection and charging data sharing on, but disable cabin camera analytics.
🫵 2. Customise Trunk Height (GPS-Based Memory)
Hold the trunk button while it’s in your preferred open position to save that height. The Model Y will remember it for specific GPS locations – ideal if your garage has a low ceiling.
🔧 3. Car Controls & Auto Settings
Tap the car icon in the bottom-left corner of your screen. Under “Controls,” tweak settings like:
- Lights: Leave on auto
- Fold mirrors: Enable “Save Location” for tight driveways
- Glovebox: Voice command or screen button only
- Car Wash Mode: Activates all necessary settings in one tap
🛣️ 4. Chill Mode for Acceleration
Switch your acceleration setting to Chill Mode. Not only does this preserve tyre life by reducing torque strain on your wheels, but it also helps you squeeze more range from your battery. It’s smoother, safer and ideal for daily driving.
❄️ 5. Climate Control Tricks
Running the AC or heater can drain your battery quickly. Instead:
- Use heated seats instead of cabin heat
- Vent windows via the app on hot days
- Set Cabin Overheat Protection to “No A/C” to save energy in summer
Bonus: You can schedule climate preconditioning using the Tesla app so your cabin is the perfect temperature when you step in.
⚡️ 6. Charging Settings & Scheduled Charging
Head to the “Charging” tab:
- Set your daily limit to 80% for battery health
- Use the scheduled charging feature to charge during off-peak hours
- Keep your Tesla plugged in at home whenever possible to preserve the battery
💸 Want to save even more on home charging?
Sign up to Intelligent Octopus Go. It delivers smart overnight EV charging at just 7p per kWh, and can slash your charging costs by over 70% compared to standard rates.
🚧 7. Adjust Autopilot & Safety Settings
If you’ve paid for Enhanced Auto Pilot (EAP), enable these from the Autopilot menu:
- Navigate on Autopilot
- Traffic Light and Stop Sign Control
Also:
- Set Emergency Lane Departure Avoidance to ON
- Turn ON Green Light Chime and Obstacle-Aware Acceleration
🚩 8. Sentry Mode & Dashcam Settings
Activate Sentry Mode for 24/7 protection and review footage directly from your app.
Pro tip: Set your left scroll wheel to save dashcam clips instantly. Alternatively, enable dashcam on honk.
🚲 9. Check & Set Tyre Pressure
Tyre pressure has a direct impact on range. Ensure your tyres are at the recommended 42 PSI after a short drive (to warm them up). Underinflated or overinflated tyres affect performance and safety.
🛋️ 10. Seat Settings, Locks and Child Safety
- Adjust driver and passenger seat settings
- Use the app to lock rear seats from fiddling kids
- Set child safety locks and window locks as needed
- Enable Hands-Free Trunk Access for grocery runs
🚪 11. Energy App + Battery Percentage Toggle
Use the Energy app to see a real-time estimate based on your driving habits rather than EPA estimates. You can also tap the battery icon to toggle between % and miles.
🌊 12. Clear Up the Interior View
Enable Screen Clean Mode from the Display menu. It blacks out the screen so you can wipe it down without accidental inputs.
🌧️ 13. Use Navigation Smartly
Enable the following:
- Trip Planner for Supercharger stop suggestions
- Speed Camera Chime
- Online Routing with a 10-minute traffic threshold
Want to save even more? Charging at off-peak times or en route with Octopus Drive Pack lets you claim EV charging credit.
🧶 14. Keep Track with Service & Maintenance Logs
Under the “Service” tab, log:
- Tyre rotations
- Cabin air filter replacements
- Brake checks
Handy for resale value and personal tracking. You can even request service directly from the app.
🌍 15. Add Favourite Superchargers
Use the charging tab to check availability and live rates at Tesla Superchargers.
Learn more about Tesla charging in Cornwall and how to maximise your road trips.
🚗 Bonus: Maximise Your Savings with These Free Money Apps
Getting the most out of your Tesla ownership isn’t just about driving. Check out these tools to boost your budget:
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.