Last Updated: February 17, 2026
Whether you've just picked up a new 2026 Tesla Model 3 or Model Y, or you're diving deeper into the menus after a few weeks of driving, some default settings are best turned off – or at least tweaked. In this guide, we’ll walk through the must-change settings for comfort, safety, performance, and battery life. We’ll also mix in tips from other Tesla owners in the UK, along with ways to save money, enhance security, and personalise your experience. 🇬🇧⚡
🚗 1. Auto Shift Out of Park (Beta)
Turn this off if you're new to Tesla. It can be unpredictable and may send the car in the wrong direction. Stick to manual gear selection until you're confident.
Tip: Voice commands like “Open glovebox” work brilliantly for hands-free operation. Just press the mic button on the wheel.
❄️ 2. Slip Start
Only use this when stuck in snow, mud, or gravel. It disables traction control, which can be dangerous on normal roads.
⚡ 3. Smart Charging Tips
Use the Intelligent Octopus Go tariff for 6 hours of ultra-cheap electricity (as low as 7.5p/kWh) – ideal for overnight charging. Pair it with the Tesla’s scheduled charging feature to maximise savings.
Pro Tip: If you're using a slower charger like the 2.5kW granny cable, Octopus may extend the low-cost charging window. That means more hours of cheap electricity for household use too!
📡 4. Standby Mode for Smart Summon
Disable this to save battery. Keeping sensors constantly on drains power, and unless you're frequently summoning your car, it’s unnecessary.
🔐 5. Driver Door Unlock Mode
When enabled, only the driver door unlocks. This gets annoying fast when passengers are with you. Turn it off to unlock all doors.
🔋 6. Charging Limit Defaults
Set to:
- 50% for long-term storage
- 80% for daily use
- 100% just before road trips
Tesla’s “One-Time Charge” option is brilliant – it resets to your usual limit after a top-up for a long journey.
📱 7. App Power: Tessie for Smarter Driving
Install the Tessie app to unlock features like:
- Battery health monitoring 📊
- Smart charging analytics ⚡
- Climate scheduling 🌡️
- Trip reports and efficiency tracking 📍
Insider Tip: Tessie even shows you how much you’re saving by using Chill Mode and cheap overnight charging.
🎮 8. Disable Automatic Navigation
Your Tesla might try to route you home or to your next calendar event on entry, sometimes more annoying than helpful. Turn this off for a more relaxed start.
🧠 9. Cabin Overheat Protection: No AC Mode
Using full A/C protection drains the battery fast. Select “No A/C” to keep the cabin cooler without excessive drain, especially important for UK summers.
🚦 10. Voice Commands for Safety
If you're ever struggling to find a control, press the mic button and speak. Try “Turn on wipers” or “Open glovebox.” Keep your eyes on the road and hands on the wheel.
🔇 11. Joe Mode
Turn this ON. It reduces chimes and alerts for rear passengers, focusing audio towards the driver. Perfect if you’ve got sleeping kids or dogs onboard. 🐶
🔍 12. Privacy Settings
Under data sharing, disable analytics you're not comfortable with. Share only essential data like charging or road segment analytics.
Location Tip: You can manage app permissions for things like the Tessie app directly from your Tesla’s privacy menu.
🧽 13. Cleaning Mode
Going to wipe your screen? Go to Display > Clean Mode, it disables touch input so you can clean without setting off random menus. 🧼
🔧 14. Auto Turn Signals
Don’t turn this off! It cancels indicators intelligently after a lane change or full turn. Super convenient.
🔋 15. Obstacle-Aware Acceleration
Keep this ON It reduces throttle when it detects an object ahead, which could help prevent accidents.
🔑 16. Set Up Scroll Wheel Shortcuts
Customise scroll wheel buttons for functions like acceleration mode, temperature, or wiper control. Saves time and boosts convenience.
🚨 17. Forward Collision Warning & Lane Departure Avoidance
Make sure these are ON for maximum safety. Don’t risk driving without these key alerts.
🏁 18. Bonus Tip: Use Valet Mode & PIN to Drive
Handing over your keys? Lock down speed, disable glovebox access, and limit control access with these two features.
💡 The Settings I Changed First on My Model 3
I picked up my Tesla Model 3 Long Range in April 2026 and went through most of these settings within the first few days. Driver Door Unlock Mode came off immediately – it drives passengers mad. I set the daily charging limit to 80%, with Octopus Intelligent Go scheduled to kick in at 00:30 at around 7p/kWh. Joe Mode was a revelation; I had no idea how many chimes the car makes until I turned them all off. Cabin Overheat Protection on “No AC” is the right call for UK summers too – we rarely need full air conditioning to protect the cabin here.
Steven | Tesla Model 3 LR owner, Octopus Intelligent Go customer
Summary: Drive Smarter, Safer & Cheaper 🎯
Tweaking these Tesla settings will make your drive safer, calmer, and more efficient, especially on winding UK roads or during long trips. Pair your vehicle with tools like Tessie and Octopus Energy for smarter insights and bigger savings.
Happy driving! 🛻⚡
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.