When you purchase a new car you have to get used to the controls and the features offered on the vehicle. This is certainly the case when you purchase from a different brand than what you’ve bought in the past, but as you would expect, Tesla offers us some features that will take a lot of getting used to. The new Model 3 is here and will eventually be produced in the quantities needed to fill all the orders and then some, if you choose to drive this car, here are some things you’ll have to get used to.
The Keycard –There’s no traditional key fob for the Tesla Model 3, instead, you have a keycard that’s the same size as a credit card. All you have to do is way the car on the B-pillar and the doors will unlock. There is also a smartphone app that allows you to link your phone and once you’re near the vehicle it will unlock in the same fashion keyless entry would work. This system will take some getting used to, but it cuts down on the number of bulky keys you have to carry around.
Limited Audio Playback Options –In the early versions of the Model 3 the Bluetooth audio streaming is disabled but will become available in the near future with an over the air update. You can use the USB outlet with your smartphone for now but the system will continue to be upgraded to give you Bluetooth, internet radio, and any other form of music you want to enjoy during the driving you’ll make on the road. There will also be a Tesla audio service offered called iTunes and you will be able to have FM radio in the future as well, but no AM radio is going to be offered.
Wiper Controls –While the traditional wiper controls you could have are found on a stalk, which the Model 3 will have as well, the speed of the wipers can be changed with the icon on the touchscreen which will allow you to choose between three different speeds for the wipers. This may be a bit confusing with the on and off switch on the stalk and the speed controls located on the touchscreen that you can use to choose the speed you want to have for the wipers while you drive.
Massive Touchscreen –The touchscreen offered in the Model 3 is where all the controls and information is found for the car. This screen is 15-inches in size and offers you a central place for all the information you need. Because Tesla uses this large screen for the information you need, you’ll see clean lines and smooth appearances across the dashboard inside the car. This is likely going to be something we see more automakers use, but it will take some getting used to when you have become accustomed to having buttons and dials inside the car for the controls you want to have.
No Traditional Gauges –Because the screen has all the controls, you’ll have to get used to looking at the screen when you want to see the speed you’re traveling and other readouts that you would expect to enjoy when you drive. The Model 3 puts everything in this one screen in order to give you the look that will amaze you, but it will take time for you to get used to looking to the right to see how fast you’re going or to set the cruise control while you’re driving down the road.
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