While driving your Tesla, you may notice that it does not accelerate quickly and gets locked at a specific speed limit. If this happens to you, your Tesla may be in "Valet Mode." With the help of automotive experts, we are here to help you turn off "Valet Mode."
To turn off "Valet Mode," you'll have to enter the pin code you set for this mode; once you have entered the pin, your vehicle should return to normal. Driving your Tesla around in Valet Mode is not advisable, so always check whether it is enabled.
Remember to turn it on again if you're giving your car to the valet. Valet mode is a great way to protect your privacy and belongings inside your Tesla. For more information about Tesla, keep reading below.
Steps On Turning Off "Valet Mode" In A Tesla
A Tesla is a technologically advanced automobile, and it is common for users to need clarification about how some of its features work. You'll want to check your Tesla's Valet Mode before driving off.
Luckily, deactivating valet mode is relatively simple; you'll just need the code you set to unlock it. Follow the steps below to deactivate valet mode.
- Click the word "Valet" on the upper part of your screen.
- From there, your Tesla will ask for a 4-digit pit code; enter it.
- After entering, your Tesla should be fully operational; check the upper part to see if you are in the right profile.
If you need to remember your 4-digit pin code, you can reset it using your Tesla account. It's best to have this pin fully memorized and ensure you only share this information with people you trust.
How "Valet Mode" Works On A Tesla
Leaving your vehicle to strangers puts your information and your belongings at risk. Not all valet workers will have bad intentions with your car, but it is better to prevent anything from happening than to worry.
Before giving your vehicle to the valet, you must activate your Tesla's valet mode. This mode will lock many Tesla features, preventing anyone from getting your information or using your vehicle with ill intent.
Valet mode will limit your Tesla, notably on its speed and center console. In this mode, your Tesla will have a speed limit cap of 70mph, preventing anyone from speeding recklessly or attempting to drive away with your car. The car will also have reduced acceleration and power output.
Additionally, all your information saved on the Tesla will be locked. The valet will only be able to see essential locations like your home and work on your navigation system. Also, the valet won't be able to use voice controls to try and access your information.
Your Tesla won't allow connections such as HomeLink, new phone, Wi-Fi, or Bluetooth while in valet mode. Tesla will also lock your navigations, compartments, profiles, and setting. Valet mode is a great security feature to have and use if you are going to leave your car with a stranger.
The only way for someone to gain access to the full potential of your Tesla is to input the pin code you have set for valet mode. Make sure to only provide this code to people you trust to keep your vehicle and information safe.
Do Teslas Loose Battery When Parked?
Yes, your Tesla loses battery power even when parked. The amount of energy drained will be dictated by what you have set up for your Tesla, so having a particular mode will drain it faster than others.
Having your Tesla parked does not mean it is fully asleep. Tesla has a lot of computers and sensors that monitor its components regularly, which drains the battery even when parked. This power drain while parked is also known as the vampire drain.
Having your vehicle in sentry mode will add to your car's power consumption and the summon feature since your vehicle will always be on standby. Climate control and software updates can add to power consumption since this can wake your vehicle.
Your Tesla should lose around 2% of its battery life a day, but with proper settings, you can achieve a battery loss of about 0.5%; this is something to think about when planning to go on a trip and have to leave the car for some time.
The best thing to do is to ensure that any features that greatly drain the battery power are off to extend your battery life. But overall, your battery will drain eventually; all you can do is try to prolong it.
Do You Need To Warm Up A Tesla Before Driving?
Typically you would want to warm up your gasoline or diesel vehicle before going out for a drive since this will ensure that your car's fluids and components get up to temp. In warmer weather, you don't have to do this on a Tesla since it keeps its battery in ideal temperatures.
It is only necessary to warm up your Tesla in freezing weather. Prewarming your Tesla ensures you are comfortable and warm inside, and also helps defrost the ice or snow in your windshield and other essential components.
You can set a schedule on your Tesla when you want to drive so that the car automatically warms itself up. Scheduling your Tesla's pre-warmup can be set through the charging and climate control screen.
Warming up your Tesla can also be done by using the mobile app. All you have to do is open the app, go to climate, and set your desired temperature; this also warms up the Tesla's battery.
Aside from warming up the cabin and battery, you can use the mobile app to help defrost your windshield and other components. Defrosting is helpful since you don't have to scrape any ice or snow. You can use the defrost features by going into climate on the app and selecting "defrost."
Tesla recommends that you preheat your car 30 to 40 minutes before leaving; this ensures that the cabin is up to your desired temperature and that the defrosting feature has done its job.
Here is a YouTube video of the defrost feature in action.
Can You Leave A Tesla Unplugged For A Month?
No, if you plan to leave your vehicle for a long while, it's best to plug it in. Draining the battery of the Tesla to 0% may require you to jump-start it or replace the low-voltage battery.
Leaving your Tesla with an empty battery may permanently damage the car's components. Since your Tesla drains a small percent of your battery life every day, eventually, it will reach 0%; that's why it is a good idea to have the vehicle hooked up to its charger while not in use.
Can You Get A DUI In A Self-Driving Tesla?
Yes, you will get a DUI even if you're using the self-driving feature of the Tesla. Teslas are not fully autonomous vehicles and will still need input from the driver, so you must have the presence of mind at all times. Being under the influence prevents this.
Like with any other car on the road, you must be alert and in the right mind when driving a Tesla. If a law enforcement officer catches you under the influence, you will be charged and may pay a heavy fine.
Drinking and driving is never a good idea, even if your vehicle can somewhat drive itself. The best action for you is to call someone you know to pick you up or drive your car.
If you don't want anyone driving your vehicle, you can take a cab and return for your car the next day; this is for your safety and the safety of other motorists and pedestrians on the road. You can leave your Tesla in sentry mode if you want it to be extra secure.
Closing
Valet mode is a handy feature of the Tesla, especially if you're leaving your vehicle with strangers. The valet feature helps protect your belongings and information on your Tesla; you can deactivate this by entering the 4-digit pin code you set.
For more automotive topics and tips, check out the following posts.
Tesla Model 3 Subwoofer Not Working – Why And What To Do?
Tesla Model 3: Electrical System Backup Power Is Unavailable – What To Do?