Add new comment

Tesla has fundamentally reshaped the automotive landscape. The Model S was once a revolutionary proof of concept, and the Model Y, now the best-selling family hauler, represents a level of technology and ambition that would make Henry Ford blush. With their sleek designs, blistering acceleration, and impressive ranges, these vehicles embody the spirit of American innovation. Yet, for all their technological prowess, these cars often ask more from their drivers than they might be ready to give.

Navigating Tesla’s Tech Quirks

Take the case of Ethel A. Kunz, who recently turned to the Tesla Tips and Tricks Facebook group for guidance. 

"Has this ever happened to anyone?" 

She asked. 

"As I pass the same spot on this road every time, my side mirrors close and open again? So strange." 

A fellow user helpfully chimed in,

 "Auto fold at that location, clear that location." 

While this exchange feels emblematic of the Tesla community’s collaborative spirit, it also highlights a glaring truth, for all their user-friendliness, Teslas often bewilder those who aren’t fluent in tech-speak or intimately familiar with the finer points of a software-driven car.

Adapting to the Tesla Experience

The issue isn’t just the occasional glitch or quirk. Teslas require a mindset shift, asking drivers to reframe their expectations of what a car does and how it behaves. The minimalist interiors, dominated by a single touchscreen, strip away the tactile familiarity of knobs and buttons in favor of a software-driven interface. For the uninitiated, even simple tasks, such as adjusting mirrors, changing drive modes, or clearing a persistent notification, can feel like a minor ordeal. 

But here’s the deal, despite these concerns. Teslas are among the safest vehicles on the road. Their suite of active safety systems, including Autopilot and collision-avoidance technology, makes them very difficult to crash.

Tesla Autopilot Unveiled, Features and Safety Innovations

• Tesla's Autopilot is an advanced driver assistance system designed to enhance safety and convenience by enabling features such as automatic steering, acceleration, and braking within a lane. Despite its capabilities, it requires active driver supervision and does not make the vehicle autonomous. 
• The system includes functionalities like Traffic-Aware Cruise Control, which adjusts speed in response to surrounding traffic, and Autosteer, which assists in maintaining the vehicle's position within a lane. These features aim to reduce the driver's workload during various driving conditions. 
• Tesla continues to develop its Full Self-Driving (FSD) capability, which is intended to navigate on city streets, recognize and respond to traffic signals and stop signs, and perform automated lane changes. As of early 2025, FSD remains in a supervised mode, requiring driver attention, and has not yet achieved full autonomy.

Overcoming Tesla’s Software Challenges

Yet, these cars aren’t without their growing pains. Tesla’s software-centric approach means that the driving experience is as much about understanding code as it is about understanding roads.

For tech-savvy drivers, the Model S and Model Y are an extension of their smartphones, a symphony of software and sensors. For others, they can feel more like a riddle wrapped in a touchscreen, held together by Wi-Fi updates.

7 Game‑Changing Features Revolutionizing Safety and Performance

• Tesla continuously enhances its vehicles with over‑the‑air software updates that not only add new features but also optimize performance and safety without requiring a trip to the service center.
• Advanced connectivity allows Tesla vehicles to deliver real‑time data to both drivers and service teams, enabling proactive maintenance and ensuring that potential issues are addressed before they become critical.
• By leveraging insights from its vast global fleet, Tesla refines its Autopilot algorithms and safety systems continuously, resulting in improved real‑world performance and enhanced situational awareness for drivers.

Still, even skeptics can’t ignore what Tesla has accomplished. The company has made electric vehicles aspirational, fast, and (relatively) affordable, all while dragging the industry kicking and screaming into the 21st century. Their dominance of the Supercharger network is a case in point. 

While traditional automakers are scrambling to build cohesive charging solutions, Tesla has already constructed a sprawling, global network that’s now open to competitors like Lucid Air and Lucid Gravity. It’s a move that not only reinforces Tesla’s leadership in EV infrastructure but also signals a maturing industry.

Tesla’s Supercharger Advantage

The fact that a rival like Lucid can tap into Tesla’s Supercharger network says as much about Tesla’s vision as it does about its competitors' struggles. Lucid’s vehicles are stunning feats of engineering, but their reliance on Tesla’s charging infrastructure highlights just how far ahead Tesla remains. It’s a testament to the company’s foresight and its ability to think beyond the car itself, creating an ecosystem that rivals anything in Silicon Valley or Detroit.

Ultimately, the Model S and Model Y embody a quintessentially American spirit: bold, innovative, and, at times, maddeningly complex. They may not be perfect, but perfection isn’t the point. They are machines that challenge convention, reward curiosity, and demand adaptation. For those willing to embrace the Tesla experience, quirks and all, they offer something extraordinary, a glimpse into the future of mobility, today.

Noah Washington is an automotive journalist based in Atlanta, Georgia. He enjoys covering the latest news in the automotive industry and conducting reviews on the latest cars. He has been in the automotive industry since 15 years old and has been featured in prominent automotive news sites. You can reach him on X and LinkedIn for tips and to follow his automotive coverage.