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20 Tesla settings worth changing, with 2026 menu paths

The Tesla settings worth changing on Model Y and Model 3, with the current 2026 menu paths, what each does, and the names that changed this year.

Last verified 25 September 2026 against Tesla’s owner’s manuals and support pages

Short answer

Twenty settings worth reviewing, grouped by menu: five for locking, six for safety and security, four for driving, three for display and lights, and two for charging and software. Each entry gives the 2026 menu path and why you might change it. Several menus were renamed in 2024–2026, so older guides may point to settings that no longer exist under that name.

Locks and keys

  1. Walk-Away Door Lock · Controls › Locks. Locks when you walk away with a phone key; add Exclude Home for your garage.
  2. Unlock on Park · Controls › Locks. Turn off if doors should stay locked when you stop.
  3. Driver Door Unlock Mode · Controls › Locks. The first unlock opens only the driver door, useful when you arrive alone.
  4. Close Windows on Lock · Controls › Locks. Closes windows when the car locks; still check that they closed.
  5. Car Left Open Notifications · Controls › Locks. An app alert for an open door, trunk or window.

Safety and security

  1. PIN to Drive · Controls › Safety. A 4-digit PIN before driving, even with a valid key.
  2. Glovebox PIN · Controls › Safety. A separate PIN for the glovebox; it still opens in Valet Mode.
  3. Sentry Mode exclusions · Controls › Safety › Sentry Mode. Exclude Home, Work or Favorites so Sentry stays off where the car is safe and uses less energy.
  4. Dashcam · Controls › Safety. Save clips automatically, manually or on honk. 2026 software adds Encrypt Dashcam Recordings, which Tesla recommends.
  5. Joe Mode · Controls › Safety. Lowers the volume of non-critical chimes, useful with sleeping passengers.
  6. Cabin Overheat Protection · Controls › Safety. On, No A/C (fan only) or Off. It works above 40 °C (105 °F) for up to 12 hours; choose Off or No A/C to save energy when you don’t need it.

Driving

  1. Acceleration · Controls › Dynamics. Chill gives a smoother ride and, according to Tesla, helps range and winter heating efficiency.
  2. Steering Weight · Controls › Dynamics. Light, Standard or Heavy (formerly Steering Mode); not on every trim.
  3. Deceleration Mode (Model Y 2025+) · Controls › Dynamics. Reduced coasts farther; Standard gives maximum regenerative braking. Model 3 2024+ has no regen level setting in its manual.
  4. Forward Collision Warning · Controls › Self-Driving (Autopilot on older software). Early, Medium or Late. In Europe, it resets to Medium at the start of every drive.

Display and lights

  1. Automatic Blind Spot Camera · Controls › Display. Shows the side camera when you indicate. It does not replace a shoulder check.
  2. Headlights After Exit · Controls › Lights. Keeps the lights on for up to a minute after you park in the dark, or until you lock.
  3. Mirror Auto Tilt and Auto Fold · Controls › Mirrors. Tilt the mirrors down in Reverse; turn Auto Fold off when ice is expected. Folding mirrors are not on every trim.

Charging and software

  1. Schedule · Controls › Schedule (formerly Scheduled Departure). Precondition and charge for your departure time; set it to repeat.
  2. Software updates · Controls › Software. Standard or Advanced (Advanced is not early access). Installed updates cannot be rolled back. 2026 software adds Automatically Install Updates at 2 a.m. at Home with more than 10 % charge.

Names that changed recently

  • Autopilot menu → Self-Driving (from 2026.2.9).
  • Pedals & Steering → Dynamics on Model 3 and Model Y. Model S still shows Pedals & Steering.
  • Steering Mode → Steering Weight (Light, Standard, Heavy).
  • Dog Mode → Pet Mode (from 2026.14).
  • Scheduled Departure → Schedule.
  • Stopping Mode (Creep, Roll, Hold) is not available on Model 3 and Model Y built from about January 2024.

Tesla says release notes take precedence over the manual, so check Controls › Software › Release Notes after each update.

Europe and Model 3 differences

  • In Europe, the speed-limit chime (Intelligent Speed Assist) can be muted for the current drive but not switched off.
  • Forward Collision Warning has no Off option in the European manual and resets every drive.
  • On Model 3 2024+, the Performance acceleration mode is called Insane, and Automatic Turn Signals can cancel the indicator automatically (Controls › Lights).
  • Equipment varies: some cars have Auto High Beam instead of Adaptive Headlights, or tyre pressure warnings without readings.

Questions

Where did Stopping Mode go?

Tesla’s manual for older Model Y says Stopping Modes are unavailable for vehicles built from about January 2024. Current Model 3 and Model Y hold the car at a stop instead.

Why do my settings reset in Europe?

Some driver-assistance warnings are required to start active on every drive in Europe. Tesla’s European manual says Forward Collision Warning returns to Medium and the speed chime can only be muted for the current drive.

Do these settings follow me to another Tesla?

Many do, through your Tesla Profile, which syncs settings across your Tesla vehicles. Link your driver profile to your key so the car selects it automatically.

Sources

Tesla features change with software updates; check the linked source for your car. Handlefree is independent and not affiliated with Tesla, Inc. Use vehicle controls only beside your parked car with the area clear.

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