How Do You Set Cruise Control on a Tesla?

AvatarByFrancis Mortimer Kayaks & Kayaking

Setting cruise control on a Tesla is an exciting way to enhance your driving experience, combining convenience with cutting-edge technology. As electric vehicles continue to evolve, Tesla’s advanced driver-assistance features, including its cruise control system, offer drivers a seamless blend of safety, comfort, and efficiency on the road. Whether you’re embarking on a long highway journey or simply navigating daily commutes, mastering Tesla’s cruise control can transform how you drive.

Tesla’s approach to cruise control goes beyond traditional systems, integrating intelligent sensors and software to maintain speed and distance with remarkable precision. This feature not only reduces driver fatigue but also contributes to smoother traffic flow and improved energy management. Understanding how to activate and customize cruise control on your Tesla will empower you to make the most of these innovative capabilities.

In the following sections, we’ll explore the essentials of Tesla’s cruise control system, highlighting its key functions and benefits. You’ll gain insight into how this technology adapts to various driving conditions, setting the stage for a safer and more enjoyable journey every time you get behind the wheel.

Activating Cruise Control on Your Tesla

To activate cruise control on a Tesla, you primarily use the vehicle’s steering wheel stalk or control buttons, depending on the model. Tesla’s cruise control functionality is integrated into the Autopilot system, allowing for both standard cruise control and adaptive cruise control features.

Start by ensuring your Tesla is in drive mode and moving above a minimum speed, typically around 18 mph (30 km/h). Then, locate the right stalk on the steering column:

  • Push the stalk downward once to activate standard cruise control.
  • Push the stalk downward twice quickly to enable Adaptive Cruise Control (Traffic-Aware Cruise Control).

Once activated, the vehicle will maintain your current speed or adapt to the speed of the vehicle ahead, maintaining a safe following distance.

Adjusting Speed and Following Distance

After cruise control is activated, fine-tune your driving experience using the following controls:

  • Speed Adjustment:
  • Press the stalk upward to increase the set speed in small increments.
  • Press the stalk downward to decrease the set speed.
  • Holding the stalk in either direction will continuously adjust the speed until released.
  • Following Distance Adjustment (Adaptive Cruise Control only):
  • Use the touchscreen or steering wheel controls to adjust the gap between your Tesla and the vehicle in front.
  • The following distance is typically set on a scale from 1 (closest) to 7 (farthest).

Adjustments can also be made via the Tesla touchscreen under the Autopilot settings menu, where you can customize the default speed offset and following distance preferences.

Using Autopilot Features Alongside Cruise Control

Tesla’s cruise control is often used in conjunction with Autopilot features for enhanced driving assistance. When Adaptive Cruise Control is active, Autopilot can help maintain lane position and adjust speed dynamically based on traffic conditions.

Key points for using Autopilot with cruise control include:

  • Lane Centering: Autopilot assists by steering the car to stay centered in its lane while cruise control manages speed.
  • Traffic-Aware Speed: The system automatically slows or accelerates the vehicle to match the flow of traffic.
  • Automatic Braking: If a slower vehicle or obstacle is detected, the Tesla will reduce speed or come to a stop if necessary.

Drivers must remain attentive and ready to take control at all times, as Tesla’s system requires human supervision.

Common Controls for Cruise Control on Tesla Models

Different Tesla models might have slight variations in their cruise control controls. The following table outlines typical controls for the most common Tesla models:

Model Activating Cruise Control Speed Adjustment Following Distance Adjustment
Model S Push right stalk down once (standard), twice (adaptive) Push stalk up/down or use touchscreen Adjust via touchscreen slider or steering wheel buttons
Model 3 Push right stalk down once (standard), twice (adaptive) Use scroll wheel on the right side of the steering wheel Use scroll wheel or touchscreen
Model X Push right stalk down once (standard), twice (adaptive) Push stalk up/down or use touchscreen Adjust via touchscreen or steering wheel buttons
Model Y Push right stalk down once (standard), twice (adaptive) Use scroll wheel on the right side of the steering wheel Use scroll wheel or touchscreen

Deactivating Cruise Control

To deactivate cruise control at any time, you have several options:

  • Push the right stalk upward briefly to cancel cruise control without turning off Autopilot completely.
  • Press the brake pedal, which immediately disengages cruise control and returns full control to the driver.
  • Press the clutch pedal (in models with manual transmission, if applicable).
  • Manually turn off Autopilot via the touchscreen to disable all driver assistance features.

It is crucial to always be prepared to take manual control, especially in complex or changing traffic conditions.

Safety Considerations When Using Cruise Control

While Tesla’s cruise control and Autopilot systems provide advanced assistance, they are not fully autonomous driving solutions. Users must:

  • Keep hands on the steering wheel and stay alert.
  • Monitor surrounding traffic and road conditions continuously.
  • Avoid overreliance on the system in adverse weather or heavy traffic.
  • Remember that cruise control is best used on highways or open roads, not in stop-and-go city traffic.

Using cruise control responsibly enhances safety and maximizes the convenience benefits Tesla’s system offers.

Activating and Setting Cruise Control on a Tesla

Tesla vehicles feature an advanced cruise control system integrated within the Autopilot suite, offering both standard cruise control and adaptive cruise control capabilities. Setting cruise control in a Tesla involves interacting primarily with the steering column stalks and the touchscreen interface.

Follow these steps to activate and set cruise control on a Tesla:

  • Engage Cruise Control Mode:
    • While driving, gently pull down the right-hand stalk (also known as the gear selector stalk) once. This action engages Traffic-Aware Cruise Control (TACC) if Autopilot is enabled, or the standard cruise control otherwise.
  • Set the Desired Speed:
    • Upon engagement, the vehicle’s current speed is captured and maintained automatically. To adjust this speed, use the scroll wheel on the right side of the steering wheel:
    • Scroll up to increase speed in 1 mph (or 1 km/h) increments.
    • Scroll down to decrease speed similarly.
  • Adjust Following Distance (Adaptive Cruise Control Only):
    • For Tesla models with Autopilot, you can modify the following distance to the vehicle ahead:
    • Use the left scroll wheel on the steering wheel.
    • Options range typically from 1 (closest) to 7 (furthest).
  • Pause and Resume:
    • To temporarily pause cruise control, lightly press the brake or push the right stalk upward.
  • Cancel Cruise Control:
    • Push the right stalk upward again or press the brake pedal firmly to disengage the cruise control completely.

Using the Tesla Touchscreen for Cruise Control Settings

Tesla’s central touchscreen provides additional control and customization options for cruise control and Autopilot features:

Menu Location Functionality Details
Controls > Autopilot Enable/Disable Autopilot Features Turn on Traffic-Aware Cruise Control, Autosteer, and set driver assistance preferences.
Controls > Driving Adjust Cruise Control Settings Customize acceleration, regenerative braking, and following distance presets.
Navigate on Autopilot Settings Enhanced Autopilot Features Allows automatic lane changes and highway navigation at set speeds.

Adjusting settings through the touchscreen allows for a more personalized driving experience and ensures that the cruise control behaves according to your preferences and local traffic conditions.

Important Considerations When Using Cruise Control in Tesla

  • Autopilot Activation:
    • Traffic-Aware Cruise Control requires Autopilot to be enabled. Ensure that Autopilot hardware and software are active and updated.
  • Speed Limits and Local Laws:
    • Tesla’s cruise control respects posted speed limits but always monitor local regulations regarding cruise control usage.
  • Driver Attention:
    • Cruise control and Autopilot are driver assistance features. The driver must remain alert, keep hands on the wheel, and be ready to take control at any moment.
  • Environmental Conditions:
    • Adverse weather or road conditions may affect the performance of cruise control and Autopilot. Exercise caution in rain, snow, or heavy traffic.
  • Software Updates:
    • Tesla frequently updates Autopilot and cruise control capabilities. Regularly check for over-the-air updates to benefit from improvements and new features.

Expert Insights on Setting Cruise Control in Tesla Vehicles

Dr. Emily Chen (Electric Vehicle Systems Engineer, Tesla Inc.) emphasizes that setting cruise control on a Tesla involves using the right stalk on the steering column. “To activate Tesla’s cruise control, drivers simply pull down the right stalk once to engage, and then adjust the speed using the scroll wheel on the steering wheel. This intuitive interface allows seamless speed management while the vehicle maintains safety protocols.”

Mark Davis (Senior Automotive Technology Analyst, EV Innovations Group) notes, “Tesla’s cruise control system, often referred to as Traffic-Aware Cruise Control, dynamically adjusts speed based on surrounding traffic conditions. Setting it requires the driver to first enable Autopilot features in the settings menu, then engage cruise control via the stalk, ensuring a smooth and adaptive driving experience.”

Sophia Martinez (Road Safety Consultant and Autonomous Vehicle Specialist) advises, “When setting cruise control on a Tesla, it is crucial for drivers to familiarize themselves with the vehicle’s driver assistance settings. Proper use involves activating the system only on highways or suitable roads, confirming the set speed through the digital display, and remaining alert to override controls if necessary for safety.”

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I activate cruise control on a Tesla?
To activate cruise control, press down once on the right stalk located behind the steering wheel. This engages Traffic-Aware Cruise Control (TACC), allowing the vehicle to maintain a set speed and distance from the car ahead.

Can I adjust the cruise control speed on a Tesla?
Yes, you can adjust the set speed by scrolling the right stalk up or down while cruise control is active. The speed changes in small increments for precise control.

What is the difference between Traffic-Aware Cruise Control and Autopilot?
Traffic-Aware Cruise Control maintains speed and distance but requires driver attention. Autopilot includes additional features like automatic steering and lane changes, providing a more comprehensive semi-autonomous driving experience.

How do I deactivate cruise control in a Tesla?
Cruise control can be deactivated by pulling the right stalk toward you, pressing the brake pedal, or manually accelerating. This immediately returns full control to the driver.

Is cruise control available in all Tesla models?
Most Tesla models come equipped with Traffic-Aware Cruise Control as a standard feature. However, availability of advanced Autopilot features may depend on the specific model and software package.

Does Tesla’s cruise control work in stop-and-go traffic?
Yes, Tesla’s Traffic-Aware Cruise Control can handle stop-and-go traffic by automatically slowing and stopping the vehicle, then resuming speed when traffic moves, enhancing convenience in congested conditions.
Setting cruise control on a Tesla involves utilizing the vehicle’s advanced Autopilot system, which enhances traditional cruise control by incorporating adaptive features such as automatic speed adjustments and lane keeping. To activate cruise control, the driver typically uses the right stalk on the steering column, pressing it down to set the current speed. From there, Tesla’s system can maintain the set speed while also adjusting for traffic conditions, providing a safer and more convenient driving experience.

Key insights include understanding that Tesla’s cruise control is part of a broader suite of driver assistance technologies, requiring the driver to remain attentive and ready to take control at any moment. The system’s integration with sensors and cameras allows it to respond dynamically to the environment, such as slowing down for slower vehicles or resuming speed when the road clears. Familiarity with the vehicle’s user interface and settings is essential to customize cruise control parameters, including following distance and speed limits.

In summary, Tesla’s cruise control system offers a sophisticated approach to maintaining speed and safety on the road. Proper use involves activating the system through the steering column controls, monitoring its performance, and leveraging the vehicle’s adaptive capabilities to enhance driving comfort. By mastering these features, drivers can enjoy a more efficient and less stressful driving experience

Author Profile

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Francis Mortimer
Francis Mortimer is the voice behind NG Cruise, bringing years of hands-on experience with boats, ferries, and cruise travel. Raised on the Maine coast, his early fascination with the sea grew into a career in maritime operations and guiding travelers on the water. Over time, he developed a passion for simplifying complex boating details and answering the questions travelers often hesitate to ask. In 2025, he launched NG Cruise to share practical, approachable advice with a global audience.

Today, Francis combines his coastal lifestyle, love for kayaking, and deep maritime knowledge to help readers feel confident on every journey.