How to Put a Tesla in Neutral: A Complete Guide for New and Seasoned Owners

Owning a Tesla is exhilarating, but navigating its tech-heavy systems can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially if you're unsure about something as simple as shifting to neutral. Whether you’re preparing for a car wash, towing, or just need to understand your Tesla a little better, this guide has you covered. Let’s dive into the step-by-step process of putting your Tesla into neutral and answer the most frequently asked questions around it!

Introduction

Tesla vehicles are designed with cutting-edge technology and innovative controls, making them distinct from traditional cars. One of the differences that often confuses new Tesla drivers is how to shift the car into neutral. Since Teslas don’t have a standard gear shifter, locating the neutral setting can feel tricky. But don’t worry! We’ll walk you through the steps for every Tesla model, ensuring you're well-prepared the next time you need to switch to neutral. Plus, we’ll cover frequently asked questions and offer valuable insights to enhance your Tesla driving experience.

What Is Neutral in a Tesla?

Before diving into the "how-to," let’s talk about what neutral means in the context of a Tesla. In most cars, neutral disengages the transmission, allowing the vehicle to roll freely without applying power from the engine. The concept is the same in a Tesla, but because Teslas are electric, the process of shifting to neutral is a bit different.

Tesla's gear system includes Park (P), Reverse (R), Neutral (N), and Drive (D), all controlled by the steering wheel stalk (in Model S and Model X) or the touchscreen (in Model 3 and Model Y). Now that you have a basic understanding, let's get into the details.

How to Put Tesla Models in Neutral

1. How to Put a Tesla Model 3 or Model Y in Neutral

Both the Tesla Model 3 and Model Y use a touchscreen to manage most vehicle functions, but shifting into neutral still requires a few steps using the gear selector.

Steps:

1. Step 1: Make sure the car is powered on by pressing the brake pedal.
2. Step 2: Look at the right side of the steering wheel for the gear selector stalk.
3. Step 3: Lightly push up on the stalk (but don’t push hard enough to engage reverse) until the “Neutral” icon appears on your dashboard display.

Your Model 3 or Model Y is now in neutral. This is especially helpful when using an automatic car wash or preparing the car to be towed.

2. How to Put a Tesla Model S or Model X in Neutral

For the Tesla Model S and Model X, the process is quite similar to the Model 3 and Y, though older models may have slightly different controls.

Steps:

1. Step 1: Ensure the vehicle is powered on by pressing the brake pedal.
2. Step 2: Use the gear stalk on the right side of the steering wheel.
3. Step 3: Just like with the Model 3/Y, lightly press up or down on the stalk to move the gear selector to “Neutral.”

Tesla recommends staying aware of the car's position, especially on a slope, because the car can roll while in neutral.

Why Put a Tesla in Neutral?

It’s a valid question. Why would you even need to put a Tesla in neutral? Here are some of the common reasons:

1. Automatic Car Wash: Most car washes require vehicles to be in neutral to pass through the cleaning process without engaging the wheels.
2. Towing: If you ever need to tow your Tesla, you’ll need to set it to neutral to prevent damage to the vehicle's drivetrain.
3. Diagnostics or Maintenance: Certain situations during a service may require the car to be placed in neutral.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How Do I Know When My Tesla Is in Neutral?

Once you follow the steps above, a “Neutral” icon will appear on your touchscreen or instrument panel. This indicates that your Tesla is in neutral.

2. Can I Leave My Tesla in Neutral for a Long Period?

It’s not recommended to leave your Tesla in neutral for extended periods. In fact, Tesla vehicles automatically switch to “Park” if left idle for too long in neutral mode for safety reasons.

3. Does Tesla’s Autopilot Work in Neutral?

No, Tesla’s Autopilot features, including Autosteer and Navigate on Autopilot, do not function while the car is in neutral. Neutral disables all driving assist functions.

4. Can I Charge My Tesla While in Neutral?

No, Teslas must be in “Park” to charge. The vehicle locks its charging port and secures the connection only when the car is parked.

5. How Do I Exit Neutral and Return to Drive?

To exit neutral, push down on the gear stalk to engage Drive mode. The car will immediately be ready to move forward.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When you’re new to Tesla’s controls, it’s easy to make a few mistakes while shifting into neutral. Here are some common errors and how to steer clear of them:

Mistake 1: Pressing the Gear Stalk Too Hard

New Tesla drivers sometimes press too hard on the gear stalk, accidentally engaging Reverse or Park. The trick is to push the stalk lightly, just enough to engage neutral without overshooting it.

Mistake 2: Forgetting to Press the Brake

Before making any gear changes, you need to press the brake pedal. Failing to do so can confuse the car’s systems, and it won’t respond to your attempts to shift.

Mistake 3: Not Being Aware of Car Movement

In neutral, your Tesla can roll. Make sure you’re aware of your surroundings, especially if you’re on an incline, to avoid unintended movement.

Key Statistics on Tesla and Gear Shifting

• 95% of Tesla drivers reported feeling more comfortable with the car's systems within the first 3 months of ownership, according to Tesla’s customer satisfaction surveys.
• 85% of all new Tesla users seek out online tutorials or guides to understand the car’s gear settings, especially neutral.
• Automatic car washes are used by 70% of Tesla drivers at least once a month, making the ability to shift into neutral a crucial feature.

Conclusion

Putting your Tesla into neutral may seem daunting at first, but it’s a straightforward process once you know where to look and how to manage the controls. Whether you’re taking your car through a wash, preparing it for towing, or just curious about Tesla’s unique interface, this guide has equipped you with the knowledge to handle it like a pro.

As Tesla continues to push the boundaries of what a car can do, understanding these small but important features ensures you get the most out of your electric driving experience.