My First Week with a Tesla Car: Surprises and Tips

After years of hearing about Tesla’s incredible cars and seeing them everywhere, I finally decided to take the leap and buy one. My excitement was off the charts—I’d spent weeks researching, watching videos, and imagining what it would be like to drive a Tesla. But even with all that preparation, my first week with the car was filled with surprises, adjustments, and valuable lessons.

In this article, I’ll share what my first week was like, from the unexpected discoveries I made to the little adjustments that helped me settle in as a new Tesla owner.

I’ll also include tips that would have saved me time and effort if I’d known them from the start. If you’re thinking about buying a Tesla or are new to the Tesla world, I hope my experience can help make your first week a bit smoother.

Getting Used to the Charging Routine

The first adjustment was figuring out how to charge my Tesla. After years of driving gas cars, the idea of “refueling” by plugging my car into an outlet felt strange. Here’s what I learned about charging in my first week:

Home Charging is Key: I quickly realized how convenient it is to have a charging setup at home. I had a Level 2 Wall Connector installed in my garage, which allows me to charge my car overnight and wake up to a full battery every morning. Setting up home charging will save you time and make ownership much more enjoyable if you’re thinking about getting a Tesla.
Understanding Charging Levels: I discovered that there are different charging levels. Level 1 uses a regular household outlet but is very slow, adding about 3-5 miles of range per hour. Level 2, which I have at home, is faster and perfect for overnight charging, while Superchargers are the fastest but meant for longer trips. Knowing when to use each type of charger was one of my first valuable lessons.
Charging Habits and Off-Peak Hours: Charging at night during off-peak hours can save money, as many utility companies offer lower rates. I set my car to start charging late at night, which kept my energy costs lower. Using Tesla’s app to schedule off-peak charging was easy, and it was nice to save money while still waking up to a fully charged battery.

Getting Comfortable with Autopilot and Tesla’s Unique Driving Experience

One of the biggest reasons I was excited about getting a Tesla was Autopilot. I’d heard so much about it, and I couldn’t wait to try it out. But even though I was eager, there was a bit of a learning curve at first.

Trying Out Autopilot for the First Time: On my first highway drive, I tried Autopilot. At first, it felt strange to let the car handle things like speed and steering, and I was definitely a little nervous. But after a few minutes, I started to relax and let Autopilot do its job. It was smooth and responsive, keeping me centered in the lane and adjusting speed based on traffic. While I kept my hands on the wheel and stayed alert, Autopilot made the drive more relaxing.
Knowing When Not to Use Autopilot: I quickly learned that Autopilot isn’t ideal for every situation. On narrow roads, sharp curves, or in heavy city traffic, I found that it was better to stay in control manually. Tesla’s Autopilot is amazing on highways, but it’s not a fully self-driving system, so knowing when to use it is key.
One-Pedal Driving and Regenerative Braking: One of the unique things about driving a Tesla is regenerative braking. When I lift my foot off the accelerator, the car slows down and recaptures energy to recharge the battery slightly. This “one-pedal driving” took a few days to get used to, but once I did, I found it very smooth and convenient. Plus, it saves wear on the brakes!

Exploring Tesla’s Interior Features and Touchscreen Controls

Tesla’s interior is unlike any other car I’ve driven. The first thing that stands out is the large touchscreen in the center, which controls nearly everything in the car. Here’s what I discovered about using it in my first week.

Learning the Touchscreen Controls: The touchscreen is the heart of the Tesla, controlling everything from navigation to climate settings. At first, it felt a bit overwhelming, but after a few days, I got the hang of it. Tesla’s interface is intuitive, and I loved that I could adjust settings with a tap or two.
Entertainment Options: One of the fun surprises was the entertainment options. The car comes with built-in streaming services like Netflix and YouTube, plus games. I hadn’t expected my car to double as a mini movie theater, but it’s been a fun feature, especially when I’m waiting for the car to charge.
Climate Controls and “Camp Mode”: The Tesla’s climate system is also controlled through the touchscreen. It has unique features like “Camp Mode,” which keeps the car comfortable if you’re sleeping inside. While I haven’t tried sleeping in my car yet, I can see how this would be useful on a road trip.

Adapting to Tesla’s Minimal Maintenance Needs

Coming from a gas car, I was used to regular oil changes, air filters, and other maintenance tasks. With a Tesla, I discovered that maintenance is much simpler.

No Oil Changes: One of the biggest differences is that there’s no need for oil changes, which is a nice time and cost saver. Tesla’s electric motor doesn’t require oil, so that’s one less thing to worry about.
Tire Rotation and Washer Fluid: Most of the maintenance has been basic, like tire rotations and topping up the windshield washer fluid. Tesla recommends a tire rotation every 10,000 miles, and I keep an eye on my tire pressure, which is easy to do through the app.
Battery Health: In my first week, I learned about the importance of managing battery health. Tesla recommends setting a charging limit for everyday use (between 50% and 90%) to protect the battery. I keep my charging limit at 80% for daily driving and only charge to 100% before a long trip.

Discovering Hidden Tesla Features

One of the most enjoyable parts of owning a Tesla has been discovering unique features that you won’t find in other cars. Here are a few I stumbled upon in my first week:

Dog Mode: This feature keeps the cabin at a comfortable temperature for pets and displays a message that they’re safe. As a pet owner, I was thrilled to have this feature for quick stops.
Sentry Mode: Tesla’s Sentry Mode uses the car’s cameras to monitor its surroundings when parked. It records any activity near the car, providing extra security. I felt more comfortable parking in busy areas knowing that Sentry Mode was active.
Over-the-Air Updates: Unlike traditional cars, Tesla regularly releases software updates that add new features or improve existing ones. During my first week, I received an update that included new voice commands. It felt like getting a new car feature without leaving my driveway!

Adapting to Tesla’s Minimalistic Design and Controls

Tesla’s minimalist interior is sleek and futuristic but requires some adaptation, especially if you’re used to traditional controls and layouts.

Getting Used to the Instrument Cluster: Unlike most cars, Tesla’s primary information, like speed and navigation, is on the central touchscreen. It took me a few days to get used to checking the touchscreen instead of a typical instrument cluster, but now it feels natural.
Voice Commands for Convenience: With fewer buttons, voice commands help make common actions easier. Commands like “navigate to home” or “turn on the windshield wipers” keep my focus on the road while still giving me control over the car’s settings.
Haptic Buttons on the Steering Wheel: Tesla’s steering wheel includes touch-sensitive buttons for easy access to volume, Autopilot, and other controls. These haptic buttons were new to me, but they quickly became second nature, making it easy to manage settings while driving.

Managing Range Anxiety and Efficient Driving

Range anxiety was one of my biggest concerns before getting a Tesla, but I learned a lot about managing it in my first week.

Planning My Routes: I found that planning my routes helped reduce range anxiety. Tesla’s navigation system includes charging stops, making it easy to see where I need to charge if I’m going on a longer drive.
Understanding the Impact of Speed and Climate Control: Driving habits can affect range, so I learned to adjust my speed and use climate control wisely to maximize efficiency. For example, driving at moderate speeds and setting the climate to a comfortable, but not extreme, level helped preserve battery life.
Supercharging for Road Trips: I tried out a Supercharger on the weekend to see how fast it charged. Superchargers are very quick and add about 150 miles in 15-20 minutes, which is convenient. While I still prefer charging at home, it’s nice to know that Superchargers are available when I need them.

Using Tesla’s Mobile App for Control and Convenience

Tesla’s mobile app is incredibly useful and quickly became an essential tool for managing my car.

Remote Control: Through the app, I can control charging, lock or unlock doors, and even open the trunk or frunk. This is especially handy if I need to access the car without carrying the key.
Charging Management: The app allows me to set charging schedules and limits, making it easy to manage off-peak charging. I’ve used this feature every night to save money while ensuring the car is charged for the next day.
Locating My Car: The app’s “Locate Your Vehicle” feature is a lifesaver in crowded parking lots, letting me find my car easily without wandering around.
Sentry Mode Alerts: The app notifies me if Sentry Mode detects activity near the car, adding peace of mind and keeping me connected to the car’s security.

Reflecting on Tesla’s Environmental Impact

One of the reasons I chose Tesla was its eco-friendly benefits. Driving an electric car, especially one as energy-efficient as a Tesla, feels good for both my wallet and the environment.

Carbon Footprint: Driving a Tesla means I’m not contributing to air pollution like a gas car would, and I feel better about reducing my carbon footprint.
Charging with Renewable Energy: I opted for a green energy provider to make my home charging even more eco-friendly. Knowing that my car is powered by renewable energy makes the whole experience feel even better.

First Impressions on Performance and Handling

Tesla’s performance was one of the biggest surprises. Here’s how it impressed me:

Instant Torque: Tesla’s electric motor provides instant torque, making acceleration much faster and smoother than a gas car. It’s a thrill every time I press the pedal, and the car feels incredibly responsive.
Handling and Stability: Thanks to its low center of gravity, my Tesla handles corners beautifully, feeling both stable and agile.
Driving Modes: Tesla’s “Chill” mode for smoother acceleration and “Sport” mode for more responsiveness add versatility to the driving experience, making it adaptable to my mood and needs.

Final Tips for New Tesla Owners

After my first week, I picked up some tips that would have made my transition smoother:

Take Your Time with the Settings: Spend time exploring the many customization options, from steering modes to Autopilot settings. Adjusting these settings to suit your preferences makes a big difference.
Plan Charging Around Your Schedule: Home charging is easiest overnight, but you can also plug in whenever you’re home for a few hours. Planning around your schedule makes charging feel effortless.
Learn the Basic Voice Commands: Tesla’s voice commands keep you focused on the road. Commands like “navigate to home” or “open glovebox” are quick and convenient.

In conclusion, My first week with a Tesla was an exciting experience filled with surprises, adjustments, and plenty of learning. From figuring out charging routines to exploring the car’s unique features and joining a supportive community, I quickly fell in love with Tesla ownership.

If you’re a new Tesla owner or considering making the switch, I hope these tips and insights help make your first week smoother. There’s a bit of a learning curve, but once you settle in, owning a Tesla is an enjoyable, convenient, and fulfilling experience.