Tesla Model 3: DIY Guide to Optimizing Safety Features After Collision Repair

Owning a Tesla Model 3 is a thrilling experience, but dealing with a collision can be stressful and worrying at the same time. You want to ensure your car is safe to drive again without any hidden issues lingering.

While Tesla-approved collision centers do a great job, We, Spectrum Auto check every small safety feature while checking the integrity of the vehicle before handing it over to you.  You can take these simple steps yourself to double-check and optimize your car’s safety features. 

Quick DIY Safety Checks After Collision Repair

Let us empower you with some simple DIY tips to address some of the common but critical concerns.

1. Recalibrate the Autopilot and Self-Driving Hardware

Making sure your Autopilot and self-driving systems are recalibrated is super important after a collision. These systems rely heavily on accurate data from sensors, cameras, and radar to function correctly.To kick off the recalibration process, head to the Service menu on your Tesla’s touchscreen, and select Camera Calibration. Follow the instructions. They usually involve driving on a clear and straight road so the cameras and sensors can get back in sync. Once you've done that, test the Autopilot in a safe, controlled environment. Find a low-traffic and straight road and engage the system. Pay close attention to how it handles lane-keeping, speed adjustments, and interactions with other vehicles. If something feels off, you might need further adjustments or a professional check-up! After all, having a properly functioning Autopilot is a crucial safety feature.

2. Verify Collision Avoidance Assist and Emergency Braking

Making sure your Collision Avoidance Assist and Emergency Braking are back in action is another priority. Go into the Autopilot settings on your Tesla’s interface and ensure both features are turned on. You can customize their sensitivity. But remember that higher sensitivity means better proactive safety measures. To make sure these systems are actually working, do some controlled tests in a safe area. Slowly approach a stationary object and see if the car alerts you and initiates braking. These tests confirm that the vehicle’s safety measures are working effectively.

3. Activate and Test Lane Departure Avoidance

Lane Departure Avoidance is a main feature to check.Go to the Autopilot section in your Controls menu and make sure Lane Departure Avoidance is enabled. You can set it to ‘Warning’ for audible alerts or Assist for gentle steering corrections.This simple test will ensure that your Lane Departure feature is working correctly and also adds safety to your driving experience.Try it out in a quiet area by intentionally drifting towards the lane markings. Ideally, the system should warn you or nudge the wheel to keep you in your lane. 

4. Check Blind Spot Monitoring

Having a reliable Blind Spot Monitoring system helps you stay aware of surrounding traffic, making lane changes much safer.So, confirm that your Blind Spot Monitoring system is functioning well. Head to the Autopilot settings to make sure Blind Spot Monitoring is turned on. This system will alert you about vehicles in your blind spots, typically through visual cues on the screen or side mirrors.Test it by driving on a multi-lane road with some traffic. Observe if the alerts pop up when other cars are in your blind spots. 

5. Monitor Tire Pressure with TPMS

Tire pressure is crucial for safe driving, and your Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) helps keep it in check. Regularly monitoring and maintaining proper tire pressure also improves fuel efficiency and tire life.First, manually check each tire’s pressure using a gauge, and compare it to the recommended PSI found on a sticker inside the driver’s door frame.Then, verify the readings on your Tesla’s display. Make sure all tires match the recommended pressure levels. 

6. Inspect All Exterior Lights

Properly working lights are essential for visibility and communication on the road, especially in low-light conditions or during nighttime driving.For an effective collision repair in West Nyack, inspect all your car’s exterior lights, like headlights, brake lights, turn signals, and tail lights. Turn on each set of lights individually and walk around your car to ensure they’re all functioning properly.Sometimes minor damages from a collision may affect wiring or light housings. If you find any lights not working, it’s usually a simple fix by replacing the bulb or checking the fuses. 

7. Test Your Horn and Windshield Wipers

Your horn and windshield wipers might seem secondary, but they’re critical for safety. It is essential for alerting other drivers or pedestrians in emergency situations.Check the windshield wipers for any signs of damage or wear. Make sure they clear the windshield effectively without leaving streaks. 

8. Run a Software Update

Keeping your software up-to-date ensures that all safety systems are functioning optimally.So make sure to check if your Tesla requires any software updates. New updates often include improvements to safety features and system performance. You can check for updates through the Software menu on your touchscreen.If an update is available, download and install it while parked. 

Why Trust a Tesla-Authorized Body Shop Over DIY Fixes

While DIY checks are great for additional peace of mind, taking your Tesla Model 3 to a Tesla-certified body shop like Spectrum Auto provides unparalleled assurance and accuracy in repairs. Our certified technicians for collision repair in West Nyack have specialized training and access to proprietary Tesla diagnostic tools and repair guidelines. We ensure that every component, from sensors to structural elements, meets Tesla’s stringent safety and performance standards. Plus, we can update your vehicle’s software and hardware to the latest specifications, something you can’t fully achieve on your own.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Can anybody shop repair a Tesla?

No, it’s highly recommended to use a Tesla-approved collision center. These centers have the specific training, tools, and genuine Tesla parts required to restore your vehicle to its original condition.

Will a collision affect my Tesla’s warranty?

Repairs done by a Tesla-certified body shop using genuine Tesla parts will not affect your vehicle’s warranty. Unauthorized repairs may void parts of your warranty, so choose your repair shop wisely.

Do I need to recalibrate the cameras and sensors after every collision?

Yes, in most cases, a recalibration of cameras and sensors is required. It's best to visit a Tesla Service Center for a professional calibration to ensure your Autopilot and other safety features function accurately.