Tesla Model 3: Adjust the Following Distance

To adjust the following distance you want to maintain between Model 3 and a vehicle traveling ahead of you, press the steering wheel's right scroll button to the left or right to choose a setting from 1 (the closest following distance) to 7 (the longest following distance). Each setting corresponds to a timebased distance that represents how long it takes for Model 3, from its current location, to reach the location of the rear bumper of the vehicle ahead of you.

You can also display and adjust the setting for the following distance on the touchscreen at any time, even when Traffic-Aware Cruise Control is not active. Touch Controls > Autopilot > Cruise Follow Distance, then adjust the following distance by touching plus (+) or minus (-).

As you adjust the following distance, the touchscreen displays the current setting.

Note: Your setting is retained until you manually change it.

Warning: It is the driver's responsibility to determine and maintain a safe following distance at all times. Do not rely on Traffic-Aware Cruise Control to maintain an accurate or appropriate following distance.

Warning: Never depend on Traffic-Aware Cruise Control to adequately slow down Model 3 to avoid a collision. Always watch the road in front of you and stay prepared to take immediate corrective action.

Overtake Acceleration

When following a vehicle with Traffic-Aware Cruise Control active, briefly engaging the turn signal (to indicate a move into the passing lane) accelerates Model 3 towards the vehicle ahead. By momentarily holding the turn signal lever up or down, you can quickly accelerate up to your set speed without having to press the accelerator pedal. The turn signal causes acceleration only when all of the following conditions are met:

• Traffic-Aware Cruise Control is operating and detects a vehicle in front of you.
• No obstacles or vehicles are detected in the target lane.
• Model 3 is traveling below the set speed, but over 45 mph (72 km/h).

Overtake Acceleration is intended as an aid when passing a vehicle ahead of you. When the turn signal is engaged, Traffic-Aware Cruise Control continues to maintain distance from the vehicle ahead, but allows you to drive slightly closer than your selected distance.

Acceleration cancels when one of the conditions happen:

• You reach your set cruising speed.
• Changing lanes takes too long.
• Model 3 gets too close to the vehicle ahead.

OR

• You disengage the turn signal.

Note: Overtake Acceleration occurs when you hold the turn signal in the momentary position (partially engaged). When you release the turn signal, Model 3 stops accelerating (in the same way as when you release the accelerator pedal) and resumes the set speed.

Warning: Overtake Acceleration can cancel for many unforeseen reasons in addition to those listed above (for example, lack of GPS data). Stay alert and never depend on Overtake Acceleration to increase your driving speed.

Warning: Overtake Acceleration increases your driving speed whenever the appropriate turn signal is engaged, and accelerates Model 3 closer to the vehicle ahead. Although Traffic-Aware Cruise Control continues to maintain distance from the vehicle ahead, it is important to be aware that your selected following distance is reduced when Overtake Acceleration is active, particularly in cases where it may not be your intention to overtake the vehicle you are following.

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