Tesla Model S: Changing the Cruising Speed

Roll the right scroll wheel up to increase, or down to decrease, the set speed. Slowly rolling the scroll wheel changes the set speed in 1 mph (1 km/h) increments and quickly rolling the scroll wheel changes the set speed to the closest 5 mph (5 km/h) increment.

NOTE: It may take a few seconds for Model S to reach the new cruising speed, assuming Model S is not cruising behind a vehicle that is driving slower than your set speed.

Cruising at the Set Speed

Traffic-Aware Cruise Control maintains your set cruising speed whenever a vehicle is not detected in front of Model S. When cruising behind a detected vehicle, Traffic-Aware Cruise Control accelerates and decelerates Model S as needed to maintain a chosen following distance (see Adjust the Following Distance), up to the set speed.

Traffic-Aware Cruise Control also adjusts the cruising speed when entering and exiting curves.

You can manually accelerate at any time when cruising at a set speed, but when you release the accelerator, Traffic-Aware Cruise Control resumes cruising at the set speed.

NOTE: When Traffic-Aware Cruise Control is actively slowing down Model S to maintain the selected distance from the vehicle ahead, brake lights turn on to alert other road users that you are slowing down. You may notice slight movement of the brake pedal. However, when Traffic-Aware Cruise Control is accelerating Model S, the accelerator pedal does not move.

WARNING: Traffic-Aware Cruise Control may occasionally cause Model S to brake when not required or when you are not expecting it. This can be caused by closely following a vehicle ahead, detecting vehicles or objects in adjacent lanes (especially on curves), etc.

WARNING: Due to limitations inherent in the onboard GPS (Global Positioning System), you may experience situations in which Model S slows down, especially near exits or off -ramps where a curve is detected and/or you are navigating to a destination and not following the route.

WARNING: Traffic-Aware Cruise Control may not detect all objects and, especially when cruising over 50 mph (80 km/h), may not brake/decelerate when a vehicle or object is only partially in the driving lane or when a vehicle you are following moves out of your driving path and a stationary or slow-moving vehicle or object is in front of you. Always pay attention to the road ahead and stay prepared to take immediate corrective action. Depending on Traffic-Aware Cruise Control to avoid a collision can result in serious injury or death. In addition, Traffic-Aware Cruise Control may react to vehicles or objects that either do not exist, or are not in your lane of travel, causing Model S to slow down unnecessarily or inappropriately.

WARNING: Traffic-Aware Cruise Control may be unable to provide adequate speed control because of limited braking capability and hills. It can also misjudge the distance from a vehicle ahead. Driving downhill can increase driving speed, causing Model S to exceed your set speed (and potentially the road's speed limit). Never depend on Traffic-Aware Cruise Control to slow down Model S enough to prevent a collision. Always keep your eyes on the road when driving and be prepared to take corrective action as needed. Depending on Traffic-Aware Cruise Control to reduce your driving speed enough to prevent a collision can result in serious injury or death.

READ NEXT: