Tesla’s cruise control, also known as Traffic-Aware Cruise Control, detects vehicles in front of the same lane. This feature reduces the Tesla’s speed to sustain a time-based distance from the vehicle in front to the selected speed.
Traffic-Aware Cruise Control maintains a certain driving speed if the area in front of the Tesla is clear. Tesla Cruise control unavailable means that the Traffic-Aware Cruise Control feature is not available for use at the moment.
How Does Tesla Cruise Control Mechanism Work?
Tesla cruise control is a system that can adjust the vehicle’s speed based on traffic and road conditions. Depending on the model, the system can be enabled by pressing or pulling down a stalk on the steering wheel column.
The cruising speed can be changed by rolling a scroll wheel on the steering wheel. The driver is responsible for cruising at a safe speed and following the speed limits. The system can be turned off by pressing or pulling up the stalk.
When there are no obstacles in front of the car, Traffic-Aware Cruise Control will maintain a fixed driving speed. If the car detects another vehicle, it will automatically slow down to maintain a selected time-based distance from the car in front, up to the set speed.
Although Traffic-Aware Cruise Control can be a helpful tool, it does not replace the responsibility of the driver to keep their eyes on the road and brake manually when necessary. This feature is best suited for use on straight, dry highways.
To use Traffic-Aware Cruise Control, certain conditions must be met:
- No vehicle is detected ahead of the vehicle.
- If a vehicle is detected, the vehicle is at least 1.5 m behind the detected vehicle.
- Must drive at least 30 km/h unless the vehicle and environmental conditions allow it at lower speeds.
Why is Cruise Control Important?
Cruise control is a feature that allows the driver to set a desired speed and maintain it without pressing the accelerator pedal. This can reduce driver fatigue, improve fuel efficiency, and enhance safety.
Cruise control is especially useful for driving on highways or roads with consistent speed limits.
Tesla vehicles have a more advanced version of cruise control called Autopilot, which can also automatically steer, brake, and change lanes.
Autopilot uses cameras, radar, and sensors to monitor the road and the surrounding traffic. Autopilot can make driving more convenient and comfortable, but it still requires the driver to pay attention and be ready to take over at any time.
What are the Symptoms of Tesla Cruise Control Unavailable?
There are some symptoms that indicate that Tesla’s cruise control is unavailable. Here are some of the most common symptoms:
- A message on the dashboard states, “Cruise control unavailable” or “Autopilot features temporarily unavailable.”
- The circle with the cruise control speed set disappears.
- Navigate on Autopilot disappears.
- Rebooting the car or powering off and restarting is ineffective in resolving the issue.
Reasons Behind the Tesla Cruise Control Unavailable and Their Solutions
there have been reports of the cruise control becoming unavailable. The cruise control may not be available or may cancel in the following situations:
1. Pressing the Brake Pedal
If you press the brake pedal while using cruise control, it will disengage the feature.
The Fix:
To prevent this problem from happening, release the brake pedal before engaging Traffic-Aware Cruise Control.
2. Exceeding the Maximum Cruising Speed
If you exceed the maximum cruising speed set by your vehicle, the cruise control will disengage.
The Fix:
If your driving speed exceeds the maximum cruising speed of 150 km/h, reduce your speed before engaging Traffic-Aware Cruise Control.
3. Shifting Gears
If you shift gears while using cruise control, it will disengage the feature.
The Fix:
To prevent that, don’t shift gears while using Traffic-Aware Cruise Control.
4. Opening a Door
If you open a door while using cruise control, it will disengage the feature.
The Fix:
To prevent that, make sure all doors are properly closed before engaging with Traffic-Aware Cruise Control.
5. Obstruction of Cameras or Sensors
If any of the vehicle’s cameras or sensors become obstructed, the cruise control may become unavailable.
The Fix:
If a camera or sensor is obstructed, clean the cameras and sensors to remove any dirt, snow, ice, or mud that may be blocking them.
6. Disabling Traction Control
If you turn off traction control while using cruise control, it will disengage the feature.
The Fix:
If the traction control setting is manually disabled or is repeatedly engaged to prevent wheels from slipping, enable the traction control setting.
7. Spinning Wheels While at a Standstill
If your wheels spin while your vehicle is at a standstill, the cruise control will disengage.
The Fix:
To resolve this, release the accelerator pedal and allow the wheels to stop spinning before engaging Traffic-Aware Cruise Control.
8. Reduced Front Radar Visibility
The front bumper of the Tesla is equipped with a radar system. If this radar becomes obstructed or its visibility is reduced, the cruise control may become unavailable.
The Fix:
If the front radar has no or low visibility due to temporary obstruction, clean the front radar to remove any dirt, snow, ice, or mud that may be blocking it.
9. Firmware Bugs
There have been reports of firmware bugs that have affected the majority of the fleet, causing the cruise control to become unavailable.
The Fix:
If a firmware bug causes the issue, Tesla will likely release a software update to fix the problem. It is important to ensure that the software on your car is up-to-date.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is Traffic-Aware Cruise Control available in all Tesla vehicles?
No, Traffic-Aware Cruise Control may not be available in all Tesla vehicles, depending on market region, vehicle configuration, options purchased, and software version.
Is Traffic-Aware Cruise Control a collision warning or avoidance system?
No, Traffic-Aware Cruise Control is meant to provide a comfortable and convenient driving experience, but it is not a system for warning or preventing collisions.
What is Autosteer?
Autosteer is a feature available in some Tesla vehicles that build upon Traffic-Aware Cruise Control and intelligently keeps the vehicle in its driving lane when cruising at a set speed.
Is Autosteer available in all Tesla vehicles?
No, Autosteer may not be available in all Tesla vehicles, depending on market region, vehicle configuration, options purchased, and software version.
Do I need to keep my hands on the steering wheel while using Traffic-Aware Cruise Control?
Yes, it is important to keep your hands on the steering wheel and stay alert while using Traffic-Aware Cruise Control.
Can I use Autosteer with Traffic-Aware Cruise Control?
Yes, the Autosteer feature enhances the Traffic-Aware Cruise Control by efficiently maintaining the car’s driving lane at a predetermined speed.
