The Car With Secret Tricks
A Tesla is packed with hidden functions that many owners overlook. Buried in menus and voice controls are shortcuts, commands, and tools that can make driving a lot more entertaining than you ever thought. Some options feel like practical time-savers you’ll use daily, while others come across as clever extras designed for sheer amusement. Want to learn about the 20 features that will help you get the most value out of your Tesla? Let's dive in.
1. James Bond Lotus Mode
The Lotus Esprit submarine from The Spy Who Loved Me comes alive on Tesla’s display with a hidden code. Hold the Tesla “T” for five seconds, type “007,” and the suspension menu shifts to “Depth (Leagues).”
James Bond Lotus easter egg on Tesla Model S by Bjørn Nyland
2. Rainbow Road Autopilot Display
Your Tesla's dashboard can channel the spirit of Mario Kart through a hidden rainbow road display. Four quick presses of the Autopilot stalk activate this visual treat, which appears solely on the driver's screen. Additionally, the Easter egg works only when Autopilot is engaged.
How To Engage Tesla "Rainbow Road" Cowbell Easter Egg by NoClueHowTo
3. Santa Mode Easter Egg
A magical holiday experience awaits Tesla drivers through Santa Mode. The display screen shows your vehicle as Santa's sleigh, complete with other cars appearing as reindeer. Beyond that, holiday music plays when activated by saying "Ho Ho Ho" to your vehicle.
4. Romance Mode Fireplace Screen
The virtual fireplace glows warmly on your Tesla's center screen through Romance Mode, accessed via the Toybox menu. This way, the system automatically raises cabin temperature while romantic music plays softly, creating an intimate atmosphere. Plus, the realistic fireplace animation adds a cozy touch.
5. Light Show Command
Tesla's exterior lights and mirrors dance in perfect sync during the Light Show, creating a choreographed sequence with music. While owners can upload custom patterns via USB, the show must be launched from the Toybox menu when the car is unlocked.
6. Atari & Arcade Games In Toybox
Park your Tesla, and the center touchscreen becomes a gaming hub filled with classic Atari titles. The Toybox enhances the experience further with exclusive Tesla-themed games. Players can choose how they play—either through the responsive touchscreen or by connecting a USB controller.
7. Boombox Mode For Exterior Sounds
The external speaker on newer Teslas does more than warn pedestrians. Through Boombox Mode in the Toybox menu, drivers can play custom sounds when parked or moving below 19 mph. It also allows the owners to upload up to five MP3 files by creating a folder named “Boombox” on a USB drive.
8. Car Wash Mode Setup
Tesla’s smart “Free Roll” mode takes the hassle out of conveyor car washes. Found under Controls > Service, it automatically secures the windows and charge port, prevents accidental wiper use, and disables sentry functions—making the wash process effortless and worry-free.
9. Dog Mode Climate Control
The center screen shows a clear message about pet safety when Dog Mode is running. This thoughtful feature maintains cabin temperature even with the car locked and unattended. It also allows climate control through the touchscreen menu for maximum pet comfort.
10. Tire Pressure Monitoring Shortcut
The touchscreen's Service menu reveals real-time tire pressure readings for each wheel. Meanwhile, voice commands provide quick access to this vital data. So, drivers can monitor under- or over-inflation without searching through the Controls menu.
How To Check Tire Pressure on Tesla by Technomentary
11. Sentry Mode Surveillance Cameras
Security is simple with Tesla’s app and voice control. A quick tap activates Sentry Mode, or you can say “Keep Tesla Safe” for hands-free engagement. Once armed, external cameras monitor the surroundings, and if suspicious activity occurs, the touchscreen flashes a warning to deter threats.
How to use Tesla's Sentry Mode and Built in Dash Cam by Everyday Chris
12. Joe Mode Quiet Alerts
Parents appreciate Tesla's Joe Mode since it lowers the volume of alert sounds inside the car. The feature reduces disturbance for passengers, particularly those who may be sleeping, yet maintains essential notifications. Access this smart function through the Controls > Safety menu.
How Do I Tesla? Speaker Balance and Joe Mode (Model 3 / Y) by How Do I Tesla?
13. Launch Mode Acceleration Boost
The dual-motor Performance versions of Model S and Model 3 offer an exhilarating Launch Mode experience. This system primes the powertrain for peak acceleration from a complete stop. Though activation requires certain settings, it operates independently of suspension adjustments.
Tesla Model 3 Long Range 2021 0-147 km/h acceleration by VIRTUAL CAR DRIVER
14. Bioweapon Defense Air Filtration
Tesla equips certain models with Bioweapon Defense Mode, a hospital-grade HEPA filtration system that cleans incoming air to protect passengers from pollutants and allergens. Pressurizing the cabin blocks outside contamination and even shields against biological threats.
Tesla Model Y HEPA Air Filter W/ Bio-Weapon Defense Mode | Keep Smoke & Smog Out! by Myks Garage
15. Valet Mode Restrictions
Valet Mode in Tesla can be activated directly through the Controls menu to restrict vehicle use. Once enabled, it hides navigation addresses, limits speed, and blocks access to personal information. It also locks the frunk and glovebox, ensuring privacy and security remain intact.
Tesla Valet Mode Guide 2024 by Brian Kehm
16. Cabin Camera Monitoring
Discreetly placed above the rearview mirror, the cabin camera records short clips tied to safety events. Tesla may use this data to refine its features, yet monitoring is minimal. It also tracks fatigue or distraction, and optional safety alerts can be activated in settings.
How is Tesla using the internal cabin camera? by Tesla Raj
17. Caraoke In-Car Singing App
Caraoke brings lively entertainment directly to Tesla’s Media menu. Drivers and passengers can choose from a broad catalog of multilingual songs, complete with on-screen lyrics for easy sing-alongs. Popular tracks fill the playlist, but users should note that explicit content may not always be filtered.
How To Use Caraoke In Your Tesla Model Y by MGSR Gaming
18. Sketchpad Drawing Mode
Tesla includes a Sketchpad feature within the Toybox menu that turns the touchscreen into an art space. With multiple color options, it’s perfect for casual doodles. Tesla even allows users to submit their drawings by tapping “Publish”, which sends the artwork to Tesla for potential display or review.
19. Smart Summon Parking Retrieval
The Tesla app puts remarkable control at your fingertips through Smart Summon. Your car can drive itself to meet you in parking lots, though you'll need to stay close enough to monitor its progress. This automated feature brings your Tesla right to your location.
Tesla Smart Summon in a Mall Parking Lot - Does it Actually Work? by POGAuto
20. Ludicrous+ Mode Hidden Speed Boost
The secret to get your Tesla's full potential lies in Ludicrous+ Mode. Found in select Performance models, this feature temporarily increases battery output for maximum acceleration. Before activating it by holding the Ludicrous button, however, the system recommends battery preconditioning and warns about wear.
Tesla Explained | Ludicrous Plus Launch Mode Tutorial | Model X P100D by aDigitalNomad . net
