6 Things I Dislike About My Tesla

Owning a Tesla is an exciting experience, filled with innovative features and impressive performance. However, like any car, it has its quirks and drawbacks. In this post, I’ll share six things I dislike about my Tesla Model 3, based on my personal experience.

Key Takeaways

• Missing Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

• Autopilot prompts can be annoying

• Phantom braking is a concern

• Supercharging can take too long

• Battery degradation over time

• Washer fluid dribble issue

Missing Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

One of the first things that struck me about my Tesla was its advanced entertainment system. You can control almost everything from the massive 15-inch touchscreen. It has navigation, music apps, and even video streaming options. But here’s the kicker: no Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.

While the Tesla interface is pretty good, sometimes you just want to use apps like Apple Maps or Waze for navigation. These apps provide better visuals and real-time updates. Plus, with CarPlay, you can get notifications from your iPhone, which is super handy while driving. It’s a bit frustrating that Tesla, despite being a tech leader, doesn’t offer this feature that’s available in so many other cars.

Autopilot Prompts Can Be Annoying

I love using Tesla's Autopilot feature, especially on long road trips. It’s a game changer, allowing the car to drive itself. However, there’s a catch. To ensure you’re paying attention, the system frequently prompts you to apply slight pressure to the steering wheel.

This can be really annoying, especially at higher speeds. I find myself grabbing the wheel every ten seconds, which kind of defeats the purpose of having Autopilot in the first place. I wish Tesla would find a way to use the cabin camera to check if I’m looking at the road instead.

Phantom Braking Is A Concern

Another issue I’ve encountered is phantom braking. This happens when the car suddenly slams on the brakes for no apparent reason, even when the road is clear. It’s one of the scariest experiences I’ve had while driving my Tesla.

I’ve only experienced this a few times, and it seems to happen less frequently with updates. Still, it’s unsettling, and I hope Tesla can eliminate this problem in future software updates.

Supercharging Can Take Too Long

Charging at a Tesla Supercharger station is convenient, but it can also be time-consuming. Depending on various factors, you might find yourself waiting anywhere from 5 minutes to an hour.

For someone like me who enjoys long road trips, this can be a hassle. It can turn an 8-hour drive into an 11-hour ordeal. Tesla does try to make it easier by placing Superchargers near restaurants and shops, but I still miss the quick pit stops at gas stations.

Battery Degradation Over Time

Battery degradation is a reality for all electric vehicles, including Teslas. Over time, the battery loses its ability to hold a charge, which means reduced range and efficiency.

While Tesla batteries can last between 300,000 to 500,000 miles, the gradual loss of capacity can be frustrating, especially for road trip enthusiasts. I’ve learned that capping the charge limit can help slow down degradation, but it’s not a complete solution. Keeping track of battery health is essential, and services like Recurrent can help with that.

Washer Fluid Dribble Issue

Finally, let’s talk about the washer fluid dribble. When you use the window washer, the fluid tends to leak into the car through the driver-side window, soaking the door and trim. It’s a small annoyance, but it’s something I’ve never experienced in any other car I’ve owned.

I’ve tried to be careful, but sometimes you just need to spray the window quickly. It’s frustrating to deal with a wet interior when all you wanted was a clear view.

In conclusion, while there are things I dislike about my Tesla Model 3, it’s still the best car I’ve ever owned. If you’re a Tesla owner, I’d love to hear your thoughts on these issues. And if you’re considering getting one, which of these would bother you the most?