Beginner’s Guide: Tips for Owning Your First Tesla
Buying your first Tesla is exciting and a little bit intimidating. Whether you’ve just picked one up or you’re about to, there’s a bit more to it than simply hopping in and pressing the accelerator. Electric vehicles have their own quirks, features, and rhythms. And Teslas? They’re in a category of their own. So, if you’re new to the EV world or just want to get the most out of your new ride, here’s a beginner-friendly breakdown to help you settle in.
Understand Your Charging Options
Charging a Tesla isn’t like filling up at a petrol station, and it’s not a one-size-fits-all setup either. You’ve got a few options to keep your battery topped up:
- Home Charging – Most Tesla owners charge overnight at home using a wall charger. It’s the most convenient and cost-effective option in the long run.
- Public Chargers – You’ll find chargers at shopping centres, car parks, and highway rest stops. Some are free, some aren’t — check before you plug in.
- Superchargers – These are Tesla’s own high-speed chargers, best for road trips or quick top-ups. They’re not designed for daily use, though.
It’s worth mapping out a few nearby charging points just in case you need a backup now and then.
Have a Go-To for Genuine Tesla Parts
Accidents happen. So do small fixes. If you need to replace something, even something small like a mirror cover or interior trim, make sure you’ve got a trusted source for genuine Tesla car parts. Not everything on the market is equal, and with a Tesla, fit and function really do matter. Using parts that aren’t properly designed for your model can cause more problems than they solve. Whether you plan to do the repairs yourself or go through a shop, having a reliable parts supplier gives you peace of mind down the line.
Don’t Skip the Software Updates
Teslas get better over time, not because the hardware changes, but because the software does. Updates roll out regularly and often bring new features, performance tweaks, or safety enhancements.
When you see a notification, don’t delay. Some updates are minor, others are game-changers. Either way, it’s all part of the ownership experience. Just make sure your car is connected to Wi-Fi and parked somewhere safe before you start one.
Get Used to Regenerative Braking
This might be one of the biggest changes if you’re coming from a petrol or diesel car. Teslas use regenerative braking, which slows the car down when you lift off the accelerator and sends that energy back into the battery.
At first, it can feel strange, almost like the car is braking for you. But give it a week or two. Most drivers end up loving it because it means less wear on brake pads and a more efficient drive.
Take Time to Customise the Settings
When you first get your Tesla, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement and overlook the settings menu. But this is where the real fun happens.
You can adjust:
- Steering and acceleration modes
- Regenerative braking levels
- Mirror and seat positions
- Auto-lock and walk-away settings
- Driving profiles for different family members
Spend a little time exploring the menus. It’ll make a big difference in how connected you feel to the car.
Use the App – It’s Part of the Experience
The Tesla app is more than a remote lock/unlock button. It’s your control centre.
You can:
- Check charge levels in real-time
- Pre-heat or cool the cabin before you get in
- Track where your car is (helpful in big car parks)
- Get notified if something unusual happens
It’s worth setting up properly early on and turning on important alerts, especially while you’re still getting used to things.
Learn the Lingo (It Helps)
Owning a Tesla means you’ll hear a lot of terms that might be new. Things like:
- Phantom drain – battery loss while parked
- Range anxiety – worrying about running out of charge
- Sentry Mode – the car’s built-in security camera system
- Supercharging – high-speed charging at Tesla’s own stations
- FSD – short for Full Self-Driving, which isn’t fully autonomous yet
You don’t need to memorise everything, but having a basic understanding of these terms helps you stay in the loop, especially if you hang out in EV communities online.
Be Smart About Your Battery
Battery health is key. While Tesla batteries are built to last, how you treat yours makes a difference.
A few quick habits that help:
- Avoid charging to 100% daily unless you’re going on a long trip
- Stick to 20–80% for regular driving
- Don’t let the battery drop to 0%
- Use regenerative braking to help extend range naturally
Think of it like your phone — you don’t need to baby it, but a bit of care goes a long way.
Plan for Longer Trips
Long drives in a Tesla are easy, but they take a little more planning than usual. You’ll need to factor in charging stops and keep an eye on your range.
The built-in trip planner is super helpful. It calculates where you’ll need to stop and how long you’ll need to charge. Just remember: charging takes longer than fuelling up. So bring snacks or plan breaks around meals and stretching your legs.
Stay Curious and Keep Learning
Tesla ownership is a bit like joining a new club. There’s a lot to discover, and things change fast — new updates, new features, new tips from other owners.
Whether it’s reading up on driving habits that maximise range, exploring hidden features (Easter eggs, anyone?), or keeping an eye on battery improvements, there’s always something new to try or learn.
Ready to Roll
Owning a Tesla isn’t just about driving electric; it’s about being part of something different. It might feel unfamiliar at first, but with a little time, it becomes second nature. Use the tools you have, learn as you go, and make it your own.
Once you’re used to the quiet, smooth ride, the instant torque, and the clever features, it’s pretty hard to go back.
