Ever sat in your Tesla and thought, “Hmm, this steering wheel feels a bit off”? Don’t worry, you’re not alone! Getting the perfect steering wheel position can make your drives smoother, more comfortable, and a whole lot safer. In this fun and easy-to-follow guide, I’ll show you exactly how to adjust your Tesla steering wheel step-by-step, without any stress. Whether you’re tall, short, or somewhere in between, this guide is for you!
Why Adjusting Your Tesla Steering Wheel Matters
Getting the right position for your steering wheel isn’t just about feeling cozy. It plays a big role in how safe and relaxed you feel while driving. A well-positioned wheel helps you reach the controls easily, keeps your arms and shoulders from getting tired, and even gives you a better view of the road and screen.
Better Comfort for Long Drives
If you’re planning a long trip or even just a drive across town, having your steering wheel in the wrong spot can make it feel like a chore. Your arms might get sore, your back might ache, or your hands might feel strained. But when the wheel is in just the right place, you can relax and enjoy the ride.
Improves Your Driving Posture
A good steering wheel position helps you sit up straight and keeps your arms at the right angle. This means you can turn the wheel easily and react faster if something unexpected happens. It also helps prevent slouching, which can lead to back pain over time.
Keeps You Safer on the Road
When your steering wheel is adjusted right, you can hold it properly, usually at the 9 and 3 o’clock positions. This gives you better control and helps you steer smoothly. It also means you’re less likely to make sudden movements that can lead to accidents.
Helps You See the Dashboard Clearly
Your Tesla’s screen is your command center. If the wheel is too high or too low, it might block your view. Adjusting the wheel just right makes sure you can see all the important info without having to move your head or squint.
Makes You Feel More in Control
There’s something satisfying about sitting behind the wheel and feeling like everything is exactly where it should be. When your steering wheel is in the right place, you feel more in control, more confident, and just more… ready to drive.
Step-by-Step Guide to Adjust the Steering Wheel
Okay, now that we know why it’s important, let’s get into the fun part, actually adjusting your Tesla’s steering wheel! This guide works for most Tesla models, like the Model 3, Model Y, Model S, and Model X. Tesla makes things pretty easy with their touchscreen and scroll buttons.
Get in the Right Sitting Position First
Before you even touch the wheel, make sure you’re sitting properly. Sit all the way back in your seat with your back straight. Place your feet comfortably on the pedals. Adjust your seat height so your hips are level with your knees or a bit higher.
Make sure your arms can bend slightly when you reach out to the wheel. You shouldn’t be stretching too far or feeling cramped. This is your starting point, and it helps make the next steps easier.
Turn On the Car or Sit Inside with Your Key
To adjust anything in a Tesla, the car needs to be on. You can either press the brake pedal or just sit inside with your phone key or key card. The screen should light up and come to life.
Open the Touchscreen and Go to Controls
Tap the big touchscreen in the center. Then tap ‘Controls’ at the bottom of the screen. This will bring up a menu with all kinds of options for your car.
Look for ‘Pedals & Steering’ or just ‘Steering’ depending on your model and software version. Tesla updates often, but the option should be there.
Select ‘Adjust Steering Wheel’
Once you’re in the right menu, tap on ‘Adjust Steering Wheel.’ You'll now see arrows on the screen showing different directions. These control how the wheel moves, up, down, in, or out.
You can either use the screen arrows or the scroll buttons on the steering wheel. This part is really cool because you don’t even need to take your hands off the wheel.
Use the Scroll Wheel on the Left Side
Now use the left scroll button on your steering wheel:
- Push it up or down to move the wheel up or down
- Push it left or right to bring the wheel closer or push it away
Move it a little bit at a time until it feels just right. You want your arms slightly bent and your hands to fall naturally at 9 and 3 o’clock positions.
Save the New Position
Once you’re happy with the new position, your Tesla will save it automatically to your driver profile. If you share your car with someone else, make sure to save it under your name so the wheel goes back to your settings every time.
You can create or update your driver profile by tapping your name at the top of the touchscreen and choosing ‘Driver Profile Settings.’
Test It Before You Drive Off
Take a moment to rest your hands on the wheel and pretend you’re driving. Can you see the screen clearly? Do your hands feel relaxed? Can you reach the stalks and buttons easily? If yes, you’re all set!
If not, make small changes until everything feels perfect. Don't rush, this is about making your driving life better.
Tips for the Best Steering Wheel Position
Even though you now know how to adjust your Tesla steering wheel, there are a few simple tips that can help make sure it’s in the best spot for you. These tips are great for comfort and safety.
Keep the Wheel at Chest Level
You want the center of the steering wheel to point toward your chest, not your face or stomach. This way, if the airbag ever needs to deploy, it works the way it's meant to. It also helps you stay in a strong driving position.
Try to avoid having the wheel too high or too low. If it's too low, your legs might bump it. If it's too high, you might find yourself holding it awkwardly.
Make Sure Your Arms Are Slightly Bent
When you reach for the steering wheel, your elbows should have a gentle bend. You don't want your arms fully straight or tightly bent. This helps you stay relaxed and gives you better control of the car.
You should be able to turn the wheel without needing to stretch or lean forward. If you feel like you're working hard just to turn the wheel, move it closer to you.
Check That You Can See the Full Dashboard
You should be able to see all the lights, symbols, and information on your Tesla's screen. The steering wheel should not block your view. If you're missing parts of the display, try lowering or raising the wheel just a bit.
This is super helpful, especially when you’re keeping an eye on speed, battery level, or using Autopilot.
Make Sure You Can Reach the Controls Easily
Tesla's steering wheel has buttons and scroll wheels that control different features, like music volume or cruise control. Make sure your fingers can reach everything comfortably without having to stretch or move your hand off the wheel.
You want to stay focused on the road, so easy access to buttons helps a lot.
Keep a Safe Distance from the Wheel
It's important to keep at least 10 inches (about 25 cm) between your chest and the steering wheel. This gives the airbag space to work if there's ever a crash. Sit upright, not too close, and not too far.
Some people like sitting really close, but it's not safe. And sitting too far makes it hard to control the car. Find a balance.
Use Driver Profiles for Different People
If more than one person drives your Tesla, use separate driver profiles. Each profile can save the seat, mirror, and steering wheel settings. That way, you don't have to fix the wheel every time someone else drives.
It's easy to switch profiles with just a tap on the screen, and your settings will go right back to how you like them.
Keep Adjusting If You Need To
Don't worry if you don't get it perfect the first time. Sometimes, after a few drives, you might notice something feels off. That's okay! You can go back into the settings and adjust it again. The goal is to feel good and drive comfortably.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it okay to adjust the steering wheel while driving?
No, it's best to adjust the steering wheel while the car is parked. This keeps you safe and lets you focus on the road when driving.
Can the steering wheel adjustment be saved for each driver?
Yes, Tesla lets you save your steering wheel position in your driver profile. Each driver can have their own saved settings.
Do I need to adjust the wheel every time I drive?
Not if you save your profile. Your Tesla will remember your settings and adjust everything automatically when you select your name.
Can I adjust the steering wheel with voice commands?
As of now, Tesla does not allow steering wheel adjustments using voice commands. You'll need to use the screen or scroll buttons.
Is it possible to move the wheel closer to me?
Yes, just use the scroll button or screen to bring the wheel closer or farther away until it feels comfortable.
Do I have to turn the car on to adjust the wheel?
Yes, the car must be awake. You can either press the brake pedal or sit in the car with your key to turn on the screen.
Can I adjust the wheel up and down?
Yes, you can move the wheel up, down, in, and out using the touchscreen or the scroll button.
Is it safe to drive with the wheel very close?
No, it's not safe to sit too close to the wheel. Keep a safe distance of at least 10 inches for airbag safety.
I hope this article helped you feel more confident adjusting your Tesla steering wheel. A small change can make a big difference in comfort, safety, and driving joy. Now you’re ready to hit the road feeling great behind the wheel!
