Over the last decade, the number of Tesla vehicles on the road has increased significantly.
With the growing awareness of the impact of vehicle emissions on our environment, the demand for zero-emission vehicles has increased.
In the U.S auto industry, Tesla is now outselling Mercedes-Benzes as the luxury vehicle of choice. Apart from the environmental benefits of owning a Tesla, there are also many other benefits of owning a Tesla vehicle.
One of these is the built-in WiFi systems incorporated in each vehicle.
As our world becomes increasingly technical, this feature of Tesla Vehicles is a huge bonus for many drivers. However, it does not come without some faults.
In this article, we will look at the WiFi features of a Tesla vehicle, along with a super handy troubleshooter for when things don’t go to plan.
So buckle up, and let’s take a look!
What Is WiFi?
WiFi is a wireless networking technology that allows devices to connect to the internet without being physically connected by wires.
This means you can use your laptop or mobile phone anywhere in the world and still be able to access the internet.
The way WiFi works is very similar to how radio waves work. Radio waves travel through space but only if there is nothing between them and their destination.
In the same way, WiFi signals pass through objects such as walls, floors, ceilings, etc., but only if there is no obstacle in the way.
This makes WiFi ideal for connecting cars to the Internet because there are usually many obstacles between the car and the router.
The first generation of WiFi was called 802.11b. It uses a 2.4 GHz frequency band and operates at speeds of 11 Mbps (megabits per second).
This is enough bandwidth for most people, but it doesn’t allow high-speed connections like those used by streaming video services.
The next generation of WiFi, known as 802.11g, operates at 5 GHz and supports data rates up to 54 Mbps.
This is much faster than 802.11b and is suitable for streaming HD videos.
What Is An Electric Car?
The electric car is a vehicle powered by electricity. It uses an electric motor to move the wheels and drive the vehicle, which is much more efficient than using gasoline or diesel fuel.
Today, electric cars have become more common due to better battery technology. They are also becoming cheaper due to government subsidies.
As a result, they are starting to replace conventional vehicles in countries around the globe.
What Are Tesla Cars?
Tesla cars were the first mass-market electric car made available to the general public. Tesla cars have been described as “the future of driving” and “a symbol of what is possible”.
There are four Tesla model cars available. These are the Tesla Model S, Tesla Model 3, Tesla Model X, and Tesla Model Y.
Let’s take a quick look at these models in more detail with their key features:
Tesla Model S
The name “Model S” refers to its ability to achieve a top speed of over 250 miles per hour. The Model S is also capable of charging from 0% to 100% in under 30 minutes.
The batteries are located underneath the floor and can be removed in order to transport the car.
They can then be replaced and recharged in just 15 minutes. The Model S has a range of approximately 215 miles when fully charged.
Unlike traditional combustion engine cars, the Model S can accelerate quickly and stop safely on a dime. It has four electric motors, two at each wheel, giving it all-wheel drive.
The Model S comes with a number of advanced features including Autopilot, Summon, and Full Self Driving Capability.
The Summon feature enables the driver to summon the car via a smartphone app. Once summoned, the car will autonomously park itself into any parking spot that is large enough to accommodate it.
The full Self Driving capability allows the car to take control of the steering, acceleration, braking, and even lane changes.
Tesla Model S Pros And Cons
Pros
High Performance – The Tesla Model S is capable of 0-60 mph acceleration in 4.2 seconds. This makes it faster than most sports cars on the market.
Design – The Tesla Model S has a sleek exterior and interior design. Its front fascia resembles a Formula 1 racing car. The rear end is similar to a Lamborghini Gallardo.
Safety Features – The Tesla Model S comes equipped with advanced safety features such as Autopilot, which allows drivers to drive hands-free. In addition, the vehicle is designed to avoid collisions by braking itself when necessary.
Cons
Limited Range – The maximum range of the Tesla Model S ranges between 250 miles (400 km) and 300 miles (480 km). This means that drivers need to plan ahead before long road trips.
Tesla Model 3
The Tesla Model 3 is described as an entry-level electric car and is intended to be a cheaper alternative to the Model S and Model X, making it more accessible for a wider audience.
The Model 3 uses a single motor driving both the front wheels and the rear wheels.
The Model 3 has a smaller battery than the Model S and the Model 3 has a range of around 200 miles on a full charge.
The battery pack is located behind the seats and can be removed to allow easier access to the battery.
This Tesla Model 3 does lack some of the advanced safety systems found on the higher-end models.
These include:
- Automatic Emergency Braking System (AEB)
- Lane Change Assist
- Automatic High Beams
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Front and Rear Parking Sensors
- Forward Collision Warning
- Side Blind Zone Alert
Tesla Model 3 Pros And Cons
Pros
Affordable – The base model of the Tesla Model 3 is the most affordable Tesla available.
Fast – The Tesla Model 3 can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 5.6 seconds. This is slightly slower than the 6.5 second time period of the Porsche 911 Turbo.
Safety Features – The Tesla Model 3 is equipped with advanced safety features including Autopilot, which enables drivers to navigate without touching the steering wheel.
Cons
Range – The maximum range of a base model is 200 miles, which is less than the 350 miles (560 km) range of the current Tesla Model S.
Limited Color Options – Only three colors are available for the base model of the Tesla: Silver, Gray, and Red. This reduces the choice of buyers compared to the six color options of the Tesla Model S and X.
The Tesla Model X
A Tesla Model X is a luxury crossover SUV and was the second mass-market electric car made to the general public. The Model X is designed to provide greater utility than the Model S.
The Model X is able to travel long distances without needing to charge. The battery capacity of this Tesla is up to 300 miles which makes it ideal for families who need to go places such as camping trips or vacations.
Like the Model S, the Model X has four electric motors, but these are mounted at the rear instead of the front. As a result, the Model X has all-wheel drive like the Model S.
The Model X can be configured with different options depending upon the customer’s needs.
Some of these options include:
- Automatic emergency braking system (AEB)
- Autonomous Emergency Braking System (ABS)
- Lane change assist
- High performance autopilot
- Navigation system
- Rearview camera
- Power liftgate
- Smart Summon
Tesla Model X Pros And Cons
Pros
Space – The Tesla Model X offers up to 7 seats, making it larger than any other vehicle in its class.
Safety Features – The Tesla Model X is equipped with advanced safety technologies including Autopilot, Supercharger Network and Summon.
Fast Acceleration – The Tesla Model X accelerates from 0 to 60 mph faster than the Tesla Model S. In fact, the Model X can reach a top speed of 155 mph.
Charging Infrastructure – The Tesla Model X uses the same fast charger as the Tesla Model S and Model 3. This allows drivers to quickly recharge their vehicles when traveling long distances.
Cons
Limited Color Options – Only five colors are available for the Model X: Black, White, Blue, Red and Graphite Gray. This reduces the choice for buyers compared to the seven color options of the Tesla Models S and Model 3.
Tesla Model Y
The Tesla Model Y is a mid-size electric crossover sport utility vehicle that is based on the same platform as the Model 3 but features a longer wheelbase and a taller roofline.
The Model Y has a similar range to the Model 3, however, the EPA rates the Model Y at 250 miles per charge. Like the Model 3, the batteries are located under the floor of the cargo area.
Unlike the Model 3, the Model Y does not feature a sliding glass door and only comes with two doors. The Model Y also features a wider stance compared to the Model 3.
Also unlike the Model 3, the interior of the Model Y does not fold flat when the trunk opens. The Model Y will come standard with all of the features available on the Model 3.
Some features such as Autopilot and Superchargers will be included on the base model. Other options include:
- Full Self Driving Capability
- Navigation Package
- Navigate on Autopilot
- Navigate on Autosteer
- Supercharging
- All-wheel drive
Tesla Model Z Pros And Cons
Pros
Long Range – The Tesla Model Z boasts a range of 500 kilometers. This is much longer than the 300-kilometer range of the Tesla Model S.
Fast Acceleration – The Tesla Model Z can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4 seconds. This is faster than the 5 second acceleration time of the Tesla Model S but slower than the 2.7 second acceleration time of the Porsche 911 Turbo.
High Top Speed – The Tesla Model Z reaches speeds of up to 250 km/h. This tops out the 200 km/h top speed of the Tesla Model S
Supercharging Infrastructure – The Tesla Model Z uses the same fast charger network as the Tesla Model S. This means that drivers can quickly recharge their vehicles while traveling long distances.
Large Storage Space – The Tesla Model Z features a large trunk space which increases the amount of luggage that can be carried by passengers.
Cons
Expense – The Tesla Model Z is the most expensive on the market and so is not affordable for the general household.
Tesla Car WiFi Features
There are two types of WiFi available in Tesla Cars: Built-in and optional. The built-in system is standard across all models and is activated automatically when the car is turned on.
It offers free Wi-Fi service to passengers using compatible mobile phones and laptops. You can also use the web browser on your smartphone to browse the internet while driving.
You can choose whether to activate the optional WiFi system which is an additional cost. It provides a higher quality connection and allows you to stream music, watch movies, and play games online.
How Does WiFi Work In A Car?
To understand how WiFi works in a car, it helps to know about the different layers of the network stack. These layers are shown below:
Layer 1 – Physical Layer
The physical layer is responsible for transmitting bits over the air. It consists of transmitters and receivers.
The transmitter sends a pulse of energy into the air. This is received by the receiver and converted back into digital information.
Layer 2 – Data Link Layer
The data link layer takes care of ensuring that the data sent by the transmitter reaches its intended recipient. It ensures that packets are delivered correctly and that any errors are corrected.
Layer 3 – Network Layer
The network layer is responsible for routing traffic around the network. It is also responsible for maintaining the IP address table, which maps each device in the network to a unique IP address.
Layer 4 – Transport Layer
The transport layer is responsible for ensuring that messages arrive safely and are not corrupted during transmission. It handles things like flow control, error detection, and retransmission.
Layer 5 – Application Layer
The application layer is where applications reside. It includes protocols such as HTTP, FTP, and SMTP.
What Is A Wireless Access Point?
A wireless access point is a device that connects the various layers together. It acts as a bridge between the wired and wireless networks.
In order to connect to the Internet, the wireless access point needs to have an IP address. An IP address is similar to a phone number – it uniquely identifies every device connected to the Internet.
When you turn on your laptop, smartphone, or tablet, it will try to connect to the nearest wireless access point.
Your computer will then ask the wireless access point if there is another device nearby with an IP address.
Your laptop will then request an IP address from the wireless access point. Once this has been assigned, the laptop will be able to communicate with the rest of the devices in the area including your car.
How Can You Connect To WiFi In Your Tesla Vehicle
So you’ve just bought a Tesla vehicle and have now realized there is a built-in WiFi system. But how can you connect to it? Thankfully we have the answer!
There are in fact two ways to connect to the inbuilt WiFi feature, via an app on your smartphone or through a dedicated WiFi adapter. Here’s how:
Using An App
If you have a smartphone with built-in WiFi capabilities, then you can use an app called “Car Connected” to connect your phone to your car’s onboard WiFi. You can even send messages to other drivers.
But if you don’t have a smartphone with built-in WiFi capabilities, then you need to buy a separate WiFi adapter. These adapters cost around $50-$100 depending on how many features you want.
They usually plug into your cigarette lighter socket. Some models allow you to charge your mobile phone while you drive. Others let you stream music from Spotify or Pandora. Still, others let you make calls.
There are several advantages of having your car connected to the Internet. For example, you can check traffic reports and find out when the next tollbooth will open.
You can also get directions or search for nearby restaurants or gas stations.
One disadvantage of using WiFi in your car is that it requires you to be constantly online. If you forget to turn off your WiFi connection, then your car won’t start.
Another problem is that your data plan may not cover all of the costs involved in running the WiFi network. So if you go over your limit, you could incur additional charges.
Using A Dedicated Adapter
Another option is to purchase a separate WiFi adapter that plugs directly into your car’s cigarette lighter socket. It works like any other WiFi router. You just set up the password and connect to the Internet.
This method has one big advantage over the first option. Unlike the first option, you don’t need to worry about being constantly online.
Once you’ve turned on your WiFi adapter, you’ll always be able to connect to the Internet. However, this comes at a price. A dedicated WiFi adapter costs between $80 and $200.
So which option should you choose?
Well, if you only want to browse the internet and play games, then you might prefer the second option. On the other hand, if you need to do more than just surf the
web, then you should consider buying a smartphone with built-in WiFi capabilities.
What Other Cars Have WiFi?
We’ve all seen the ads for cars that have built-in WiFi. They show a car with an antenna on top, and you can connect your laptop to it via a USB port.
The idea is that if you are driving down the highway, you don’t need to stop at the gas station to check your email.
This is just like what happens when you plug your iPhone or iPad into a USB port. But unlike those phones, most cars aren’t actually designed to handle high-speed data transfers.
So how do you know whether your car has WiFi? There are two things to look out for:
1.) Is there a sticker on the dashboard? Most modern cars now have stickers that say something like “Bluetooth Streaming” or “USB Port”. Look for this sticker before buying a new car.
2.) Does the car have a Wi-Fi icon on the dash? Many newer cars have a blue dot next to the clock. This indicates that the car has built-in WiFi capability.
Why Do I Get Poor Signal In My Tesla?
Tesla vehicles come equipped with a built-in WiFi system called “Supercharger”. This is a low-power version of a standard WiFi router.
The Supercharger uses the same technology as a regular WiFi router but it does not need to be plugged into a wall socket. Instead, it relies on the vehicle battery to provide the power.
The Supercharger is designed to work with the existing electrical system of the vehicle. However, some problems can occur when using the Supercharger.
One common problem is that the vehicle’s charging port is too small to accept the Supercharger.
Another possible reason why your vehicle might experience poor connectivity is that the vehicle is located close to a metal structure (such as a building) or a large tree.
How To Improve The Connection To Your Vehicle
There are several ways to improve the connection to your vehicle. You can use an external WiFi adapter, or you can make changes to the internal wiring of your car.
External WiFi Adapter
An external WiFi adapter is simply a device that plugs into the USB port of your vehicle. These adapters usually cost less than $20 and allow you to share the internet connection with multiple devices at once.
However, these adapters do not offer much flexibility. They only support 2.4 GHz WiFi signals.
Internal Changes
You can also make changes to the internal wires within the vehicle. Some people have reported success by changing the position of the antenna.
You can also replace the factory radio with a different model that supports Bluetooth streaming.
Troubleshooting Steps For Internal WiFi Problems
If you are experiencing problems with your internal WiFi you can follow these steps to try and rectify the issue and resolve them quickly.
1. Verify that your vehicle has a working cellular modem. It is important to verify that the modem is functioning properly before making any modifications to the vehicle.
2. Check the following items to see if there is interference:
- Make sure all antennas are turned off.
- Turn off all radios except the stereo/radio.
- Remove the battery and ground wire.
- Make sure no objects are blocking the antennae.
- Try moving the antenna.
- Is the antenna plugged directly into the head unit?
- Does the antenna plug into a jack?
- Are you running a coaxial cable between the antenna and the head unit?
- Do you have a splitter between the antenna and the receiver?
- Is the antenna grounded?
- Have you tried turning the volume down on the head unit?
- Has the head unit been replaced?
- Have you tried resetting the head unit
If you are still experiencing issues after these steps, it might be time to contact Tesla’s support team for assistance.
Connecting A Wall Connector To WiFi
Gen3 wall connectors automatically receive firmware updates when connecting to WiFi. The first step for troubleshooting is to ensure you have a gen3 wall connector connected to local wifi so that it can download its newest firmware for the best performance.
When you turn on the power switch, the Wall Connector broadcasts its own Wi-Fi network. You can use your phone, tablet, or computer to connect to this wireless network.
Here’s how to connect a wall connector to WiFi in your car:
Step 1: Plug the Wall Connector into an outlet. Hold the connect button for 5 seconds to trigger your Wall Connector to start its WiFi signal.
Step 2: Make sure your Wall Connector is broadcasting WiFi. If your display has turned green then it’s working! If not, repeat the process above.
Step 3: Select the WiFi connection you want to join via your mobile or tablet.
Wall Connecter Troubleshoot
What Happens If The Wall Connector Fails?
If the Wall Connector fails it will reboot to see if that will solve the issue. If this continues, contact Tesla’s dedicated support team.
What Happens If I Disconnect The Wall Connector? Will It Still Work?
Yes. When disconnected, the Wall Connector broadcasts a different Wi-Fi name (e.g.”TeslaWallConnector”).
Why Does The Wall Connector Stop Broadcasting Wi-Fi After 5 Minutes?
The Wall Connectors use a battery backup system to provide power during a power outage. The battery backup system is only active while the Wall Connector is being powered.
After about 5 minutes, the Wall Connector stops broadcasting because the battery backup system runs out of energy.
What Happens When The Wall Connector Reboots?
The Wall Connector reboots automatically after 30 minutes of no activity. It will continue to broadcast WiFi until the battery backup system recharges enough to start broadcasting again.
What Happens If I Have An Older Version Of The Wall Connector Firmware?
You’ll need to update the firmware version before attempting to reconnect to WiFi. To update your Wall Connector firmware, follow these instructions:
- Turn off the car by pressing the brake pedal twice.
- Press and hold the “RESET” button on the back of the Wall Connector for at least 10 seconds.
- Release the RESET button and press and release the “CONNECT” button on the front of the Wall Connector.
- Wait for the LED indicator light to flash white once. This indicates that the firmware has been updated successfully.
- Reconnect your device to the Wall Connector using the same procedure as described above.
- Once connected, restart the car by pressing the brakes twice.
- Check the status of your Wall Connector with the following steps:
a) Open the app on your mobile device.
b) Tap the blue menu icon located in the top right corner of the screen.
c) Scroll down and tap Settings.
d) Scroll down to the bottom of the page and select Network.
e) Tap the Wall Connector listed under the Network Name column.
f) Verify that the Status column displays the word Active.
Troubleshooting Tips
Here we will take a look at some common fault codes and how you can deal with them should they arise:
Your Display Is Showing A Solid Red Light
A solid red light indicates a problem with the charger as opposed to your WiFi connection. Contact your local service center for further instructions.
Error Message Stating Poor WiFi Signal
There is an error message showing there is a problem with the Wi-Fi signal. You should check if the local Wi-Fi Router is working properly. If you have changed the Wi-Fi password recently, use the mobile app to reconnect the wall connectors for power-sharing.
Warning Message For WiFi Security
Disconnect your WiFi and check the security of your WiFi connection via your phone or adaptor. If this is secure, try to restart and set up your WiFi again.
If this is still an issue, contact Tesla directly for further support.
Final Thoughts
So, we hope you have enjoyed reading our in-depth guide on how to use WiFi in your Tesla car, and what you need to do if something goes wrong.
If you are not already a firm Tesla fan, we’re sure that after reading this guide and hearing about how awesome they are, not to mention environmentally friendly, you’ll be converted!
Not only do Tesla cars look great, they drive really well and have a host of perks. The ability to access Wi-Fi on the go is truly forward-thinking.
And in this modern age, it is a fantastic convenience to have for our busy lives.
Really the only decision to make is – which model shall you go for!
With an easy-to-understand and no-nonsense style, Michael writes to educate readers who are considering their first EV purchase or those looking to get the most fun and value out of their Tesla, Leaf, Volt or other electric vehicle.
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