The cross traffic alert, often referred to as rear cross traffic alert, is an alert system used when reversing. This advanced driver assistance system helps prevent collisions, saving costly repairs.
But is there a cross traffic alert system in Tesla? Currently, there is no cross traffic alert system on Tesla. However, Elon Musk, Tesla CEO, agreed to add this system to the cars in 2020. Nevertheless, since none is available yet, you can use other features, like rear cameras and Auto park, when reversing out of a parking spot.
The article discusses more about the cross traffic alert system and lists alternatives that you can use in its place.
Does Tesla Have a Cross Traffic Alert System?
No. Tesla vehicles lack the cross traffic alert system that the drivers need when reversing from a tight spot. This feature uses various sensors on the rear corners of the car to scan the surroundings.
The cross traffic system notifies the driver of cars, cyclists, or pedestrians passing behind. In some vehicles, the system also breaks the car when traffic is detected, preventing collision and injuries.
This absence in Tesla means drivers must use other alternatives, like reverse parking, to avoid accidents when backing out. The feature is lacking in all the Tesla models and cannot be enabled on the touchscreen.
The purpose of mentioning its absence in the touchscreen is because it’s often mistaken with the Collision Avoidance Assist. This system has various assistance features that help avoid collisions, but mostly when driving forward.
What To Use In The Absence of The Cross Traffic Alert System
One of the alternatives is looking over your shoulders to check for oncoming traffic or pedestrians. But as Tesla cars have limited rear view when reversing, it is difficult on a rainy day. Also, looking over your shoulder is ineffective when backing from between two larger vehicles, like trucks.
Now, other alternatives to use on your Tesla in place of the traffic alert system include the following.
1. Use Rear Cameras
One of the options you can use in place of the traffic alert system and avoid collision is to use rear cameras. The solution is widely used by most drivers when reversing, as the cameras allow you to monitor the area behind the car.
The rear camera usually comes on automatically when the vehicle is in reverse gear. On some models, you’ll only see the reverse camera with driving path lines when reversing. However, there’s an arrow button below the rear camera picture, which, after pressing, activates side cameras.
Using all three cameras, you’ll be able to have a better view of the surroundings when reversing, preventing accidents. While this doesn’t reach the level of security alert cross traffic alert gives, it’s better than backing blindly.
2. Enable Collision-Avoidance Assist
One of the collision avoidance assist features can act as a cross traffic alert and help you when reversing. The Obstacle-Aware Acceleration, which reduces motor torque, can be useful when reversing.
The feature works when your Tesla is stopped or traveling less than 10 mph (16 km/h) and on either reverse or drive. When this collision avoidance assist feature detects an object on your Tesla’s reversing path, it displays a warning.
In some cases, it will engage the brakes automatically and make a chime sound. However, note this system may not always work when reversing out of a spot. Also, its purpose is to reduce the impact’s severity and not to prevent it as the cross traffic alert system does.
Follow the steps below to ensure this system is enabled.
- Step 1: Touch the Car icon on the touchscreen.
- Step 2: Touch the Autopilot option.
- Step 3: Swap the screen upwards to reveal more settings.
- Step 4: You’ll see the Obstacle Aware Acceleration under the Forward collision warning Section.
- Step 5: Tap on the button on its right to enable it.
3. Auto Park and Retrieve
Another option is to use Tesla’s smart summon feature. The feature allows you to auto-park and retrieve the vehicle without being in it.
Smart summon allows you to move the Tesla to a target destination or your location using your Tesla mobile app. This feature proves useful when moving out of a parking spot, allowing you to stand and monitor incoming traffic while the vehicle backs out.
Watch here and see how this feature works.
However, the feature is not on all models and varies with region, configurations, and software. The feature is also a BETA feature, meaning it is in a testing phase, and you should be alert when using it.
4. Reverse Park
While this is not a better option than the other discussed above, it is still a viable option for this issue. Reverse parking means you reverse into the parking space rather than drive into it.
With your Tesla facing forward, all you’ll need to do is check the surroundings as you would do when at a junction. With more view from the forward position, you’ll have a clearer look around and avoid collisions with other traffic.
FAQs
Below are frequently asked questions and their answers on the Tesla cross traffic alert. Check them out.
No. Automatic emergency braking, which helps reduce impact during a collision, may not help when reversing, like cross traffic. The feature is disabled when the steering is turned and usually works when the vehicle drives forward.
There are possibilities that this system will be available on future Tesla models. With CEO Elon Musk aware of the issue and the continuous complaints by users, the feature is expected soon. However, no official word yet from Tesla.
While the park assist feature on your Tesla can help detect objects nearby, it is not exactly like the cross traffic alert. The system usually doesn’t detect pedestrians, cyclists, and animals and can fail to detect vehicles.
Conclusion
Tesla cars currently don’t have the cross traffic alert system that most other vehicles use when reversing. Without this crucial safety feature on your Tesla, you can use features available to improve reversing. One of them is the smart summon, allowing you to monitor the area as the vehicle reverses.
However, you can also use the rear camera plus the two sides to monitor the surroundings when reversing. If you still feel unsafe backing out without the cross traffic alert, consider reverse parking and get a better view when driving out.
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