Tesla Creep Vs. Roll Stopping Modes | Know the Differences Quick

If you have a Tesla Model 3 or Model Y manufactured before January 2024, you have Tesla Stopping Mode. Creep and Roll modes are among the three stopping modes. Since Creep and Roll Stopping modes have different purposes, you must know them before choosing a particular one.

So, what are the differences when comparing Tesla Creep vs. Roll modes? If you enable Creep mode, your car will move forward (in Drive mode) and backward (in Reverse mode) when you remove your foot from the accelerator. On the other hand, if you select the Roll mode, your Tesla will roll freely when you come to a complete stop.

In this guide, I will discuss everything about Creep and Roll stopping modes and compare them to understand their differences.

What Is Creep Stopping Mode in Tesla?

Figure: Stopping Mode in Tesla (Image source: Tesla.com/support)

Tesla Creep mode is a stopping mode where your car will move forward or backward slowly when you come to a near or complete stop and pull off your foot from the accelerator.

It is like a feature of gasoline-powered automatic transmission vehicles.

When you select the Creep stopping mode in Tesla, the motor applies torque, which helps to move the vehicle forward(in Drive) or backward (in Reverse).

The Creep mode is helpful in low-speed traffic or when you want to park your car for smooth control.

What Is Roll Stopping Mode in Tesla?

Tesla Roll mode is stopping mode, where it will behave like neutral in engine-powered cars when you are at or close to a complete stop. This means your Tesla will freely move to the slope if you pull off your foot from the accelerator.

However, both Creep and Roll models are subject to monitoring in every situation and don’t rely on them entirely when you pull off your foot from the accelerator.

Here is a video on Tesla Stopping Modes to understand the modes better.

https://www.tesla.com/support/videos/watch/stopping-mode-model-3-and-model-y

Do you want to know which drive mode suits you better? Explore more about Tesla’s Tesla Chill vs Standard acceleration moodes.

Tesla Creep Vs Roll Modes: A Quick Comparison Table

Here is a quick comparison between Creep and Roll modes to get a quick insight into them.

Comparison Aspects	Tesla Creep Mode	Tesla Roll Mode
Behavior	Will move forward or backward based on the drive mode while at a stop or close to a stop	Will move freely when close to or at a complete stop
Suitable in	Stop-and-crawl situation	When need a complete stop
Safety Concerns	Lower risk on flat and slippery surface surfaces. Risk increases when climbing	Higher risks in slope and slippery roads
How to enable	Need to enable manually	Need to enable manually except for Track mode in Model Y

Tesla Creep Vs. Roll Stopping Modes: Detailed Comparison

Now you know what these both stopping modes do. Let’s compare Creep and Roll modes side by side and discuss their benefits and limitations.

The Behavior of Creep and Roll Modes

• Creep Mode: When you come to a complete stop or close to a stop, the car will move forward in Drive mode. If you are in Reverse mode, the car will go backward.

If you press the brake, the car will stop, and when you move your foot from the brake, the car will move automatically, even if you don’t press the accelerator when the Creep mode is enabled. This feature is like a stop-and-crawl function; the movement is like in automatic transmission cars.

• Roll Mode: Think about the neutral mode in engine-powered vehicles. When you activate the Roll stopping mode, your Tesla is free to move. So, if you are on a sloped surface, your tesla will move downward.

In both stopping modes, the brake won’t be engaged automatically. Rather, you have to press the brake pedal to keep the car in a stationary position.

Suitable Situations (Benefits)

• Creep Mode: Creep mode is suitable for slow and controlled movement. For example, it is very useful in inching-forwarding traffic with precise control. This mode is also suitable for parking in tight spaces.
• Roll Mode: The Roll mode is not very suitable for any situation. Since Tesla cars are electric, there is no need for “engine neutral.” But, if you want to keep your car stationed on an even surface, you can use Roll mode. On an even surface, the Tesla won’t move in any direction with the Roll mode on.

Safety Concern (Limitations)

• Creep Mode: You will find the Creep mode safer than Roll mode. However, you shouldn’t rely on the Creep mode when you climb a hill or go upward on a slope. Because the Creep mode may not be able to apply the required torque to move your Tesla upward.

As a result, you may face an accident.

• Roll Mode: Unlike Creep mode, never activate the Roll mode when climbing upward. Also, don’t rely on the mode when going downward. If you entirely let the Roll mode handle the car while going downward, it will fail to control the speed and can result in serious damage to your car and your life.

How to Enable

You have to enable both Creep and Roll modes manually as follows.

• Controls>Pedal Steering>Stopping Mode.
• Now, you can choose from Creep, Roll, and Hold Modes.

But, if your Tesla is a Model Y and it is in Track Mode, You will find the Roll mode is automatically enabled, regardless of the mode you selected before.

When you turn the Track Mode off, the Stopping Mode Will be manually set to the previous mode you selected.

Related Questions

Let’s see some frequently asked queries about Tesla stopping modes.

Wrapping Up

Both the Creep and Roll modes in Tesla have different functionalities. You will get the familiar automatic transmission feel of gas-powered vehicles.  Contrarily, the Roll mode will give you the feel of engine neutral feel of gas-powered vehicles.

However, Tesla recommends using the Hold mode since both modes have safety concerns. Ultimately, Tesla has removed the features from all new Tesla electric vehicles from January 2024.