Park Assist

Model S is designed to detect the presence of objects. When driving slowly (for example, when parking), the vehicle alerts you if an object is detected in close proximity of your Model S. The vehicle alerts you when objects are detected in front of Model S when you are in Drive, and behind Model S when you are in Reverse.

Warning IconA warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation
Warning
You may not be alerted if Model S rolls freely in the opposite direction (for example, Park Assist does not display an alert if Model S rolls backwards down a hill while in Drive).
front and rear of vehicle with sensors highlighted.
top view of vehicle with sensors.
Warning IconA warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation
Warning
Never depend on Park Assist to inform you if an area you are approaching is free of objects and/or people. Several external factors can reduce the performance of Park Assist, causing either no readings or false readings (see Limitations and False Warnings). Therefore, depending on Park Assist to determine if Model S is approaching an obstruction can result in damage to the vehicle and/or objects, and can potentially cause serious injury. Always inspect the area with your own eyes. When reversing, perform shoulder checks and use all mirrors. Park assist does not detect children, pedestrians, bicyclists, animals, or objects that are moving, protruding, located too far above or below the cameras, or too close or too far from the cameras. Park Assist is for guidance purposes only and is not intended to replace your own direct visual checks. It is not a substitute for careful driving.

Visual and Audio Feedback

When you shift to Reverse, the Park Assist view displays on the left side of the instrument panel, showing objects that are in close proximity to the front and rear of Model S. This view closes when you shift into Drive unless an object is detected close to the front of Model S, in which case the Park Assist view closes automatically when you start driving faster than the speed at which Park Assist operates. When reversing, visual feedback also displays on the touchscreen (see Rear Facing Camera(s)). You can manually close the park assist view on the touchscreen by touching the X.

When driving at low speeds with the Camera app displayed on the touchscreen, you can switch to the Park Assist view by touching the button located in the upper left corner of the Camera app screen. This is useful if you need assistance with parallel parking.

If chimes are turned on (see Controlling Audible Feedback), an audible beep sounds as you approach an object. You can temporarily mute the chime by touching the speaker icon on the bottom corner of the Park Assist view.

Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
Note
If Park Assist is unable to provide feedback, the instrument panel displays an alert message.
Warning IconA warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation
CAUTION
Keep cameras clean from dirt, debris, snow, and ice. Avoid using a high pressure power washer on the cameras, and do not clean a camera with a sharp or abrasive object that can scratch or damage its surface.
Warning IconA warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation
CAUTION
Do not install accessories or stickers on or near the cameras.

Controlling Audible Feedback

You can use Park Assist with or without audible feedback. To turn chimes on or off, touch Controls > Safety > Park Assist Chimes.

To mute the chimes temporarily, touch the speaker icon in the bottom corner of the Park Assist view. The chimes are muted until you shift or drive over the speed at which Park Assist operates.

Limitations and False Warnings

Park Assist may not function correctly in these situations:

  • One or more of the sensors (if equipped) or cameras is damaged, dirty, or obstructed (such as by mud, ice, or snow, or by a vehicle bra, excessive paint, or adhesive products such as wraps, stickers, rubber coating, etc.).
  • The object is located below approximately 8 inches (20 cm) (such as a curb or low barrier).
    Warning IconA warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation
    CAUTION
    Shorter objects that are detected (such as curbs or low barriers) can move into a blind spot. Model S cannot alert you about an object while it is in a blind spot.
  • Weather conditions (heavy rain, snow, or fog).
  • The object is thin (such as a sign post).
  • Park Assist’s operating range has been exceeded.
  • The object is sound-absorbing or soft (such as powder snow).
  • The object is sloped (such as a sloped embankment).
  • Model S has been parked in, or being driven in, extremely hot or cold temperatures.
  • The object is located too close to the bumper.
  • A bumper is misaligned or damaged.
  • An object that is mounted to Model S is interfering with and/or obstructing Park Assist (such as a bike rack or bumper sticker).
  • Model S rolls freely in the opposite direction you selected (for example, Park Assist does not display an alert if Model S rolls backwards down a hill while in Drive).

Other Parking Aids

In addition to Park Assist, when shifted into Reverse, the backup camera displays a view of the area behind Model S (see Rear Facing Camera(s)).