Navigating Tesla Autopilot: Tips to Help You Enjoy Safe Driving Experiences

assisted driving technology has come a long way in the past few years, but it's still far from perfect. Tesla's Model 3 is no exception, as some drivers have reported that their car will slow down for no apparent reason while on highways and interstates. This issue, known as "phantom braking," appears to be caused by the car mistaking highway overpasses or large road signs for obstacles in its path. The result can be jarring, especially when traveling at high speeds, and even potentially dangerous if other vehicles are following too closely.
The good news is that Tesla seems to be aware of this issue and has been working to address it with software updates. Some users report that phantom braking incidents have become less frequent since they started using the Autopilot feature. However, others still experience these unexpected slowdowns occasionally, so it's important to remain vigilant while driving.
In addition to phantom braking, there are several other issues that may arise when using Autopilot. For example, bright sunlight can cause the cameras to malfunction, making it difficult for the car to detect obstacles in its path. Poor weather conditions such as heavy rain or fog can also make it difficult for Autopilot to work properly. In these cases, it's best to take manual control of the vehicle until conditions improve.
Finally, some users have reported that their cars will slow down after detecting another car crossing traffic ahead of them, even though slowing down may not always be necessary. This can lead to unsafe situations where the car lingers in the middle of the road while traffic builds up behind it. To avoid this situation, it's important to stay alert and ready to take manual control if needed.
Overall, Autopilot is a great feature that can make driving easier and more enjoyable. However, it's important to remember that the technology is still far from perfect and requires constant vigilance on the part of drivers. If you experience any issues while using Autopilot, be sure to contact Tesla customer service for assistance. With proper care and attention, your Model 3 should provide many years of safe and reliable transportation!






I drive a 2019 Model 3 with FSD suite and when travelling on Interstate I-155 and I-74, the car suddenly slows down by 10-15 mph. Is this happening to others?
Yes, this is a common issue known as phantom braking. It occurs when the car thinks it sees an obstruction or picks up a speed limit from an exit ramp or road beside the highway. You can try avoiding the right lane or be prepared to push the accelerator if it happens again.
What software build do I have?
You have 2022.44.30.5.
Does this happen with Basic Autopilot?
Yes, slow down for no good reason is a feature of Basic Autopilot. It doesn't require FSD.
Are there any other issues that occur with Autopilot?
Yes, some of the other issues include camera blindness when it is very sunny outside, autopilot not working due to bad weather when it is cloudy or drizzling, and phantom braking where the car will slow down for no reason and then resume speed shortly thereafter.
Does Tesla address these issues in their software releases?
Tesla has improved upon these issues but they are still present, albeit less often. Over time, fewer and fewer instances occur which may be due to software updates. Tesla is constantly working to improve the Autopilot system and address any issues that arise.
Is there anything I can do to prevent these issues?
Yes, you can try to stay in the left lane when travelling on highways as this will reduce the chances of phantom braking. Additionally, you can check for software updates regularly to ensure your car has the latest version. Lastly, if you experience any issues while using Autopilot, you should contact Tesla's customer service team for assistance.