| Camera type | No. of cameras | Camera location | Coverage |
| Internal cameras | 3 | Windshield above the rear window | Vehicle interior |
| Rear camera | 1 | Above the rear license plate | Rear of the car |
| Side cameras | 2 | On each door pillar | Both sides of the car |
| Front cameras | 2 | On each front fender | Vehicle front |
If you are curious as to whether it is possible to disable one or more cameras individually, the answer is no. There is currently no feature on Tesla vehicles that allows you to select which camera you want to disable.
However, you can turn off the Dashcam or turn off Sentry Mode from the vehicle's touchscreen if you want to turn off the cameras. This is also a good option if you are convinced that Tesla may be spying on you.
Curiosity:
When the Dashcam is off, Sentry Mode does not record video. While the cameras are constantly recording/scanning the environment when Sentry Mode is active, Tesla will only save 10-minute video footage from several minutes before the threat and during the event.
Privacy expectations when using Tesla cameras
The level of privacy you can expect from Tesla cameras depends on how these cameras work. Whether in sentry mode or with the Dashcam set to auto, Tesla cameras provide a live video feed.
The cameras will only start recording and save this recording after detecting a threat and this recording is limited to 10 minutes only. Recorded video is stored in the car's USB storage drive. All Teslas come with a 128GB USB drive.
Therefore, the amount of information recorded on the USB stick is subject to the amount of free space available. However, these records also provide useful information to help analyze driver behaviour.
This behavior is also used to enhance the car's safety features or protect the manufacturer from unsubstantiated insurance claims. If you're concerned about privacy, Tesla has you covered.
Information logged while in Sentry or Dashcam mode is not transmitted to Tesla to enhance privacy. However, you can view the video recording by downloading the videos from the USB drive.
There is no audio recording support
As part of its commitment to enhance driver privacy, Tesla cameras record only video and no audio. While Tesla has built-in microphones installed in cars, these microphones are primarily used to support voice commands.
Tesla has collected over 1,3 billion miles of data in its quest to create fully autonomous cars. This information includes data on:
Accelerator pedal position, Speed Braking, Other information relating to the use of the vehicle.
Tesla is perhaps aware that the audio recordings could be misunderstood as an EV maker's attempt to eavesdrop on sensitive communications from Tesla owners. If you're worried about Elon Musk listening to your intimate conversations, you can rest easy.
Did you know that?
Tesla's approach to avoiding audio support could be lessons from the Chevrolet crash. In 2015, Chevrolet had issues with its Valet Mode, which recorded audio from inside the vehicle's cabin in the absence of full disclosure. Chevrolet has since replaced the audio recordings with a warning message.
FAQ
Most Tesla Mobile Service appointments are semi-emergency situations. People are stuck on the side of the road and just want to go home. The last thing they want is to struggle with payment options once Tesla Mobile Service finally arrives. So, does Tesla's roadside assistance cost extra money?
You have to pay for Tesla Mobile Service because it is not covered by any warranty. Tesla Mobile Service is also not a warranty repair. As of now, the service charges $1 per mile round-trip, with a minimum cost of $100. But you might get a better deal if you sign up for a long-term plan.
- To pay or not to pay for Tesla Mobile Service
- Tesla's mobile service is available throughout the United States
- How to Schedule a Tesla Mobile Service Appointment
- Potential problems with Tesla Mobile Service
- Maintaining a Tesla yourself
- FAQ
- Can Tesla's mobile service fix the panel gaps?
- How far will Tesla Mobile Service travel?
To pay or not to pay for Tesla Mobile Service
As for whether you have to pay for Tesla Mobile Service, the short answer is "Yes."
Compare that to the cost of a traditional tow truck, which can range from $75 to $200, and you can see that Tesla's mobile service is a great deal. Plus, you don't have to worry about the quality of the service. All Tesla mobile service vehicles are maintained by certified technicians.
Tesla's mobile service is available throughout the United States
Tesla's mobile service is available in several states within the United States. However, the EV maker is rapidly expanding the service around the world. As of this article, they have already set up shop in Europe and are looking to expand to other continents soon.
For those of you living in the good ol' US of A, here's a table of the number of service centers in your state (if there is one).
Number of Tesla Mobile Service Centers by US state
Did you know that:
Tesla's mobile services fleet is the largest globally. That's more than the largest traditional auto service companies!
How to Schedule a Tesla Mobile Service Appointment
If you need to use Tesla's mobile service, you can make an appointment through their website. All you have to do is provide your location and the type of service you need. Once this is done, a technician will come to your site to fix your car.
Alternatively, you can also make an appointment by calling Tesla's customer service number. The number is 1-888-518-3752.
I have used this service myself and can attest to its convenience. Once, I had a flat tire while on vacation and was able to make an appointment with Tesla's mobile service. After 15 minutes, a technician came over and had my car fixed in no time.
Potential problems with Tesla Mobile Service
If you experience problems with the mobile service, you can contact Tesla customer service. They will be happy to help you solve the problem. As far as I can tell, most people have a positive experience with Tesla's mobile service. If you have a problem, you can be sure that Tesla will do everything possible to make it right.
The only recurring issue you may have with the service is the cost. Some feel that $1 per mile is too high. To me, the service is worth the price, but your mileage may vary.
Fun Fact #1:
Tesla's mobile service is available in over 30 countries around the world.
Maintaining a Tesla yourself
Tesla recommends using their mobile service for all repairs and maintenance. I personally recommend using that service as much as possible, especially since any damage inflicted while repairing your car can void any warranty.
But if you're a do-it-yourselfer, you might be able to do some of the work yourself. For example, it is possible to change the brakes or replace the tyres. But more complicated tasks, like changing the battery, should be left to the professionals.
Fun Fact #2:
Tesla CEO Elon Musk is a big fan of the DIY culture. He has even been known to work on his cars himself!
