How to Engage the Tesla Model Y Parking Brake: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners

The Tesla Model Y, renowned for its sleek design and advanced technology, offers a host of features to enhance your driving experience. One such essential feature is the parking brake, which plays a crucial role in ensuring your vehicle remains securely parked on any terrain. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the intricacies of setting the parking brake in your Tesla Model Y, providing step-by-step instructions and valuable tips to ensure a seamless and secure parking experience.

Step 1: Shift into Park

Before setting the parking brake, it is essential to shift your Tesla Model Y into the Park (P) position. This action engages the transmission, preventing the vehicle from rolling. To shift into Park, simply move the gear selector located on the center console to the P position.

Step 2: Engage the Parking Brake

Once your Tesla Model Y is in Park, you can engage the parking brake. There are two methods to do this:

Method A: Using the Touchscreen

• On the touchscreen, tap the “Controls” icon located on the bottom left corner.
• Scroll down and select “Parking Brake.”
• Tap the “Engage” button to activate the parking brake.

Method B: Using the Parking Brake Lever

• Locate the small parking brake lever situated to the left of the steering wheel.
• Pull up on the lever to engage the parking brake.
• Release the lever to disengage the parking brake.

Step 3: Confirm Parking Brake Activation

To confirm that the parking brake is engaged, you should see the following indicators:

• The “P” indicator on the instrument panel will turn green.
• The “Parking Brake” icon on the touchscreen will be highlighted.
• The parking brake lever will remain in the up position.

Step 4: Disengaging the Parking Brake

When you are ready to drive, you need to disengage the parking brake. To do this:

Method A: Using the Touchscreen

• On the touchscreen, tap the “Controls” icon located on the bottom left corner.
• Scroll down and select “Parking Brake.”
• Tap the “Disengage” button to release the parking brake.

Method B: Using the Parking Brake Lever

• Press down on the parking brake lever to disengage it.

Step 5: Shift out of Park

Once the parking brake is disengaged, you can shift your Tesla Model Y out of the Park position. To do this, simply move the gear selector to the desired driving mode, such as Drive (D) or Reverse (R).

Additional Tips

• It is recommended to always engage the parking brake when parking your Tesla Model Y, even on flat surfaces.
• If you forget to set the parking brake, your Tesla Model Y will automatically engage the electronic parking brake when you exit the vehicle.
• You can adjust the sensitivity of the automatic parking brake in the vehicle’s settings.
• If you experience any issues with the parking brake, consult your Tesla owner’s manual or contact Tesla customer support.

Troubleshooting

Problem: The parking brake does not engage.

Solution:

• Make sure that your Tesla Model Y is in Park.
• Check if the parking brake lever is engaged properly.
• Check if the parking brake is malfunctioning. Contact Tesla customer support if necessary.

Problem: The parking brake does not disengage.

Solution:

• Make sure that you are pressing the brake pedal before disengaging the parking brake.
• Check if the parking brake lever is stuck.
• Check if the parking brake is malfunctioning. Contact Tesla customer support if necessary.

What You Need to Learn

Q: Can I use the parking brake to hold my Tesla Model Y on a hill?

A: Yes, you can use the parking brake to hold your Tesla Model Y on a hill. However, it is important to note that the parking brake is not designed for long-term use. If you need to park your Tesla Model Y on a hill for an extended period, it is recommended to use wheel chocks in addition to the parking brake.

Q: How often should I service the parking brake in my Tesla Model Y?

A: The parking brake in your Tesla Model Y does not require regular maintenance. However, it is important to have the parking brake inspected by a Tesla technician during your regular scheduled maintenance appointments.

Q: What should I do if the parking brake warning light comes on?

A: If the parking brake warning light comes on, it is important to have your Tesla Model Y inspected by a Tesla technician as soon as possible. The parking brake warning light may indicate a problem with the parking brake system.