By: Otaiba Ahsan

While most Tesla owners simply enjoy their vehicle for daily driving, others like to test the limits of their car. This can be accomplished by taking it to a closed circuit, where you can push the car to reach high speeds, and zip around corners while having a blast. Lucky for you, Tesla has developed a specific setting for the Model 3 and S that can optimize your track experience. Continue reading for steps on how to enable Track Mode for the Tesla Model 3 and Model S.

What is Track Mode?

Available only for the Plaid Model S and Performance Model 3, Track Mode is designed to modify the stability and traction control of the vehicle. Additionally, it also helps modify regenerative braking, and the car’s cooling systems, all to improve performance and handling while driving on closed circuit courses.

How does it work? Tesla states that Track Mode enhances the cornering ability by intelligently using the motors as well as with the regenerative and traditional braking systems. Moreover, the cooling system runs at an increased level, before, during, and after aggressive driving sessions. This allows the car’s systems to withstand more than usual heat.

NOTE: Ensure that your car is equipped with performance brakes and tires, as Track Mode is designed and calibrated for those specifically. If the vehicle is missing both the performance brakes and tires, then it will result in lower performance and endurance. These can be purchased directly from Tesla.

Enabling Track Mode

Track Mode is always disabled by default anytime you start the Model 3 or S. To enable it for your current drive, ensure your vehicle is in Park then tap Controls > Dynamics > Track Mode using the touchscreen. Sometimes this also may appear as Controls > Pedals & Steering > Track Mode.

Once enabled, the word TRACK will be visible on the touchscreen or instrument panel, and a Track Mode pop-up window will appear on the map. Additionally, the car will display a colour-coded image of your Tesla that provides critical information regarding the Battery, motors, tires, brakes, and more.

NOTE: You can also customize Track Mode settings like handling balance, stability assist, regenerative braking, and more. Moreover, you can set a Lap Timer to keep track of your performance.

The Bottom Line

The steps on how to enable Track Mode for the Tesla Model 3 and Model S are straightforward. When the car is in Park, touch Controls > Dynamics > Track Mode. On the Model S, this may appear as Controls > Pedals & Steering > Track Mode. When enabled, the word TRACK will be displayed on the touch screen or instrument panel.