► What is Tesla Dog Mode?
► New climate control feature
► Over-the-air update Feb 2019
The latest Tesla operating system includes a treat for dogs: you can now set the climate control to keep the car cool while parked up – so your pooch can lounge in comfort, without risk of overheating.
Crucially, the car will also display a sign on its digital screen to alert passers-by that the owner will be returning soon. No more panicked calls to the police if pedestrians spot a dog in a parked car on a hot day.
You can see the new feature in this short video clip shared on Twitter by the main Tesla account – showcasing how the Dog Mode works on a Model 3:
Tesla has also released Sentry Mode, a new use for the car’s Autopilot cameras; when parked up, they are in sleep mode but will activate if the car senses somebody in close proximity to the vehicle or leaning on it.
When alert, Tesla’s Sentry Mode will film proceedings, flash up warnings on the central display and – in extremis, if it detects a break-in – play loud music through the stereo and alert the owner via the app.
Read our Tesla Model 3 review