Check out our in-depth articles! Categories include:
For New Owners • Solar • Analysis • Comparisons • Technology • Audio • Dashcam • Repair • Other
For New Owners
Range University
Understanding what the Range display means and why it may not be accurate (Nov-2024 update)
Owner’s Manual Companion
Everything you wanted to know about your new Tesla vehicle and more! (Dec-2023 update)
Home Charging Wiring Guide
Explains safe wiring methods for charging your Tesla S/X/3/Y at home. (Nov-2023 update)
Supercharger SuperGuide
Our deep dive into Superchargers – how to speed your charging, how it works, NACS, and more (Nov-2024 update)
Model 3/Y Home Charging Guide
Charging speeds, best solutions, outlet choices, and more! (Nov-2024 update)
Vampire Drain
When parked various options can consume additional power and reduce your range. (Jun-2023)
Selecting the Right Battery Size
Our handy guide getting the S/X/3/Y battery that’s best for you! (Nov-2024 update)
Solar
Tesla Solar Roof Installation
Our very own Tesla solar roof project with video, costing, and more! (Sep-2021 update)
Solar-Powerwall System Optimizations
Tricks to getting more useful power and improving Powerwall longevity (Sep-2020 update)
Solar Roof Cleaning
Various methods you can use to clean your solar roof (Jul-2024 Update)
Analysis
Instrument Cluster
Our deep dive into the Model S/X instrument cluster, different hardware generations, images, repairs, software, and more! (Nov-2024 update)
Fuses and Current Protection
Examination of current protection systems in the Models S/X/3/Y including all fusebox locations and fuse functions. (Nov-2022 update)
Accessory Power Guide
Find the right power source location for 12v and 5v accessories. We test currents and voltages during six different vehicle power states on different S/X/3/Y vehicles. Includes videos. (Jun-2023 update)
Revolutionary Steering Wheel
Examining the new steering wheel design for the 2021 S/X (Oct-2023 update)
Tilting Display
Deep dive into the missing Model S/X tilting display along with how to get Tilt on the Model 3/Y (Feb-2022 update)
Supercharging, CCS and CHAdeMO DC Fast Charging
Comparing these three systems and the related networks (Jul-2023 update)
Autopilot, Processors, and Hardware
Demystifying MCU and HW variants (Nov-2024 update)
MCU1 Flash Memory Analysis and Failures
An examination of MCU1’s eMMC memory, failure rates, causes & solutions (Aug-2022 update)
MCU2 Upgrade and AM/FM/XM Radio Issues
Options when radios are removed for the MCU2 upgrade (Aug-2022 update)
Timelines for Vehicles and Variants
Dates of vehicle versions and major changes, EPA range, and more (Jul-2024 update)
Paint and Coatings
All about factory and body shop painting, coatings, and common myths (Jul-2024 update)
Solar Vehicle Roof Analysis
How much range would a solar roof provide and at what cost? (Oct-2019 update)
Comparisons
Tesla Vehicle Comparisons
Compare the latest models and variants, with features, options, and pricing. (Nov-2024 update)
Tesla vs. Gas Vehicle Savings Calculator
Get an estimate of the cost savings over time when switching to a Tesla vehicle. (Nov-2024 update)
Model S New and Old Comparisons
Specifications and features of the 2024 Model S LR and Plaid against the prior 2020-2021 LR+ and Performance variants. (Nov-2024 update)
Model X New and Old Comparisons
Specifications and features of the 2024 Model X LR and Plaid against the prior 2020-2021 LR+ and Performance variants. (Nov-2024 update)
Model 3 New and Old Comparisons
Specifications and features of the 2024 Model 3 LR Highland and the the prior 2023 Model 3 LR. (Nov-2024)
Original Model S Compared with Today's Model S
Specifications, features, and pricing of the original 2012 Model S compared with the latest Model S LR. (Nov-2024 update)
Taycan vs. Model S
Our in-depth comparison of the Porsche Taycan and the Tesla Model S LR and Plaid (Jul-2022 update)
Technology
Antenna Exposè
Examination and photos of all the antennas in the latest vehicles S/X/3/Y. The Model S is the current champ with 46 antennas. (Jul-2022)
Electric Motor Counts
A list of all the motors Tesla packs into each car. It ranges from 69 motors in the Model 3 to a whopping 118 in the Model X. (Jul-2022 update)
12 Volt Battery Compendium
Everything you need to know about your Tesla 12v or 16v battery! (May-2023 update)
Contactors
Understanding this critical high-power component (Feb-2019 update)
Understanding New Battery Breakthroughs
Battery breakthroughs may not always work as hoped for in vehicles (Jan-2023 update)
Processors Analysis and Count
Check out the 50+ processors used in Tesla vehicles (May-2013)
Audio
Audio Systems for the Tesla Model S and Model X
Examination of features, speakers, and amplifiers (Jan-2022 update)
Audio Systems for the Model 3 and Model Y
Our deep dive into speakers, amplifiers, and more on the Model 3 and Y. (Jun-2023 update)
XM Radio for Tesla
XM availability, options, alternatives, and tips (Sep-2020 update)
USB Flash Drives for Music
How to pick the right USB drive for great music and getting the most out of your vehicle’s music system (Feb-2022 update)
Streaming Audio
Streaming services and getting better streaming sound (Dec-2022 update)
Android Auto on Tesla?
An examination of Google’s Android Auto and what issues may slow or prevent implementation (Oct-2019 update)
CarPlay on Tesla?
An examination of Apple’s CarPlay and what issues may slow or prevent implementation (Oct-2019 update)
Dashcam
Tesla Dashcam
All about the built-in Tesla dashcam including how to pick a reliable drive, set it up, and troubleshoot (Nov-2023 update)
Ultimate Dashcam Guide
Exploration of the why what and how of third-party dashcams with comparisons and installation videos (Nov-2024 update)
Repair
Service Mode
Use service mode to get more details about issues, assist with diagnostics, do calibrations, and perform other tasks. (Feb-2024 update)
Tesla Fluid Leak Identifier
See a leak in your vehicle? We identify every fluid used in the Tesla and show how to identify what that leak is and if it’s important or not. (Feb-2023)
To Catch A Thief – Tesla Breakins
Breakin, investigation, and tips to avoid a break-in (Feb-2021 update)
Tesla Accident Repair Guide
How to navigate the accident repairs process and timing (Sep-2020 update)
Sounds of Tesla Vehicles
Normal and abnormal noises and sounds with solutions (Aug-2022 update)
HomeLink Analysis and Troubleshooting
Understanding HomeLink and fixing common issues (Aug-2022 update)
WiFi Guide and Troubleshooter for Tesla Vehicles
The Why and How of WiFi and how to get the best connection (Jan-2023 update)
Fixing a Paint Chip
Quick ways to fix small rock strikes and road rash (Mar-2021 update)
Other
VIN Decoder
Learn what your Vehicle Identification Number says about your car (Nov-2024 update)
Maps – EV Benefits, Tesla Stores & Superchargers
View maps of the USA with benefits by state, Tesla stores and service centers and counts of Superchargers (Apr-2019 update)
Old and New Luxury
How luxury is being redefined in vehicles (Aug-2017)
Charging
Easy to understand charging options for the Model S/X (Oct-2019 update)
Main Screen V7 User Interface Analysis
Changes from the 6.0 to new 7.0 (Oct-2015)
Instrument Panel V7 User Interface Analysis
Changes from the V6.0 to 7.0 (Oct-2015)