Articles – TeslaTap

Articles

Check out our in-depth articles! Categories include:

For New Owners • Solar • Analysis • Comparisons • Technology • Audio • Dashcam • Repair • Other

For New Owners

Owner’s Manual Companion

Everything you wanted to know about your new Tesla vehicle and more! (Jun-2022 update)

Range University

Understanding what the Range display means and why it may not be accurate (Aug-2022 update)

Supercharger SuperGuide

Our deep dive into Superchargers – how to speed your charging, how it works, and more (Dec-2022 update)

Home Charging Wiring Guide

Explains safe wiring methods for charging your Tesla S/X/3/Y at home. (May-2022 update)

Model 3/Y Home Charging Guide

Charging speeds, best solutions, outlet choices, and more! (Jun-2022 update)

Vampire Drain

When parked various options can consume additional power and reduce your range. (Apr-2022)

Selecting the Right Battery Size

Our handy guide getting the S/X/3/Y battery that’s best for you! (Mar-2022 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 (Aug-2021 Update)

Analysis

Instrument Cluster

Our deep dive into the Model S/X instrument cluster, different hardware generations, images, repairs, software, and more! (Jan-2023)

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)

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. (Apr-2022 update)

Revolutionary Steering Wheel

Examining the new steering wheel design for the 2021 S/X (Jan-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 (Apr-2021 update)

Autopilot, Processors, and Hardware

Demystifying MCU and HW variants (Mar-2022 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 (Dec-2021 update)

Paint and Coatings

All about factory and body shop painting, coatings, and common myths (Oct-2022 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. (Jan-2023 update)

Tesla vs. Gas Vehicle Savings Calculator

Get an estimate of the cost savings over time when switching to a Tesla vehicle. (Jan-2023 update)

Model S New and Old Comparisons

Specifications and features of the new 2023 Model S LR and Plaid against the outgoing 2020-2021 LR+ and Performance variants. (Jan-2023 update)

Model X New and Old Comparisons

Specifications and features of the new 2023 Model X LR and Plaid against the outgoing 2020-2021 LR+ and Performance variants. (Jan-2023 update)

Original Model S Compared with Today's Model S

Specifications, features, and pricing of the original 2012 Model S compared with the latest 2023 Model S LR. (Jan-2023 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 battery! (Jan-2023 update)

Understanding New Battery Breakthroughs

Battery breakthroughs may not always work as hoped for in vehicles (Jan-2023 update)

Contactors

Understanding this critical high-power component (Feb-2019 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

Our deep dive into speakers, amplifiers, and more on the Model 3. (Jun-2019 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, setting it up, and troubleshooting (Jan-2022 update)

Ultimate 2023 Dashcam Guide

Exploration of the why what and how of third-party dashcams with comparisons and installation videos (Jan-2023 update)