Tesla’s Autosteer feature has revolutionized the automotive industry by offering a glimpse into the future of semi-autonomous driving.
While it brings a host of benefits to Tesla owners, one crucial aspect that requires thorough understanding is Autosteer’s speed restrictions and the potential consequences of exceeding them.
In this comprehensive article, we will delve deeply into the intricacies of Tesla’s Autosteer, exploring its speed restrictions, the rationale behind them, and the implications of disregarding these limits.
Speed Restrictions in Autosteer
Autosteer, being a highly advanced feature, comes with predetermined speed restrictions to ensure the system’s safe operation. Here are the key speed restrictions associated with Autosteer:
Within Posted Road Speed Limits:
Autosteer, in its default mode, primarily operates within the posted speed limits of the road you’re traveling on. It relies on GPS data and map information to ascertain these limits and adjusts the vehicle’s speed accordingly.
Under certain circumstances, Autosteer may permit the vehicle to exceed the posted speed limit by up to 5 mph (8 km/h). This allowance typically applies to divided highways and specific non-divided highways with well-defined lanes.
However, it’s crucial to note that this feature’s availability can vary depending on regional regulations and software updates.
Speed Limit Warning:
When the driver exceeds the speed limit allowed by Autosteer, the system issues a visual and audible warning. This alert is intended to prompt the driver to take immediate control of the vehicle and reduce their speed to a safe and legal level.
Autosteer Speed Limit
Other than following the road limitations, autosteer has its own limits as well. Autosteer will be disabled if your car exceeds 85 mph (140 km/h).
So, even if a road allow 100 miles per hour speed, you can not utilize the autosteer to drive your car at that speed. You need to take the manual control for going beyond the specified 85 mph speed.
Tesla Autosteer Speed Limit Exceeded Error
If you encounter an error that says “Autosteer Speed Limit Exceeded (App_w218)”, then you must take control of the steering wheel and maneuver the car yourself. Since there is an 85 mph (140 kph) speed limit in Autosteer, sometimes the car exceeds the limit resulting in an error.
To tackle with the error, you need to do these-
- Take control of the steering.
- Slow down the car below 80 miles per hour.
- Drive for about 10-15 minutes to see if the Autosteer works again or not.
- If it doesn’t work again, pull over.
- Shift the gear to the park.
- Press and hold both scroll wheel buttons on the steering wheel until the screen reboots.
- Start driving again.
You should now have a working Autosteer again. Make sure you have the car in the limited speed range and be alert despite your car doing the job.
Not to scare you but remember, It’s a machine and it can malfunction. So, while it allows you to chill, you should have an eye and a hand ready to take over instantly.
Why Speed Restrictions Exist?
Understanding the reasons behind the imposition of speed restrictions in Autosteer is crucial. These restrictions are not arbitrary; rather, they are established with safety and legal compliance in mind:
System Capability:
Tesla’s Autosteer is not designed for extreme high-speed driving. Its capabilities are optimized for safer, lower-speed scenarios, such as highway cruising and traffic congestion.
Exceeding these speed limits can lead to reduced system responsiveness and heightened safety risks.
Legal Compliance:
Operating a vehicle above the posted speed limits is a violation of traffic laws in most jurisdictions.
Tesla aims to ensure that its Autopilot features, including Autosteer, adhere to local regulations, preventing drivers from engaging in illegal behavior.
Driver Alertness:
Maintaining speed restrictions serves to ensure that drivers remain actively engaged and vigilant while using Autosteer.
Over-reliance on the system can lead to complacency and delayed reactions in emergency situations.
By enforcing speed limits, Tesla encourages drivers to stay alert and ready to assume control if needed.
Consequences of Exceeding Speed Restrictions
Exceeding Autosteer’s speed restrictions can have a range of consequences, each with potentially significant impacts:
Reduced Safety:
Autosteer’s speed limits are carefully calibrated to provide a balance between convenience and safety.
Operating the vehicle at high speeds while Autosteer is engaged can compromise safety. The system may not react as swiftly or effectively to unexpected obstacles or rapidly changing road conditions, increasing the risk of accidents.
Legal Consequences:
Driving above the posted speed limits can result in traffic violations and fines. These consequences are the responsibility of the driver, not Tesla.
It’s essential for Tesla owners to understand that Autosteer’s speed limits do not absolve them of their legal obligations while operating the vehicle.
Loss of Autosteer Functionality:
Tesla is committed to promoting responsible and safe use of its Autopilot features. If a driver repeatedly exceeds the system’s speed limits or engages in reckless driving behavior, Tesla may take action to discourage such actions.
This could involve temporarily or permanently disabling Autosteer functionality in the vehicle to incentivize safer driving practices.
Negative Public Perception:
Instances of Tesla vehicles using Autosteer at excessive speeds can garner negative media attention and public scrutiny.
Such incidents may contribute to concerns about the safety of autonomous driving technologies and could potentially lead to regulatory changes or increased skepticism among the general population.
Conclusion
Tesla’s Autosteer represents a remarkable leap forward in automotive technology, offering numerous advantages in terms of convenience and safety.
However, to fully harness the benefits of this cutting-edge feature, Tesla owners must familiarize themselves with and adhere to the system’s speed restrictions.
These restrictions are not arbitrary; they are designed to prioritize safety, legal compliance, and driver alertness.
By using Autosteer responsibly and within the specified limits, Tesla owners can enjoy a safer and more convenient driving experience while maintaining safety as their top priority. Additionally, it is important to stay informed about any updates or changes to Autosteer’s functionality and speed restrictions, as Tesla continues to refine and enhance its Autopilot technology.