Track Mode is the ultimate sporty option on a Tesla Model 3. It mustn’t ever be used on a public road and is only for closed racing circuits.
With Track Mode enabled, the Model 3’s performance will significantly increase. You’ll feel greater power, handling, and endurance from the vehicle.
This article will explain how to customize Track Mode on a Model 3 Tesla. You can then set your car to behave precisely the way you want.
Table of Contents
What does Track Mode do?
Track Mode adjusts and improves the following:
- Stability control
- Traction control
- Regenerative braking
- Battery cooling system
Combined, these features make your Model 3 hunkers down on the track more. It gives you more freedom to put the power down at the precise right time and means the batteries can work harder for much longer.
All of this results in drastically improved handling and performance.
How to enable Track Mode on the Tesla Model 3
Follow these instructions to turn Track Mode on in your Model 3.
- Bring the vehicle to a stop and put it in Park.
- Go to Controls.
- Under Pedals & Steering, select Track Mode.
- “Track” will appear on the display. You’ll also see a color-coded graphic of your Model 3’s drive system. This gives you real-time (valuable) information on how it’s doing.
How to customize your Model 3’s Track Mode
Track Mode is now fully customizable. That’s good for keen track day racers with lots of experience.
If you’re new to the Tesla Track Mode, leave it in its standard settings for your first outings.
Here’s how to customize Track Mode. Either:
- Tap Track Mode settings after enabling Track Mode, or
- Select Customize (next to Track Mode) before you activate it.
You’ll have the option to adjust several settings:
- Handling Balance
- Stability Assist
- Regenerative Braking
The following features are also helpful once you finish.
- Post-Drive Cooling (well worth activating to protect your batteries)
- Save Dashcam for Laps (you must have a USB drive plugged into the glove box port)
How to adjust the Track Mode settings
Handling Balance, Stability Assist, and Regenerative Braking are all controlled via sliders. You have the following ranges available:
- Handling Balance – 100/0 (front wheel focus) to 0/100 (rear wheel focus)
- Stability Assist -10 to +10 (almost entirely off to factory road settings)
- Regenerative Braking – 0% to 100% (100% is recommended to aid with brake cooling)
Leave the Stability Assist on at least 0 while you get familiar with the car’s maneuverability. In most racing situations, you’ll want something between 50/50 and 20/80 (rear bias) for Handling Bias.
It’s best to leave Regenerative Braking at 100%. If your batteries overheat, that’s your car out of action for a little while. It’s not worth risking any damage.
The Model 3 sends instant torque to the wheels (as do all EVs). Turning Stability Assist to -10 might mean it’s challenging to catch the rear end when you start to drift. You’ll still find a slight amount of traction control working to keep you in a straight line, but it’s significantly reduced.
Using Track Mode presets on the Model 3
You can save your own presets using the settings mentioned above. However, you could also use the installed preset settings. These are useful as you familiarize yourself with the Model 3’s Track Mode.
- Race Preset
- Drift Preset
- Out of Spec – Track
- The Dragon
- Backroad
How to use Tesla Model 3 Track Mode safely
The best way to use Track Mode safely on the Model 3 is to take your time and build up slowly. You’ll soon learn what you, the track, and the external conditions require from the car.
Of course, you must only use Track Mode while driving on a closed racing circuit. It’s dangerous to use on the road. You’re likely to face criminal charges if you cause an accident (or are involved in one) on the road while Track Mode is active.
Finally, when driving on a track, keep an eye on the car’s information graphic and everything around you. It’s your responsibility to drive safely around others of all experience levels.
For example, if you notice the tire or battery indicators turning red, they’re overheating. Pull over and allow them to cool.
Here’s some more information about the Model 3’s Track Mode from the official Tesla owner’s manual:
