The Tesla electric vehicle is one of its kind when it comes constantly improving on car features. Whether it’s a useful or quirky addition, it adds to the fun of being a Tesla owner. However, being a sought-after brand that doesn’t fit everyone’s budget, you can’t be blamed for wondering if they are also a hot target for thieves, especially with the recent crime wave hitting the country. Well, even if they are, Tesla’s CEO, Elon Musk has put in great efforts to make sure your Tesla is kept safe from break-ins and car jackings.
Tesla’s approach to car security includes working with white hat hackers to identify potential security flaws, which are addressed in their over-the-air software updates, as well as adding innovative anti-theft functionalities.
While most new cars today provide advanced ways to prevent against theft, the EV auto manufacturer outperforms with its’ low rate of thefts and high recovery rate. the industry in both minimal thefts and recovery rate. Here are some of the key Tesla security features that shows why stealing a Tesla car is a headache for bandits.
GPS TRACKING
GPS tracking has been a part of Tesla’s security features since the very early days. Being connected to the owner’s mobile phone app, the electric vehicle transmits real-time information on its location at any given time. So, if a Tesla is stolen, the owner can simply use the app to find the precise location where the car is situated.
SENTRY MODE
Sentry Mode was created by Tesla specifically to prevent alley car theft. This method is used to discourage attempts to steal the car. When Sentry Mode is enabled (whether the car is driving or stationary), the car is in a monitoring state with two side cameras, a front camera, and sensors activated. The Tesla car keeps watch on its surroundings and will send a notification to the owner on the Tesla app if anyone gets too close to the car. It will also display a message noticeable by passers-by that it has a recording in progress. It should be enough to stop any anyone from considering a break-in but if they still go ahead, their chances of getting caught are increasingly high.
This feature has also helped law enforcement apprehend many car thieves who broke into or stole a car within a Tesla’s camera view. One such story is from Spain, where recently a Tesla Model 3 recorded someone stealing a Porsche, and thanks to Tesla’s Sentry Mode, the car was recovered within 24-hours. YouTube has a great compilation of videos submitted by Tesla’s owners showing how Sentry Mode has recorded people behaving badly.
PIN TO DRIVE
In the event that an expert thief was able to remove the car’s SIM card to prevent GPS tracking, and ignore the active recording in Sentry Mode, they would still have another hurdle to overcome. Tesla’s Pin To Drive requires the owner’s personal PIN code to drive the vehicle. And, if you think you can simply make out fingerprint smudges, Tesla took it up a notch and randomizes the display of the pin pad.
PASSIVE ENTRY DISABLED
When enabled, the Passive Entry setting automatically unlocks the vehicle’s doors when the owner approaches the car with the key. Relay attacks occur when a signal is transmitted from the key to the car without the owner’s knowledge. This can potentially allow for unauthorized access. By disabling Passive Entry when the vehicle is park, and store the car key in a RFID-blocking sleeve.
Figuring out how to steal a Tesla is just simply not worth the prison time.
