How to Determine if Your Car Has Autopilot

Over time, the use of automation in vehicles has become more prevalent, leading to confusion and misunderstandings about terms like autopilot. Understanding the true definition and functionality of autopilot can help you make informed decisions when purchasing or driving a car. In this article, we will explore various methods to determine if a car actually has autopilot capabilities.

The Autopilot Symbol

One way to identify if a car has true autopilot is by looking for a specific symbol. Often, these symbols are designed to look like the letter 'A' (Autopilot) in a particular font or style. If the symbol on your car resembles this design, it may suggest that the car is equipped with an advanced driver-assistance system (ADAS) or could potentially require specific software updates to activate the autopilot features. However, if the symbol does not match this description, your car is likely not equipped with Autopilot functionality.

The Myth of Self-Driving Cars

It is important to clarify a common misconception that all self-driving cars are equipped with autopilot technology. As of now, self-driving cars are not widely available for consumer use, and their development is still in the experimental and testing phases. Self-driving cars, often referred to as fully autonomous vehicles, are primarily seen in research and testing environments, with safety concerns being a primary barrier to their public release.

Testing for Autopilot Capability

If you are unsure whether your car has autopilot capabilities, there are practical steps you can take to determine this. One method involves leaving your car in the PARK position and verbally instructing the vehicle on a route. If the car remains parked and does not move, it can be concluded that it does not have autopilot functionality. True autopilot would enable the car to move autonomously without you giving it verbal instructions, and would perform actions like driving, turning, and managing the car in various traffic conditions.

Using the Tesla App

For Tesla owners, the Tesla app provides additional insights into the car's features and capabilities. By installing and connecting the app to your vehicle, you can access detailed information about the installed upgrades. To check if your Tesla has Autopilot:

Open the Tesla app on your smartphone. Locate the 'Upgrades' option within the menu. Review the list of installed upgrades to see if Autopilot is among them. If not, you may find that there are options for additional upgrades that could enable Autopilot in the future.

Engaging Autopilot in Real-Time

Alternatively, you can manually activate Autopilot while driving by following these steps:

Ensure your car is in Cruise Control mode. Press the stalk on the steering column to the right. Autopilot should automatically engage when an icon appears on the screen, indicating that it is available. To activate Autopilot, press the stalk once more.

Cruise Control is NOT Autopilot: It is important to note that cruise control, which is available on many vehicles, is a feature that sets a constant speed for the car. It does not involve any autonomous navigation or steering. True Autopilot requires a more advanced system that can detect traffic, maintain lane position, and manage complex driving scenarios without human intervention.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is my car self-driving?

As of now, self-driving cars are not available for public use. True self-driving cars are still in the research and testing phases, with safety concerns as a primary barrier.

Q: If my car doesn't have Autopilot now, can I get it later?

For Tesla owners, you can use the Tesla app to check if upgrades, such as Autopilot, are available for your model. Some Tesla models may require specific type of upgrades to activate Autopilot.

Q: How can I test if my car has Autopilot?

Leave your car in PARK and see if it moves when you give it verbal instructions. If it remains stationary, it does not have Autopilot. Alternatively, you can use the Tesla app to check for installed upgrades or manually engage Autopilot while driving.

By understanding these methods and clarifying the terminology, you can make informed decisions about the autonomous features of your vehicle and stay aware of the latest advancements in automotive technology.