Yesterday, while scrolling through the “Tesla Tips & Tricks” Facebook group, I stumbled upon a fascinating story shared by Umar Cheema, a Tesla Model 3 owner. His experience was both a lesson in modern tech and a reminder of why redundancy in features can be a lifesaver. His tale of an almost stranded moment, and how Tesla’s tech bailed him out, caught my attention because it’s a scenario many of us Tesla owners could find ourselves in.
Umar writes:
“Sharing another example of how tech can get you out of a jam. Just a few days ago, I parked my Tesla Model 3 in a small neighborhood downtown and went for a walk while taking a conference call on my phone. After walking for about 40 minutes or so, I realized I only had 1% phone battery remaining. And being on the phone for this long while walking, I had forgotten where I had parked the car. I got off the call, fired up my Tesla app, and quickly looked up the parked car location and memorized it. My phone died literally 10 seconds after that.
I walked back to the car and then it hit me, I couldn’t get into my car as my phone was dead and I didn’t have my car key with me. I figured I’d just have to Uber back home, charge my phone, and then get back to my car. Again, it hit me that I couldn’t call Uber since my phone was dead. So my only option would be to find a coffee shop close by and maybe see if they have a charger for my phone.
As I was weighing my options, I remembered that Tesla had recently released an Apple Watch app. I had never used it so I looked it up on my watch, fired it up, and sure enough, it had an “unlock” option. I unlocked my car, put my phone on the car charger and just in a few minutes all was well again.
Sharing here in case you ever find yourself in a similar Tesla situation.”
The Lifesaving Power of Tesla’s Apple Watch App
Umar’s story is a perfect example of how Tesla’s cutting-edge tech ecosystem is designed to ensure you’re never completely stuck. The newly launched Tesla Apple Watch app played a pivotal role here. It’s not just a novelty—it’s an essential tool. With the app, Umar was able to access his car without his phone, proving once again that Tesla remains ahead in integrating convenience with practicality.
For those wondering, this Apple Watch app feature could prove just as valuable in various scenarios—whether you forget your phone at home, lose it, or, like Umar, simply run out of battery. It’s one more reason why Tesla’s ecosystem feels more like a safety net than just a vehicle accessory.
Alternative Options to Avoid Such Jams
Umar’s ingenuity is commendable, but not everyone has an Apple Watch. This is where other Tesla enthusiasts offered additional practical tips in the same discussion.
Alejandro Masari shared his precautionary habit:
“I keep my Tesla keycard under my phone case as a precaution in case my phone battery dies.”
This simple yet clever tip eliminates the dependency on your phone entirely. The keycard is small, lightweight, and can easily fit under a standard phone case. While Tesla’s phone-as-key feature is incredibly convenient, carrying a keycard as backup ensures you won’t find yourself stranded.
Another group member, Polar Prutaseranee, provided further insights:
“For future reference, you can also have someone else sign into your account and unlock it. For instance, a family member or someone you really trust. Or you can also just borrow someone else’s phone, download the app, and then sign in and unlock the vehicle. Glad the watch worked out.”
Polar’s suggestions are perfect for those moments when you don’t have immediate access to your Tesla app or watch. Having a trusted person who can log in to your account is a great failsafe. Additionally, borrowing a phone and downloading the app can be a last-resort option.
Practical Takeaways for Tesla Owners
- Carry a Backup Keycard: It’s small, unobtrusive, and guarantees access regardless of phone status.
- Leverage Family or Friends: Ensure someone you trust has access to your Tesla account, just in case.
- Know Your Tech: Familiarize yourself with features like the Tesla Apple Watch app or similar tools that can save the day.
- Mind Your Battery: It seems obvious, but always monitor your phone’s charge—especially if it’s your primary car key.
Tesla’s continuous innovation doesn’t just focus on performance or aesthetics; it’s also about ensuring owners have peace of mind. Features like the Apple Watch app emphasize this commitment. If you’re curious about other tech Tesla offers, like the unlock boost for Model Y RWD owners, you can check out this detailed discussion on Torque News. Similarly, exploring how Tesla Model 3 features evolve can highlight just how much the company focuses on driver convenience.
What’s Your Backup Plan?
Have you ever found yourself in a situation similar to Umar’s? If so, how did you handle it? Perhaps you’ve adopted a backup strategy, like Alejandro’s keycard idea or Polar’s account-sharing tip? Let us know your thoughts, experiences, or advice in the comments below. Your story might help another Tesla owner in a future jam.
Armen Hareyan is the founder and the Editor in Chief of Torque News. He founded TorqueNews.com in 2010, which since then has been publishing expert news and analysis about the automotive industry. He can be reached at Torque News Twitter, Facebook, Linkedin, and Youtube. He has more than a decade of expertise in the automotive industry with a special interest in Tesla and electric vehicles.