Issue 398 - Keep hands ready to steer
FSD
New FSD warning adds “keep hands ready to steer” prompt 📹
The latest FSD updates now show a clear onscreen message to "Keep your hands ready to steer" whenever the car thinks you might need to take over quickly. The system is getting smarter at adjusting driver warnings based on how complex your current driving situation is, so expect more urgent prompts at busy intersections and fewer nags on empty roads.
High-resolution millimeter-wave radar appears ready for a comeback via FCC filings
Recent FCC filings detail a new high-resolution millimeter-wave radar sensor that has started activating in some newer Model Ys and Cybertrucks via over-the-air updates, suggesting radar is coming back. This is unexpected, given radar was dropped a couple of years ago to simplify the signals the neural networks receive. The big questions now are whether it will roll out to all future cars, and what the real purpose will be.
Grok
Grok begins rolling out to vehicles in Europe
Grok, the built-in AI assistant, is starting to roll out across several European countries including the UK, Ireland, Germany, and more. With Grok, drivers can ask real-time questions and even add or edit navigation stops just by talking, making road trips and local travel a bit smoother.
Software Updates
Update 2026.2.3: hidden features, Service Mode FSD updates, battery recalibration 📹
The 2026.2.3 update sneaks in a bunch of useful but low-key improvements geared toward the more tech-savvy crowd. Highlights include FSD Trip Weights for HW3 cars in Service Mode, noticeable improvements to Matrix Headlights and the Autopark feature, and a very welcome automatic battery recalibration that has actually restored lost range on some LFP battery Model Ys.
Automations feature rolls out, first seen in action in China 📹
An Automations feature is launching that lets you create custom triggers and actions for your car, similar to Apple Shortcuts or Tasker but built in. You can set up things like Bioweapon Defense Mode to turn on automatically when air quality dips or have personalized seat heating routines depending on the season. The rollout starts in China and does not allow automating everything, like starting Autopilot, but it looks like a legit game-changer for making the car feel more like a smart device than ever before.
Apple CarPlay rollout delayed due to Apple Maps compatibility issue
Apple CarPlay support is being held back because of a compatibility problem with Apple Maps not syncing properly during FSD trips. While Apple has already released a fix in a recent iOS patch, caution is being taken so drivers do not get stuck with broken navigation if they haven’t updated their phones. If you are hoping to use CarPlay, it is worth double-checking you are on the latest iOS in case the update drops unexpectedly.
Cybercab
First Cybercab rolls off the production line at Giga Texas 📷
A big milestone just happened with the first Cybercab coming off the production line at Giga Texas, marking the start of real production rather than just testing prototypes. This two-seater is built from the ground up for the Robotaxi network, aiming for fully unsupervised rides, already happening in Austin, with a minimalistic design and no steering wheel or pedals unless regulators demand otherwise.
Pricing & Packages
New Model 3 financing deal launches with big savings
An aggressive 0.99 percent APR financing offer is now available for all new Model 3 orders in the US, valid for up to 72 months and including the Performance version. If you are thinking about making the switch to electric or upgrading your ride, deals like this make a pretty compelling case for the Model 3.
If you are buying a new Tesla, please consider using our referral code http://ts.la/ignacio9266
Luxe package change makes included FSD non-transferable
Tesla quietly changed the rules for its Luxe Package on the Model S, X, and Cyberbeast, making the included FSD license non-transferable. This means that while you get a free FSD subscription as the original buyer, it disappears as soon as you sell the car, which could hit resale value hard for future owners. It looks like the push is toward the FSD subscription plan, so if you’re buying one of these high-end models, know that “lifetime” now means as long as you own the car, not the lifetime of the car.
Naviagation
Navigation update adds Megacharger locations ahead of Semi ramp
Nav and the Supercharger Map just got an update that now shows Megacharger locations in anticipation of the Semi hitting the road for real. Megachargers are popping up along major freight routes, especially in California and Texas, signaling that true mass production for the Semi is about to begin far beyond a pilot program.
🤓 What the acronym
As a Tesla fan, I find myself sometimes having to remember what are all those acronyms, here is a list of the ones you can find in this issue.
FCC: Federal Communications Commission
FSD: Full Self-Driving