Tesla vehicles have a feature called the sentry mode which is a standard anti-theft feature. In Tesla vehicles, once a proximity alert is activated, it employs cameras to record the activities of the surroundings continuously.
When Sentry Mode is enabled, a Tesla’s power consumption increases by an estimated one mile per hour because the vehicle’s computer needs to remain on to process video from its various cameras.
What is Sentry Mode and How Does Sentry Mode Work?
The vehicle will react when a doubtful motion is detected. For instance, if a substantial threat is detected, the car’s cameras will begin recording, and the alarm system will activate.
Sentry mode is a feature that was introduced by Tesla in 2017 as a response to increasing reports of theft and vandalism of Tesla vehicles. It is available on all Tesla models made after August 2017.
Sentry Mode records everything that occurs after the proximity alert is activated, and the vast majority of these recordings are neither criminal nor illegal. There is an abundance of footage, the majority of which depicts bystanders or other vehicles getting too near to the Tesla vehicle.
One of the many useful features that come with the Model S, 3, X, and Y is Sentry Mode. This feature utilizes cameras to record any individuals or vehicles that approach too closely to the car. As a result, potential thieves can be recorded even before they attempt to break into the car.
After activation, Sentry Mode goes into a “Standby” state, similar to most home alarm systems. It utilizes the vehicle’s external cameras to identify any possible threats.
If Sentry Mode detects a minor threat, like someone leaning on a car, it shifts to an “Alert” mode and displays a warning message on the touchscreen indicating that its cameras are currently recording.
In the event of a serious threat, like a broken window, Sentry Mode will enter the “Alarm” state. This triggers the car alarm, raises the brightness of the center display, and plays music at the highest volume through the car’s audio system.
When a car enters the “Alarm” state, Tesla app users will also be notified of any incidents through an alert.
To obtain a video recording of an incident, insert a formatted USB drive into your car prior to enabling Sentry Mode. The recording will begin 10 minutes before the threat is detected.
Note: To prepare the USB drive, you can format it as exFAT, MS-DOS FAT (if using a Mac), ext3, or ext4 (NTFS is not currently supported).
How Much Battery Does Sentry Mode Use?
Sentry Mode is a security feature offered by Tesla that uses cameras and other sensors to monitor and protect your car when it is parked and unattended. However, one downside of Sentry Mode is that it consumes a significant amount of battery power.
According to a Tesla owner, Sentry Mode consumes battery life at a rate of about one mile per hour. This means that if you have a Tesla with a range of 262 miles, Sentry Mode will drain the battery completely in about 262 hours or just under 11 days.
It’s important to note that Sentry Mode automatically turns off when the car’s battery reaches below 20. For example, in a Tesla Model S with a range of 370 miles, Sentry Mode can be active for about 320 hours or just under two weeks.
While Sentry Mode can be a useful feature for securing your car, it’s important to consider the impact it may have on your car’s battery life. If you’re planning on leaving your car parked for an extended period of time, you may want to think twice about using Sentry Mode in order to conserve battery power.
Alternatively, you could consider parking your car in a location where you can charge it while you’re away.
Related Post: How Much Does a Tesla 12v Battery Replacement Cost?
How to Enable Sentry Mode?
Sentry Mode is an anti-theft system used by Tesla that constantly checks your car’s surroundings once you lock it. Compared to a traditional alarm system that uses sound and light, Sentry Mode also incorporates cameras to record any threats.
Sentry Mode is disabled by default. To enable Sentry Mode:
- Go to the Controls menu in your Tesla vehicle.
- Then select Safety & Security.
- Then toggle Sentry Mode on.
You can activate Sentry Mode through voice commands or the Tesla app. To activate it using voice commands, simply say:
- “Keep Tesla safe.”
- “Keep my car safe.”
- “Sentry on”
- “Enable Sentry”
To enable Sentry Mode, ensure that Dog Mode is disabled and a Dashcam is installed with a USB drive. The USB drive must be inserted, and newer vehicles usually come with one already installed. However, older vehicles may require an additional USB drive.
Note: To prepare the USB drive, you can format it as exFAT, MS-DOS FAT (if using a Mac), ext3, or ext4 (NTFS is not currently supported).
It is possible to activate both Dog Mode and Sentry Mode at the same time, which will allow you to view the interior camera’s live feed on your mobile app. However, it is important to note that this feature is not available for vehicles with Autopilot Computer 2.0 or 2.5.
To check your Autopilot computer version:
- Touch Controls.
- Then select Service.
- Then go to Autopilot computer to find out which computer your vehicle has.
Note: When both Dog and Sentry are enabled, Sentry will automatically Disable Sentry Sounds to ensure the safety of your pet.
How to Conserve Battery Power While Using Sentry Mode?
Sentry Mode is a security feature offered by Tesla that uses cameras and other sensors to monitor and protect your car when it is parked and unattended. However, one downside of Sentry Mode is that it consumes a significant amount of battery power.
Here are some tips to help you conserve battery power while using Sentry Mode:
Park at a Charger
When dealing with battery drain caused by Sentry Mode, parking at a charging station is the most convenient option. If you plan on leaving your car parked for a long time, it’s best to choose a location where you can charge your vehicle while you’re away.
Limit 3rd-Party App Usage
It is not recommended to use a third-party app to activate Sentry Mode as it can cause battery drain. Although there may be advantages to this, it is not advisable if you want to save battery life. Only use third-party apps when necessary, and make sure to disable them when not in use.
Plan Ahead
Before leaving your car parked for an extended period, it is recommended to plan ahead and ensure that your vehicle has enough charge. It’s important to fully charge the battery before turning on Sentry Mode and take into account the potential impact on the battery life.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is Tesla Sentry Mode free?
Yes, Tesla Sentry Mode is a free feature available on all Tesla vehicles.
Is it possible to use Tesla Sentry Mode without subscribing to the Premium Connectivity package?
Yes, you can utilize Tesla Sentry Mode without having to subscribe to the Premium Connectivity package.
How to review the Sentry Model events video?
You can review the Sentry Model events video by inserting a properly formatted USB drive into your vehicle’s USB port.
Does Tesla Sentry Mode have any limitations?
Yes, Tesla Sentry Mode drains your battery, but it has a fail-safe that shuts it off when the battery drops below 20%. Sentry Mode also prevents software updates.
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