Tesla owners often complain about the driver seat window going down when opening the door. This inherently isn’t an issue of the vehicle but rather a deliberate feature added by Tesla itself.
Tesla implemented this feature to avoid damage to the windows as a safety measure.
In this article, we will provide reasoning behind the unique characteristics of why do tesla windows go down when opening door.
5 Reasons Why Do Tesla Windows Go Down When Opening Door?
Many modern manufacturers including the Tesla equip their cars with a technology to automatically lower the windows when opening or closing the door. Some of its uses include:
1. Reducing the Air Pressure
There is always a buildup of air pressure inside modern vehicles. The slight opening of the windows balances the pressure inside the cabin with the pressure of the outside environment.
2. Preventing Window Damage
Lowering the windows helps to prevent accidental damage to the windows in situations where the passenger inadvertently closes the door.
3. Avoiding Damage to The Seal
If the cabin and outside air pressure isn’t equalized, it can strain the door seals. Over time the seals will tear and cause water leakage.
4. Safety and Emergency
In the event of a malfunction or if the doors get stuck, the open windows become the exit route.
5. Enhancing the User’s Comfort
The tight seals create sound insulation for a quieter cabin experience. Opening the door will lead to a loud thud of noise as air rushes in. The open windows reduce the chances of this happening.
The Purpose of the Automatic Window Lowering Feature of Tesla
The action is known as indexing. Both door handles have sensors that turn on the indexing before the latch opens the door.
It enables the glass to embed itself firmly in the rubber seal while having the ability to quickly recognize an attempted opening of the door and draw it back down without rupturing the seal.
Detailed information on why Tesla goes the extra mile to install a feature like this:
Pressure Buildup and Its Effects
Stepping into a vehicle and closing the door often exudes resistance which is due to the difference in air pressure in the cabin and the outside environment.
The airtight seals can cause pressure to build up making it difficult to close the door smoothly.
The window-lowering feature acts as an equalizing mechanism.
This slight change enables the cabin’s pressure to equalize with the surrounding atmosphere. The outcome is a smooth, comfortable door-shutting process.
Maintaining the Integrity of Door Seals
Door seals are essential for keeping a car’s integrity. They stop water from entering, lessen wind noise, and improve thermal insulation.
Yet, Shutting the doors without equalizing the pressure puts stress on the seals. This pressure over time can undermine their integrity and cause a variety of problems that can impact the comfort and performance of the vehicle as a whole.
Balancing the pressure before closing the door greatly decreases the strain placed on the seals. It additionally increases the lifespan of these vital components.
Temperature Management
The greenhouse effect traps heat inside the cabin. The slight window lowering creates a pathway for the heat to escape. The interior is more comfortable to enter because of the initial release.
Heat dissipation is an important role the rolling windows play on a vehicle.
Cabin Comfort and Noise Reduction
People tout the Tesla vehicles for their serene cabin environment due to the windows’ tight seal.
Opening the door causes the outside noise to rush in rapidly and creates a nauseating feeling for the driver or passengers. This is known as the Vacuum Effect.
The windows roll down to provide a quieter entry and exit experience.
Security and Emergency Preparation
Electric vehicles are very prone to malfunctions. When power loss prevents the door from operating usually the rolled-down windows provide an alternative and quick exit route.
The windows mitigate the risk of a potentially trapped situation. This safety issue is consistent with Tesla’s deliberate strategy of designing cars with a focus on passenger safety.
Can I Customize the Window Roll-Down Feature?
Tesla recognizes the individuality of each driver and aims to accommodate their preferences. Yes, drivers can now modify the automated window-lowering feature’s behavior in some Tesla models.
Here are the steps to calibrate the window-lowering feature:
Step-1: Access Vehicle Settings
Tap on the ‘Controls’ icon on the touchscreen.
Step-2: Locate Window Behavior
Go to the Display tab and tap on the “Window Behavior” option.
Step-3: Adjust Lowering Preferences
Recalibrate the windows using the buttons on the driver’s side. Now set your preferences and hit ok.
Step-4: Save the Customization
Save the calibration and exit the controls menu.
Step-5: Verify Changes
Verify the implementation of the changes by opening the door.
Step-6: Track and Fine-Tune as Needed
Check the results and fine-tune them as you like.
Tesla Models with the Automatic Window Roll-Down Feature
The availability of the window roll-down feature and customization options vary between Tesla models and the version of the software. Here are the models:
| Tesla Vehicle | Software Version |
| Model X | 2021.4.10.1 |
| Model Y | 2021.4.15.12 |
| Model 3 | 2022.24.6.6 |
What Happens if the Windows Don’t Go Down?
Tesla vehicle windows are frameless. So by opening slightly, it reduces the chances of unintentional damage to the windows or the seal.
Below is an image of a vehicle that wasn’t calibrated properly and windows didn’t go down when opening the door:
Fortunately, the fix is simple and easy to do. Here’s how to fix the problems:
| Steps | Description |
| 1 | Hold the driver-side window button. |
| 2 | Wait for the window to lower and count for 15 seconds. |
| 3 | Hold the button up and wait for the window to close. |
| 4 | Hold it up for 15 seconds and let it go. |
If this doesn’t fix the issue, then one of the two anchoring points securing the base of the glass to the regulator has come loose and the car needs scheduled maintenance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do Tesla’s windows open and close on their own?
Windows go down when opening the door. Enabling the “Close Windows on Lock” setting closes the windows when the driver locks the car.
Do Tesla windows automatically close when it rains?
Tesla added a new feature back in 2022 which closes the windows with rain forecasts.
How do the windows in electric cars defrost?
The vehicle blows heated Freon into the cabin or onto the glass to defrost them after passing through the cabin condenser.
