My Latest Tesla experience was through Budget Rent a Car in San Diego. I was on a four-day trip to assist with a family issue. It was a bit of a challenge retrieving the car because after getting off the shuttle bus at the rental car complex, I saw a sign indicating Budget was on the third floor. As it turns out, the third-floor booth was for “preferred customers” only, while us occasional folks go to a separate booth back on the first floor.
A piece of advice for those of you who utilize your own insurance when renting instead of buying coverage from the rental car company. They gave me the hard sell to purchase the additional coverage of forty-six dollars a day. They hit me with lines like “electric vehicle” coverage is not standard unless you own an electric vehicle. I knew my coverage was fine, but you may want to check with your insurance carrier before you set out on your trip to be sure you’re good.
I was told the car assigned to me was black, though when I reached the parking spot number – back on the third floor – I found a white car waiting for me. I was advised to bring the car back at least seventy – percent charged to prevent incurring a charging fee. He also said the Tesla Superchargers were free, which at the time I questioned but, when I returned the car, I did not see a fee for charging on my bill. I made a note that the battery was at seventy-two percent when I left the parking garage and set off for El Cajon.
Operating the car came back instantly and I was able to navigate corners as I would in my own vehicle. My phone, which I now keep in a much lighter case, began to charge immediately once placed on the center console. The headlights work automatically, adjusting brightness for the conditions while dimming for oncoming traffic. The ride is smooth, and I reached my destination inside twenty-five minutes where I was to meet up with my sisters. I pulled into the parking lot and encountered an issue… how do I lock the doors?
Since I did not have the opportunity to drop off my bags where I was staying before arriving at the facility, I had my bags still with me. I thought back to my last Tesla experience and I was certain the doors locked on their own when I walked away from the car. This car did not do that, so I found myself standing in the parking lot in the dark, “googling” how to lock a Tesla. It turns out there are several ways to do this, from a phone app, or by adjusting settings that in my growing impatience I was not able to figure out. After five minutes, I was back inside the car looking at the screen when I noticed an open lock picture just above the image of the car which graphically displays the current car status. Pressing the lock right on the screen locks the car, you just simply climb out and close the doors. You can instantly tell when the car is locked as the side mirrors move inward towards the body of the car.
One of the features I noticed in this car which I did not notice on my previous rental occurred automatically when backing.
The side mirrors shift downward slightly offering a good view of anything at ground level close to the wheels. This feature along with the backup camera give the operator a great view of anything behind you.
Other features I found in this vehicle where lane correction, and a soft tone when a light turns green. It also gives an audible alert when a car stops suddenly in front of you.
The Model 3 is comfortable and more than a little fun to drive.
In Part 4 I look at charging and give and overall review of the Tesla Model 3.
DE Haines
Twisted Words OF D.E. Haines 