Tesla Releases New Software Update with Auto Steering Wheel Heat and Sentry Mode Lighting

Tesla has begun rolling out a new software update to its vehicles, featuring two new enhancements: Auto Steering Wheel Heat and Sentry Mode Lighting.

The Auto Steering Wheel Heat feature allows customers to set their steering wheel heater to regulate temperature automatically based on the climate control set temperature. To access this feature, customers can simply tap the temperature settings to bring up the climate control panel. Please note that this feature is only available on Tesla vehicles with heated steering wheels.

Tesla writes in the release notes of the new 2023.2.0.5 software update about the new Auto Steering Wheel Heat feature:

Set your steering wheel heater to regulate its temperature automatically based on the climate control set temperature. To access steering wheel heating controls, tap the temperature settings to bring up the climate control panel.

Additionally, Tesla is making a significant addition to its Sentry Mode feature, which is an integrated surveillance system that uses the Autopilot cameras around the car. Sentry Mode builds on TeslaCam, the integrated dashcam system, and has been a game-changer in preventing vandalism of parked vehicles. Sentry Mode has been used to capture footage of strange events around Tesla vehicles and impressive moments showcasing the performance of Tesla’s vehicles.

Sentry Mode is also capable of detecting potential “threats” and launching an alarm to deter them. With the new 2023.2.0.5 software update, Tesla is adding a pulse of the headlights to the system. When a threat is detected, Sentry Mode will softly pulse the headlights to indicate that the vehicle is recording video. The pulsing stops after 60 seconds or when the vehicle is unlocked.

Tesla writes in the release notes of the new 2023.2.0.5 software update about the Sentry Mode feature:

When a threat is detected, Sentry Mode will softly pulse the headlights to indicate that your vehicle is recording video. The pulsing stops after 60 seconds or when the vehicle is unlocked.

The new software update has begun rolling out to Tesla’s customer fleet, but it may take a few days to a few weeks for it to reach all vehicles.