You’ve just stepped off the curb in downtown Bakersfield, the valley heat already shimmering off the pavement. Before you stands a sleek, midnight silver Tesla Model 3 from Frontier Tesla. You press the key card to the B-pillar, the handles present themselves, and you slide into a cabin that looks more like a high-end Scandinavian lounge than a traditional rental car. There are no knobs. There are no dials. There isn't even a dashboard in the conventional sense. Instead, a single 15-inch landscape touchscreen dominates the center console.
For many first-time EV renters, this minimalism feels like a leap into the future. It’s exciting, sure. But it can also be a bit daunting when you just want to get on the 99 and head toward Hart Park. At Frontier Tesla, we believe the technology should disappear into the background so you can enjoy the drive. What we've learned is that mastering this screen takes exactly five minutes if you know where to look.
Here is the thing: the touchscreen isn't just an infotainment system. It is the heart, brain, and nervous system of the vehicle. From adjusting your seat to checking the tire pressure before a trip to the Tejon Outlets, everything happens here. This guide will ensure you’re not just a driver, but a power user before you even put the car in gear.
Key Takeaways for Your Bakersfield Rental
- The "Car" Icon is Home: Almost every setting starts with the grey car icon in the bottom-left corner.
- Scroll Wheels are Multi-Tools: The physical wheels on the steering wheel change their function based on what the screen is doing.
- Climate is King: In Bakersfield’s 100-degree summers, use the app or the screen to "Precondition" the cabin five minutes before you walk outside.
- Voice Commands Work: If you can’t find a setting, press the right scroll wheel and say "Adjust mirrors" or "Open glovebox."
The First Step: Customizing Your Physical Environment
Before you pull out of the parking spot, you need to feel comfortable. In a traditional car, you’d reach for a lever under the seat or a plastic toggle on the door. In a Tesla Model 3, those physical controls are largely replaced by a software-hardware hybrid system.
How to Adjust Mirrors Using the Touchscreen
I’ve found that the most common question renters ask is, "Where are the mirror buttons?" It’s a fair question. To adjust your side mirrors, follow this path:
- Tap the Controls (car icon) in the bottom-left corner.
- Select the Mirrors tab.
- Choose either the Left or Right mirror on the screen.
- Once selected, use the left scroll wheel on the steering wheel to move the mirror up, down, left, or right.
It feels strange at first. But once you set them, the car saves the position to your driver profile. If you’re sharing the rental with a spouse, the car will automatically readjust the mirrors the moment you switch profiles on the screen.
Tailoring the Steering Wheel Position
Similarly, the steering wheel adjustment is hidden within the software. Under the same Controls menu, tap Steering. Just like the mirrors, you will then use the left scroll wheel to move the column in, out, up, or down. According to a 2023 ergonomics study by S&P Global Mobility, proper steering wheel positioning can reduce driver fatigue by up to 15% on long-distance hauls. If you’re planning a day trip from Bakersfield to the Sequoia National Forest, this small adjustment is vital for your comfort.
Seamless Connectivity: Phone, Music, and Navigation
You didn't rent a Tesla to listen to AM radio. You want your playlists, your podcasts, and your specific Google Maps pins. The Model 3 is essentially a rolling smartphone, and it expects you to treat it like one.
Connecting Your Phone for Music and Calls
Pairing your device is the first thing you should do after adjusting your mirrors.
- Tap the Bluetooth icon at the top of the screen (or go to Controls > Bluetooth).
- Tap Add New Device.
- On your phone, ensure Bluetooth is on and select the Tesla when it appears.
- Confirm the pairing code on both the phone and the screen.
Once connected, you can sync your contacts and recent calls. But the real magic is the media player. The Model 3 features a premium 13-speaker audio system (in Long Range models) that rivals high-end home theaters. Whether you’re streaming via Spotify, Tidal, or Apple Music—all of which are built directly into the UI—the sound quality is crisp.
Why You Should Use the Built-in Navigation
While you can use Bluetooth for turn-by-turn directions from your phone, we strongly recommend using the Tesla’s native navigation system. Why? Because the car is "range aware." If you’re driving from Bakersfield to Los Angeles, the car calculates your battery percentage upon arrival. If you don’t have enough juice to make it back, it will automatically plot a stop at the Grapevine Supercharger.
The navigation also uses real-time traffic data. Given the unpredictable nature of the 5 freeway, having a system that can reroute you through Arvin or Lamont to save twenty minutes is a lifesaver.
Essential Touchscreen Settings for Bakersfield Driving
Bakersfield presents unique challenges for any vehicle: extreme heat, dusty air, and long stretches of highway. The Model 3 has specific settings designed to handle these variables.
Mastering the Climate Control System
In Kern County, the air conditioning isn't a luxury; it’s a survival tool. The Tesla climate UI is revolutionary because it has no physical vents to move. You simply drag the air ripples on the screen to point the breeze exactly where you want it.
- Split vs. Sync: You can split the temperature so the passenger stays warm while the driver stays cool.
- Dog Mode: If you’re stopping at a shop downtown and need to leave your pet in the car, tap the fan icon and select Dog. It keeps the AC at a set temperature and displays a message on the screen telling passersby that the pet is safe.
- Camp Mode: Planning to stay overnight near Lake Isabella? Camp Mode maintains airflow and temperature all night while keeping the USB ports powered.
Adjusting Driving Modes for the Valley
The "Pedals & Steering" menu allows you to change how the car feels. For most renters, we recommend:
- Acceleration: Set to "Chill" if you want a smooth, gradual start. Set to "Standard" if you want to experience the 0-60 mph thrills Tesla is known for.
- Steering Mode: "Comfort" is best for navigating tight parking spots in downtown Bakersfield. "Sport" tightens the feel for the winding roads of the Kern River Canyon.
Safety and Autopilot: The Visualizations
The left third of the touchscreen is dedicated to the "driving visualization." This is a real-time 3D render of what the car’s eight cameras see. It will show you traffic cones, pedestrians, cyclists, and even the color of the traffic light ahead of you.
Understanding Blind Spots
Tesla doesn't have traditional blind-spot monitoring lights on the mirrors. Instead, when you flip your turn signal, a high-definition camera feed of that side of the car pops up on the touchscreen. It eliminates the "shoulder check" and provides a much wider field of view than a piece of glass ever could. According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), vehicles equipped with active side-camera feeds show a significant reduction in lane-change collisions.
Engaging Autopilot
Every Frontier Tesla rental comes equipped with at least Basic Autopilot. This includes Traffic-Aware Cruise Control and Autosteer.
- Navigate to Controls > Autopilot.
- Ensure Autosteer is toggled on.
- While driving, pull the right gear stalk down twice quickly.
- The screen will show blue lines indicating the car has taken control of the steering.
Note: You must keep your hands on the wheel. The car uses a torque sensor and an interior camera to ensure you are paying attention. If you’re driving the long, straight stretch of the 46 toward Paso Robles, Autopilot significantly reduces the mental load of the trip.
Charging and Range Management
The "Range Anxiety" myth is usually debunked within the first hour of driving. In Bakersfield, you are surrounded by charging infrastructure.
Finding a Supercharger
Tap the lightning bolt icon on the map. The screen will show you every Supercharger in the area, how many stalls are open, and the cost per kWh. The Bakersfield Supercharger on Buck Owens Blvd is a popular spot, often delivering up to 250kW of power. That means you can add 175 miles of range in about 15 minutes—just enough time to grab a coffee.
Energy App: The Secret to Long Range
If you want to be truly impressed by the tech, open the Energy app (the green graph icon). It shows you a "Projected vs. Actual" line for your battery usage. It accounts for wind speed, elevation changes, and even how much energy you’re using for the seat heaters. It is the most accurate range predictor in the automotive industry.
Entertainment and the "Toybox"
One of the reasons people love renting Teslas for families is the entertainment suite. When the car is in Park (usually while charging), the touchscreen transforms into a gaming console and movie theater.
- Theater: Access Netflix, YouTube, Disney+, and Hulu. The car’s sound system provides an immersive experience.
- Arcade: Use the steering wheel buttons to play games like Beach Buggy Racing 2.
- Toybox: This is where you’ll find the famous "Fart Mode" (Emissions Testing Mode) and the Light Show. It’s a hit with kids and a great icebreaker at social events.
FAQ: Common Renter Questions
Q: How do I open the glovebox? A: There is no physical button. Tap Controls on the screen, and you’ll see a Glovebox button. You can also set a PIN for added security.
Q: What if the screen goes black? A: It’s rare, but like any computer, it can happen. You can reboot it while driving by holding down both scroll wheels on the steering wheel for 10 seconds. The car’s driving systems (brakes, steering) are separate from the screen and will continue to function normally.
Q: Can I use Apple CarPlay or Android Auto? A: Tesla does not support these. However, the built-in interface handles almost all the same functions (Spotify, Maps, Calendar) more efficiently because it’s integrated with the car’s battery data.
Conclusion: Embrace the Future
Mastering the Tesla Model 3 touchscreen is about moving from a "mechanical" mindset to a "digital" one. Once you realize that the screen is designed to simplify your life—not complicate it—the drive becomes much more relaxing. You aren't hunting for buttons in the dark; you're interacting with a clean, logical interface that anticipates your needs.
Whether you're heading to a business meeting at the Petroleum Club or taking the family for a weekend at the coast, your Frontier Tesla is ready. Take five minutes to sit, tap through the menus, and set your profile. You’ll find that by the time you reach the first stoplight on Truxtun Avenue, you’ll feel like you’ve been driving a Tesla for years.
Ready to experience the future of travel? Book your next self-driving capable EV with Frontier Tesla and see how the Model 3 is redefining the American road trip.
Sources
- Tesla Model 3 Owner's Manual - Official documentation for vehicle operations and touchscreen interface.
- S&P Global Mobility - 2023 study on automotive ergonomics and driver fatigue.
- NHTSA Safety Data - Research on the efficacy of side-view camera systems and driver assistance.
- U.S. Department of Energy - Alternative Fueling Station Locator for Bakersfield, CA EV infrastructure.