What Is Tesla Jack Mode?

If you’ve got a flat tire on your Model S and need to change it, Tesla Jack Mode will come in handy.
Written by Ethan Moser
Reviewed by Kathleen Flear
If you’re trying to change your Tesla’s oil, or change a tire, you’ll want to know how to access Tesla Jack Mode—a feature that deactivates your vehicle’s automatic self-leveling capabilities. 
Introduced as a feature on the Tesla Model S, Model 3, Model Y, and Model X in 2017, Tesla Jack Mode is a vital tool for drivers who need to change a tire or get underneath their Tesla for any other reason. Jack Mode works by deactivating the automatic self-leveling capabilities of Tesla models equipped with air suspensions. With self-leveling deactivated, you can use a jack to lift your Tesla off the ground just like any other vehicle. 
If you’re not sure how to access Tesla Jack Mode—or you just want to learn more about the technology—you’ve come to the right place. Here with a comprehensive how-to guide on Tesla Jack Mode is
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What is Tesla Jack Mode? 

Tesla’s Jack Mode is a driver-assistance feature that deactivates the self-leveling properties of air suspensions on certain Tesla models. Enabling Jack Mode allows drivers to lift the vehicle off the ground in order to perform an oil change, tire change, or other mechanical procedure.
The Tesla Model S, Model 3, Model Y, and Model X are all equipped with Jack Mode, namely because they also all feature air suspension. Air suspension is what enables Teslas to self-level automatically, even when the car is switched off. This technology, while helpful in most driving situations, can lead to avoidable damage while jacking or lifting your Tesla. Activating Tesla Jack Mode helps to prevent these damages by temporarily negating the self-leveling feature. 
MORE: How to put a car on jack stands

How to turn on Tesla Jack Mode

To turn on Jack Mode in your Tesla, simply follow these steps: 
  • Press down on the brake pedal to bring up your Tesla’s digital controls
  • On the digital display screen, press ‘Driving’ 
  • Next, press ‘Suspension’ 
  • In the ‘Suspension’ section, select ‘Very High’
  • Click on ‘Jack’ to disable the air suspension and active Jack Mode
To deactivate Jack Mode, repeat this process. Clicking on ‘Jack’ for a second time will re-enable the air suspension and automatic leveling. That being said, Jack Mode will also automatically cancel when you drive your Tesla faster than 4 mph
Similarly, Jack Mode will automatically engage if your vehicle detects that it cannot lower itself to its target height using automatic self-leveling, or if it detects that an object is supporting the weight of the vehicle. This means that Jack Mode could self-activate when a jack is placed under the vehicle—though this process could lead to damage—or when the car’s bumper is resting on a curb.

Which Teslas have Jack Mode? 

Jack Mode is a standard technology feature on the entirety of Tesla’s current line-up. That means that you’ll be able to safely lift your Model S, Model X, Model Y, or Model 3 to perform an oil change or change a flat tire on the side of the road.
The only Tesla with no Jack Mode capability is the original 2011 Tesla Roadster.

How to optimize your Tesla insurance

Owning a futuristic Tesla model requires drivers to learn how to embrace forward-thinking technology—like automatic self-leveling—while also understanding how to utilize other technology, like Tesla Jack Mode, to safely complete regularly scheduled maintenance. 
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FAQs

No—despite being a standard feature in most modern cars, Tesla models do not come with a standard spare tire. There are a number of reasons for this, the main ones being ​​practicality, weight, lack of use, and the fact that Tesla offers drivers free roadside assistance. 
Yes—every Tesla Model 3 has Jack Mode. 
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