Tesla's 2026 Summer Update Brings Traction Control Modes to Model 3 and Model Y
Tesla's 2026 Summer Update started rolling out on July 26, and if you own a Model 3 or Model Y, there's a feature in it that should have arrived sooner: Traction Control Modes.
Three Modes, Finally
Model S, Model X, and Cybertruck owners already had Traction Control Modes. Model 3 and Model Y didn't. The Summer Update changes that.
Three modes:
- Auto: Normal driving. The default.
- Slippery Surface: Icy or wet roads.
- Stuck Assist: Snow, mud, or sand.
The naming is clear enough that you don't need to think about which one to pick. That's rare.
Where to Find It, and One Catch
Controls > Dynamics > Traction Control Mode. Straightforward once you know the path.
The catch: the mode resets to Auto at the start of each drive. You won't stay in Slippery Surface from yesterday. If you're commuting through icy roads every morning, you'll need to set it each time. That's probably intentional (you don't want to forget you left it in Stuck Assist on a clear highway), but worth knowing upfront.
The Rest of the Summer Update
Traction Control Modes is the headliner for 3 and Y owners, but the 2026 Summer Update also brings Navigation improvements, wrap customization options, expanded Tesla smartphone app functionality, and some gamification features around self-driving.
Tesla puts out four seasonal updates per year. This one started July 26, 2026. Rollouts are staggered, so if yours hasn't arrived yet, it's in the queue.
Should Have Come Sooner
Model S, Model X, and Cybertruck owners had this before Model 3 and Model Y did. I don't have a good explanation for that gap, and I'm not sure one has been offered publicly.
But it's here now. And for anyone who's dealt with a Model 3 or Y losing traction in winter conditions while wishing the car gave you more control over how it handled it, this update gives you that control.
Source: Teslarati