The Consumer Reports test points to a number of oddities when using the new Tesla Model S steering wheel. Its new shape is a minor problem.
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One of the most controversial innovations in the modernization of the Tesla Model S was its steering wheel, which completely resigned itself to traditional shapes and at first glance resembles a stick of older airliners. He might not mind so much with the promised start of autonomous proceedings, but so far he raises questions about security.
For example, the US NHTSA office, which deals with, among other things, car safety, announced in January that it would only address the safety of the new steering wheel directly with the car manufacturer. Colleagues from Consumer Reports magazine did it differently, bought their own new Tesla Model S and decided to try a new steering wheel for themselves. And the impressions are quite contradictory.
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After all, the title of their test is “The new Tesla Yoke steering wheel shows small advantages and potential safety risks,” but they add in the test that it is not completely impossible to get used to the new steering wheel. In contrast to the classic one, however, it has a number of major or minor disadvantages.
The first and most obvious is the strange grip during sharp turns, when the driver is significantly complicated by the classic grip on the steering wheel and there is a real risk that it will slip out of his hands. This is doubly true when maneuvering in car parks or when leaving the driveway.
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Behind the wheel of the Model S, 10 people from Consumer Reports took turns, some of whom also complained about the wrong grip of the steering wheel. His shoulders are obviously very strong and people with smaller hands have trouble gripping the steering wheel. On long journeys, the steering wheel allegedly does not offer a very comfortable grip and your hands may start to hurt. Even if you use the Autopilot function.
Probably the worst news is the integration of turn signal, horn or wiper controls directly into the steering wheel arms. Unlike conventional steering column levers, which the new Model S no longer has, the new solution is non-intuitive, requires the driver’s attention and often leads to unpleasant situations that can be potentially dangerous.
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When turning the steering wheel, one of the buttons may be pressed unintentionally, which has led to accidental trumpeting, windscreen washer and the turn signals in the turn. In addition, as the steering wheel is turned, the position of the buttons changes, making it easier and more difficult to find and press them correctly. And this can be risky, for example, when you have a chance to avert a risky situation by blowing the horn – but instead of pressing the center of the steering wheel, you have to quickly look for the button.
The settings of the turn signal buttons also had a strange effect on the testers. When pressed lightly, the steering wheel vibrates and the turn signals simply flash three times. After a longer press, the steering wheel vibrates twice and the turn signals flash until you press their button again. In the end, the absence of turn signal levers posed a greater challenge than the new shape of the steering wheel.
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But in the end, it brings at least one advantage, although the question is how crucial. The absence of the upper part of the steering wheel facilitates the view of alarm clocks from the car, regardless of the driver’s position behind the wheel. However, this advantage is a bit erased if you still have to look for the right button on the steering wheel.
But the test of colleagues from Consumer Reports does not end there. They will further subject the new Tesla Model S to various tests, during which they will simultaneously monitor how quickly they will get used to the new controls. Maybe in the end he will change his mind.
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