PIN Code Function
Discussion
I'm curious to hear if anyone uses the PIN Code function on their Tesla? I do and whilst it's a little inconvenient when driving in and out of my garage (I know I know, I could invest in an electrically operated garage door but I really can't be bothered), I like the extra anti-theft protection it provides. Yes, of course, I'm sure it can be over-ridden and a determined thief could always pick the car up on a low loader or trailer it away but...how far do you go when trying to stop a thief? Is it perhaps just a 'peace of mind' thing?
Cold hands in winter make it difficult to sometimes input the code (I have a screen saver too which probably doesn't help) but apart from that, I think overall, it's a nice feature. Oh, and to avoid a fingerprint pattern imprint being left on the screen, the code 'keyboard' randomly moves around the screen every time you use it.
Thoughts from others?
Cold hands in winter make it difficult to sometimes input the code (I have a screen saver too which probably doesn't help) but apart from that, I think overall, it's a nice feature. Oh, and to avoid a fingerprint pattern imprint being left on the screen, the code 'keyboard' randomly moves around the screen every time you use it.
Thoughts from others?
AVB said:
It’s a ‘no brainer’ to use it in my opinion. Teslas were getting nicked left right and centre before they introduced it. Hear of very few now.
Interesting. I didn't realise it was a new feature. It obviously works though if less Tesla's are being stolen now.When did they introduce it? Which model year? I have a Model 3 but is this feature available on all Tesla's?
CharlieAlphaMike said:
AVB said:
It’s a ‘no brainer’ to use it in my opinion. Teslas were getting nicked left right and centre before they introduced it. Hear of very few now.
Interesting. I didn't realise it was a new feature. It obviously works though if less Tesla's are being stolen now.When did they introduce it? Which model year? I have a Model 3 but is this feature available on all Tesla's?
The feature has improved a little over time, originally the virtual keypad appeared in the same place, now it moves around the screen. It is definately one of the better software updates and did result in a marked drop in Model S & X's being stolen.
RobbyJ said:
I know right, old school. Well there's no actual key, it's a fob. You can use your phone too but the key is much easier and quicker, at least the way is works on the S/X.
Yes, of course, the fob. I have never considered using one. Before I bought the car, I was adamant I would only use the card but I soon realised that the phone App is the easiest thing in the world to use. Interesting to hear what you say about how easy the fob is though. One of my friends has a Model S and he uses the fob. They just look a little 'bulky' to me.
CharlieAlphaMike said:
Yes, of course, the fob. I have never considered using one. Before I bought the car, I was adamant I would only use the card but I soon realised that the phone App is the easiest thing in the world to use.
Interesting to hear what you say about how easy the fob is though. One of my friends has a Model S and he uses the fob. They just look a little 'bulky' to me.
It just lives in my pocket, doors auto open as you approach and lock when you leave. Double tap the front or back of the fob for frunk/trunk. The most useful I find is long pressing the rear of the fob to stop charging and unlock the charge port, or open the charge port. All this is done instantly by feel in the pocket. I use the app a fair bit too but always find it much slower than the fob.Interesting to hear what you say about how easy the fob is though. One of my friends has a Model S and he uses the fob. They just look a little 'bulky' to me.
RobbyJ said:
It just lives in my pocket, doors auto open as you approach and lock when you leave. Double tap the front or back of the fob for frunk/trunk. The most useful I find is long pressing the rear of the fob to stop charging and unlock the charge port, or open the charge port. All this is done instantly by feel in the pocket. I use the app a fair bit too but always find it much slower than the fob.
Just be careful not to play with the wrong fob in your pocket... 
AlexIT said:
Just be careful not to play with the wrong fob in your pocket...
The other ones a lot smaller don’t worry!With the 3/Y does your phone open the car via Bluetooth rather than needing a data connection? Just curious as in my work car park there’s no signal and at Le Mans a couple of weeks ago my S had no data.
Never boithered turning it on. By the time they've got to the point they realise they need a pin, the damage is done
I've also never heard a story where somebody felt their car wasn't stolen because of pin 2 drive, and there are stories of cars being stolen with it enabled..
The thefts that occured a while back were however in part solved with new Model S and Model X keys and the updates to the MMC as the original MMC1 (big screen) had a security vulnerabity, there's a youtube video of a chubby russian getting into the car and bypassing the security in minutes (it's no secret and doesn't now work on 99% of Teslas in the UK, but that was the usual technique).
Also, the last time I checked, the doors on a Tesla aren't deadlocked, something introduced by most makes of car 30 years ago. Go figure why they'd miss out on such a basic feature on frameless doors where a little blow up bag can prise the glass away from the door frame in 10 seconds allowing access to the door opener. It's probably in the name of safety so people don't get trapped inside
I've also never heard a story where somebody felt their car wasn't stolen because of pin 2 drive, and there are stories of cars being stolen with it enabled..
The thefts that occured a while back were however in part solved with new Model S and Model X keys and the updates to the MMC as the original MMC1 (big screen) had a security vulnerabity, there's a youtube video of a chubby russian getting into the car and bypassing the security in minutes (it's no secret and doesn't now work on 99% of Teslas in the UK, but that was the usual technique).
Also, the last time I checked, the doors on a Tesla aren't deadlocked, something introduced by most makes of car 30 years ago. Go figure why they'd miss out on such a basic feature on frameless doors where a little blow up bag can prise the glass away from the door frame in 10 seconds allowing access to the door opener. It's probably in the name of safety so people don't get trapped inside
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