X

Elon Musk says Tesla's 'Dog Mode' could arrive as soon as this week

Meanwhile, a separate new update brings additional safety and convenience features.

Nick Miotke/Roadshow

After Elon Musk originally tweeted that "Dog Mode" was in the works back in October, it appears the function could be reaching owners very soon.

In a response to a Twitter user asking when "Sentry Mode," which will use the car's cameras to record incidents that occur when the car is empty, will be ready, Musk said that both Sentry Mode and the aforementioned Dog Mode would be arriving this week.

Tesla already has Cabin Overheat Protection, which engages the climate control to keep the interior at a safe temperature, but Dog Mode will likely one-up it by allowing the climate control to run like it normally would, providing a room-temperature environment for animals left in the car briefly. The mode might also let the screen display a message that the dog is in a safe environment and that the owner will be right back.

Of course, it's still wise to avoid leaving animals alone in the car for any stretch of time, even with the climate control running, but for people who either insist upon doing this or perhaps have no other choice, Dog Mode should offer a little extra peace of mind.

While there are no reports of either mode appearing this week yet, Tesla did put out a different software update to add other safety and convenience features. Electrek reports that a new software update this week adds an audible alert alongside Tesla's blind-spot monitoring system. The update also adds functionality to the folding mirrors, allowing them to fold automatically every time the vehicle reaches a saved location.

Tesla Model 3 barrels through the snow in Track Mode

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Andrew Krok Reviews Editor / Cars
Cars are Andrew's jam, as is strawberry. After spending years as a regular ol' car fanatic, he started working his way through the echelons of the automotive industry, starting out as social-media director of a small European-focused garage outside of Chicago. From there, he moved to the editorial side, penning several written features in Total 911 Magazine before becoming a full-time auto writer, first for a local Chicago outlet and then for CNET Cars.
Andrew Krok
Cars are Andrew's jam, as is strawberry. After spending years as a regular ol' car fanatic, he started working his way through the echelons of the automotive industry, starting out as social-media director of a small European-focused garage outside of Chicago. From there, he moved to the editorial side, penning several written features in Total 911 Magazine before becoming a full-time auto writer, first for a local Chicago outlet and then for CNET Cars.

Article updated on February 11, 2019 at 9:14 AM PST

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Andrew Krok Reviews Editor / Cars
Cars are Andrew's jam, as is strawberry. After spending years as a regular ol' car fanatic, he started working his way through the echelons of the automotive industry, starting out as social-media director of a small European-focused garage outside of Chicago. From there, he moved to the editorial side, penning several written features in Total 911 Magazine before becoming a full-time auto writer, first for a local Chicago outlet and then for CNET Cars.
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