Tesla Models Can Now Scan For Potholes And Adjust Suspension In Real Time After Latest Update

Teslas are very high-tech automobiles, where software is just as important as hardware. In some cases, Tesla owners are able to enhance their cars themselves. For example, using anapp called Tesla Android, one can gain access to Apple CarPlay, among other features. In addition, we recently learned that you can make aTesla Model S Plaidgofaster than 200 mphwith no more than a software hack, although we'd recommend fitting high-performance brakes if you don't want your track day toend in disaster. But sometimes, Tesla itself provides improvements to existing models using over-the-air (OTA) updates, and the latest such update allows its vehicles to scan roads for potholes and other imperfections, adjusting the suspension to suit.

The release notes provided with software update 2022.20 explain: "Tesla Adaptive Suspension will now adjust ride height for an upcoming rough road section. This adjustment may occur at various locations, subject to availability, as the vehicle downloads rough road map data generated by Tesla vehicles."

The notes go on to explain that "the instrument cluster will continue to indicate when the suspension is raised for comfort." As impressive as the update is (for models with adaptive suspension, like the Model S and Model X), this is only the start. In 2020, company CEO Elon Musk said that Autopilot would eventually be able to detect potholes and make mini-maps to remember and avoid them. This adaptive suspension update is a step towards achieving that goal.