New Tesla Update Boosts EV Safety Like Never Before

If you’ve owned a Tesla for any length of time, you’ll know that the brand doesn’t just wait for a new model year to bring improvements. Tesla’s 'over-the-air (OTA) software updates are like Christmas for EV owners rolling out several times a year.

The OTA updates are often packed with new features, upgrades, and clever tweaks. And the next one, dubbed the “Spring” update, looks like one of the most practical and safety-focused we’ve seen in a while.

More Cameras, More Coverage — Even When Parked

Tesla’s Sentry Mode has already earned a loyal following for its ability to record what’s happening around your vehicle when it's parked. But the upcoming update expands its capabilities even further. Side cameras mounted on the B-pillars (that’s just behind the front doors) will now also kick in to record footage, bringing the total number of recording cameras from four to six.

That means wider coverage, better angles, and fewer blind spots. This improved surveilane matters if someone’s creeping around your parked Tesla or worse, causing damage.

This update applies to the newer versions of the Model S, X, 3, and Y, but it’s not yet clear whether older or pre-facelift versions of the 3 and Y sold in Australia will be supported. Still, it’s a strong move that shows Tesla continues to invest in real-world security tools rather than flashy gimmicks.

Better Dashcam Viewer, Easier Playback

There’s also a handy improvement to how you interact with recorded footage. The Dashcam Viewer (the in-car app used to review Sentry footage), is getting an upgrade, making it easier to find and view recent clips. With more cameras recording, this streamlined viewing experience will save time and frustration when trying to check specific moments.

Tesla’s Dashcam and Sentry Mode features aren’t new, but updates like this keep them feeling fresh and useful. They're also great assets if you’re ever in a dispute or need evidence after a car park incident.

Live 'Improved' View via the Tesla App

Already available in some regions, the Tesla app lets you remotely view your vehicle’s surroundings using the onboard cameras. This becomes even more powerful when combined with the new recording angles, giving owners better peace of mind when they’re away from the car.

Whether you’re parked in a dodgy spot or just want to double-check the situation outside your home, this feature puts Tesla’s hardware to work in ways most EVs haven’t yet matched.

Navigation Upgrades: Trip Planning with Smarts

The update also gives Tesla’s navigation system a boost. Route planning will now offer multiple on-route options rather than just the fastest path. There’s also a smarter display of nearby businesses, cafés, restaurants, and shops right at the bottom of the screen. This will make finding a bite or bathroom break mid-trip easier. And yes, you’ll now be able to avoid highways if you prefer a more scenic or EV-efficient route.

Customised Boot Opening

Here’s one of those simple, genius tweaks that makes you wonder why it didn’t exist already: you can now save the boot opening height based on specific locations. Think tight garages or underground car parks with low ceilings. Your Tesla will now remember not to open the trunk too high and risk a collision.

The software lets you set a custom trunk height and lock it in for that spot. Next time you roll into your garage, your boot opens just enough avoiding potential damage.

While rival carmakers scramble to catch up on hardware, Tesla continues to pull ahead with software. These OTA updates mean today’s Teslas are often better-equipped and function better than when they were first sold. That’s especially important in Australia’s growing used EV market , where a 2020 Model 3 may now have more features than it did straight off the showroom floor.

Tesla's commitment to OTA updates are one of the mains reasons Tesla remains a favourite among tech-savvy buyers.

The Spring update is set to roll out in the coming weeks. For Tesla owners, it’s another example of why your EV just keeps getting smarter long after you’ve driven it off the lot.