[Updated: Firmware 9.0 and Hardware 3 Release Schedule] How is Speed Limit Mode Different from Valet Mode on the Model 3?

speed limit mode vs valet mode on model 3

Update: Firmware 9.0 is planned for release at the end of August 2018. Hardware 3 will come in 4-6 months from now, presumably early 2019, and anyone with Hardware 2+, EAP and FSD will be eligible for a free upgrade to the new computer.

4 Weeks to Tesla Firmware v9.0: What to Expect, and Timeline for AP Hardware 3

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Our recent post about software update 2018.24 for the Model 3 briefly touched on a new feature called Speed Limit Mode that’s available to customers who have also updated their Tesla mobile app to version 3.4.1. Let’s delve into this feature that’s actually based on the existing Valet Mode but has several key differences.

Model 3 Gets Software Update ‘2018.24’ with Summon Feature

Valet Mode

Valet Mode restricts speed to 70 mph and reduces power and acceleration to just 25%. That’s to make sure that the college kid parking your Tesla at the restaurant doesn’t get any weird ideas. It also locks the trunk and glove compartment. More importantly, it restricts the use of the touchscreen panel and blocks access to all personal information.

Speed Limit Mode

On the other hand, speed limit mode is only meant to remotely control the top speed of the car. You can only engage it when the car is parked, but it’s extremely useful for when one of your kids takes the car out and is tempted to show his friends what his Mom’s Tesla can really do. He might be disappointed, but at least you won’t have to deal with a crumpled hunk of metal and a weak “sorry, Mom” in the morning.

The speed limit mode is also very useful inside the city. Just set it to the legal limit and you won’t have to worry about speeding tickets.

Other cool features have also been included in the latest update. Summon is now available on the Model 3, and WiFi access has been enabled so you have LTE and also the ability to sign into your WiFi at home. You might want to put a range extender or at least re-position your router in case of a weak signal.

Now that Cabin Overheat Protection is enabled by default, you won’t have to worry about getting into a piping hot car when you park outside in the sun. You can turn it off if you’d rather preserve battery power in the daytime.