Testing Version 13 of Tesla's Full Self-Driving: A Personal Experience
Recently, I had my first opportunity to test out version 13 of Tesla's Full Self-Driving (FSD) feature, an eagerly awaited update that has received various mixed reviews within the community. Before getting into the details of my experience, it’s important to affirm my position: I am not here to showcase any form of confirmation bias. I welcomed the chance to see firsthand if version 13 was indeed the game-changer many have touted it to be.
In this adventure, I was joined by Brandon from North Carolina, who graciously allowed me to test his Model Y equipped with version 13. Our journey took us through busy Chicago, passing landmarks such as the Chicago Theater, Trump Tower, and Nike Chicago. As I prepared for this drive, I considered the challenges ahead and looked forward to testing FSD in a real-world scenario, particularly considering how many owners with Hardware 3 had expressed a mix of emotions regarding their vehicles’ capabilities.
While some drivers have embraced the technology wholeheartedly, others seem caught in a phase of resignation and doubt about their investment. I personally felt this tension as well, but I sought to remain open-minded, eager to see how version 13 compared to my own experience with version 12.
Initial Impressions of Version 13
Brandon shared his thoughts on version 13 prior to our drive, expressing satisfaction with its performance during his long-distance journeys. He stated that throughout nearly 1,800 miles, he only needed to actively manage parking and was occasionally required to pay attention during adverse weather conditions. This level of confidence was promising and set the tone for our drive.
As we started, I drove my own Model 3 running on version 12.54 to gauge any immediate differences. Initial challenges emerged, particularly navigating tight spaces and managing intersections, with a notable gap in decision-making and smoothness compared to Brandon’s Model Y. During a few critical moments, the car hesitated at intersections, leaving other motorists confused about its next move.
When it came time to switch to version 13 in Brandon’s Model Y, I was quickly eased into the updated interface and settings, which offered enhanced options for driving profiles. This accommodated a range from 'chill' to 'hurry' statuses depending on one's individual driving style.
As we drove deeper into Chicago's bustling environment, version 13 began showcasing several notable differences. The steering felt smoother and more responsive, especially during lane changes. The software seemed to better gauge secret opportunities to adjust its trajectory in real-time, particularly in dense urban settings where split-second decisions are crucial.
For instance, when maneuvering around stopped buses, version 13 confidently navigated traffic with some degree of finesse. It effectively recognized pedestrian zones and even promptly activated turn signals when necessary. These behaviors felt more natural compared to version 12 and represented a significant enhancement that many drivers, including myself, had hoped for.
However, navigating Lower Wacker Drive presented unique challenges. The software struggled with intersections that had overlapping routes and could not adapt well to the intricacies of three-dimensional navigation that characterize some areas of Chicago. It required user intervention during moments of hesitation, particularly when it became confused about its spatial orientation.
Comparison of Experiences: Version 12 vs. Version 13
Throughout our drive, I couldn’t shake off a lingering sense of skepticism. Despite the progress observed in several scenarios, there were still moments where version 13 showed inconsistencies that reminded me of prior versions. From occasional hesitancy at green lights to confusing directional signals, I realized that while there were definite improvements, some fundamental challenges remained.
My critiques were balanced by Brandon’s assurance that these quirks might diminish over time with further updates and community feedback to Tesla. It was clear that user experiences varied widely, and embracing this technology meant accepting that it may not be perfect yet.
As we concluded our drive, I reflected on whether version 13 of FSD warranted immediate excitement or if it was merely an incremental update. While version 13 undeniably offered smoother driving experiences and smarter decision-making in certain aspects, it did not drastically overhaul the core functionality experienced in version 12.
Looking forward to upcoming updates, I remain cautiously optimistic. There’s a clear possibility of receiving enhancements that will help versions with Hardware 3 become more comparable to what we experienced with version 13. I still believe in the potential of Tesla’s technology and its commitment to refining its systems.
In the end, whether to invest in Full Self-Driving continues to be a deeply personal decision. For those on the fence, perhaps a subscription to test before committing could be the best route forward. My conclusion remains that FSD is a fascinating journey, full of learning and potential—with even greater autonomy in sight as Tesla continues to innovate.
As always, I welcome feedback and insights from the community. Your experiences matter as we navigate this evolving technology together.
Part 1/9:
Testing Version 13 of Tesla's Full Self-Driving: A Personal Experience
Recently, I had my first opportunity to test out version 13 of Tesla's Full Self-Driving (FSD) feature, an eagerly awaited update that has received various mixed reviews within the community. Before getting into the details of my experience, it’s important to affirm my position: I am not here to showcase any form of confirmation bias. I welcomed the chance to see firsthand if version 13 was indeed the game-changer many have touted it to be.
Meeting the Challenge: The Drive with Brandon
Part 2/9:
In this adventure, I was joined by Brandon from North Carolina, who graciously allowed me to test his Model Y equipped with version 13. Our journey took us through busy Chicago, passing landmarks such as the Chicago Theater, Trump Tower, and Nike Chicago. As I prepared for this drive, I considered the challenges ahead and looked forward to testing FSD in a real-world scenario, particularly considering how many owners with Hardware 3 had expressed a mix of emotions regarding their vehicles’ capabilities.
Part 3/9:
While some drivers have embraced the technology wholeheartedly, others seem caught in a phase of resignation and doubt about their investment. I personally felt this tension as well, but I sought to remain open-minded, eager to see how version 13 compared to my own experience with version 12.
Initial Impressions of Version 13
Brandon shared his thoughts on version 13 prior to our drive, expressing satisfaction with its performance during his long-distance journeys. He stated that throughout nearly 1,800 miles, he only needed to actively manage parking and was occasionally required to pay attention during adverse weather conditions. This level of confidence was promising and set the tone for our drive.
Part 4/9:
As we started, I drove my own Model 3 running on version 12.54 to gauge any immediate differences. Initial challenges emerged, particularly navigating tight spaces and managing intersections, with a notable gap in decision-making and smoothness compared to Brandon’s Model Y. During a few critical moments, the car hesitated at intersections, leaving other motorists confused about its next move.
When it came time to switch to version 13 in Brandon’s Model Y, I was quickly eased into the updated interface and settings, which offered enhanced options for driving profiles. This accommodated a range from 'chill' to 'hurry' statuses depending on one's individual driving style.
Navigating Chicago: A Complex Environment
Part 5/9:
As we drove deeper into Chicago's bustling environment, version 13 began showcasing several notable differences. The steering felt smoother and more responsive, especially during lane changes. The software seemed to better gauge secret opportunities to adjust its trajectory in real-time, particularly in dense urban settings where split-second decisions are crucial.
For instance, when maneuvering around stopped buses, version 13 confidently navigated traffic with some degree of finesse. It effectively recognized pedestrian zones and even promptly activated turn signals when necessary. These behaviors felt more natural compared to version 12 and represented a significant enhancement that many drivers, including myself, had hoped for.
Part 6/9:
However, navigating Lower Wacker Drive presented unique challenges. The software struggled with intersections that had overlapping routes and could not adapt well to the intricacies of three-dimensional navigation that characterize some areas of Chicago. It required user intervention during moments of hesitation, particularly when it became confused about its spatial orientation.
Comparison of Experiences: Version 12 vs. Version 13
Part 7/9:
Throughout our drive, I couldn’t shake off a lingering sense of skepticism. Despite the progress observed in several scenarios, there were still moments where version 13 showed inconsistencies that reminded me of prior versions. From occasional hesitancy at green lights to confusing directional signals, I realized that while there were definite improvements, some fundamental challenges remained.
My critiques were balanced by Brandon’s assurance that these quirks might diminish over time with further updates and community feedback to Tesla. It was clear that user experiences varied widely, and embracing this technology meant accepting that it may not be perfect yet.
Conclusion: A Cautiously Optimistic Outlook
Part 8/9:
As we concluded our drive, I reflected on whether version 13 of FSD warranted immediate excitement or if it was merely an incremental update. While version 13 undeniably offered smoother driving experiences and smarter decision-making in certain aspects, it did not drastically overhaul the core functionality experienced in version 12.
Looking forward to upcoming updates, I remain cautiously optimistic. There’s a clear possibility of receiving enhancements that will help versions with Hardware 3 become more comparable to what we experienced with version 13. I still believe in the potential of Tesla’s technology and its commitment to refining its systems.
Part 9/9:
In the end, whether to invest in Full Self-Driving continues to be a deeply personal decision. For those on the fence, perhaps a subscription to test before committing could be the best route forward. My conclusion remains that FSD is a fascinating journey, full of learning and potential—with even greater autonomy in sight as Tesla continues to innovate.
As always, I welcome feedback and insights from the community. Your experiences matter as we navigate this evolving technology together.