Emergency (manual) door release

Teslas open their doors electronically. If the car loses low-voltage power, the electronic button won't work, so every Tesla has mechanical releases.

Front doors

On Model 3 and Model Y, the manual release is a lever in front of the window switches. Pulling it opens the door without lowering the window.

Rear doors

Rear manual releases differ between models and years. Some are hidden under a mat or panel in the door pocket; some older cars have none. Your car's owner's manual (on the touchscreen and on Tesla's website) shows exactly where yours are. It's worth showing regular passengers.

When to use them

• In an emergency, such as after a collision or if the car has no power.
• If the electronic button doesn't work and you need to get out.

Why not to use them every day

The frameless windows normally drop slightly before the door opens. Using the manual release skips that, and repeated use can damage the window, the seal or the trim. Use the electronic button normally.

If the car has no power

A flat low-voltage battery stops the doors opening from outside. See 12V battery warning for how to get in and what to do.