Sentry Mode battery drain

Sentry Mode keeps the car's computer and cameras awake, so it uses noticeably more energy than a sleeping car. The exact amount depends on the car, its computer hardware, the temperature and how busy the area is.

How to see your own figure

Open the Energy app on the touchscreen and look at the parked or idle consumption, or compare the battery percentage before and after a night with and without Sentry. Owners commonly report losing several miles of range per day with Sentry on; older cars tend to use more.

How to cut the drain

• Exclude home, where you're likely to have other security.
• Turn it on only where needed, such as busy public car parks.
• Turn off Cabin Overheat Protection if you don't need it.
• Close the Tesla app on your phone. Repeatedly opening it wakes the car.
• Disable third-party apps that poll the car often.

Long stays

For long stays, such as at an airport, Sentry Mode can use a significant share of the battery. Leave with plenty of charge, or switch Sentry off. See Leaving your Tesla parked.