Tesla Cybertruck 2025-2026 Wade Mode
Wade Mode
Wade Mode allows Cybertruck to enter and drive through bodies of water, such as rivers or creeks.
CAUTION: Gauge water depth before entering. Damage or water ingress is not covered by the warranty. Inspect underwater conditions and drive slowly and safely.
- Maximum wade depth: ~32 in (815 mm) from bottom of tire.
- Enable Wade Mode via Off-Road App > Wade, with doors/windows closed and speed below 20 mph (32 km/h).
- Wade Mode duration: 30 minutes max.
- Defaults ride height to Very High; protects up to ~32 in (815 mm) of water at 1-3 mph (2-5 km/h).
- Battery pressurizes automatically to protect against water/debris.
- Wash vehicle after wading to prevent mud/hardening.
CAUTION: On soft/muddy surfaces, vehicle may sink. Do not stop or park in water. Avoid driving next to or behind other vehicles in water.
WARNING: Do not drive in deep or fast-flowing water. Risk of damage, serious injury, or death.
Trail Assist
Maintains vehicle speed during steep ascents/descents in Overland mode. Enable via Controls > Dynamics > Off-Road > Trail Assist. Adjust speed via right scroll wheel or pedals.
- Trail Assist speed: 1-25 mph (2-40 km/h)
- Brake pedal does not disable Trail Assist unless firmly held at standstill
- Disengages above 30 mph (48 km/h)
- Does not detect obstacles; monitor surroundings
Off-Road Locking Differentials
CAUTION: Do not use on high-traction surfaces; improper use may damage vehicle. Loading to GVWR and engaging lockers may also damage drivetrain.
WARNING: Locked differentials increase turning radius and reduce steering responsiveness. Use only when necessary for off-road traction.
Open Differentials
Standard on most vehicles; wheels rotate at different speeds on curves. Low-traction conditions may lead to vehicle getting stuck.
Locking Differentials
Lock both wheels on an axle to rotate at same speed. Torque distributed based on traction. Available by variant:
- All-Wheel Drive: mechanical front & rear locking differentials
- Tri-Motor (Cyberbeast): mechanical front, virtual rear locking differential
- Long Range: rear locking differential
Engaging Locking Differentials On Road
Enable via Controls > Dynamics > Engage Rear Locking Differential. Use only for temporary extra grip. Maximum speed: 35 mph (56 km/h). Stability control icon may appear. Not available on Tri-Motor (Cyberbeast).
Engaging Locking Differentials Off Road
Consider terrain and conditions. Access via Off-Road app:
- All-Wheel Drive: All On / Rear Only / Off
- Tri-Motor (Cyberbeast): Front Only / Off
Status icons:
- Gray: disengaged
- Orange: engaged (may blink while engaging/disengaging)
- Orange ?: unknown position
- Red !: system fault or unavailable
Vehicle may rock slightly when fully engaged; normal behavior.
Disengaging Locking Differentials
Touch the differential icon and select Off. May require short drive. Automatic disengage occurs when shifting out of Drive or changing drive mode.
Troubleshooting
| Behavior | Action(s) |
|---|
| Locking differential(s) not engaging | Creep forward; wait for wheel slip to reduce; turn steering fully left/right while stationary |
| Locking differential takes long to disengage | Creep forward; turn steering left/right while moving; check tires for uneven wear |
| Cannot disengage after first engagement | Drive at least 100 ft while wriggling steering wheel to calibrate; attempts ignored until calibration complete |
| Popping sound while engaging/disengaging | Normal; occurs while mechanism engages/releases |
| Locking differential icon blinking | Perform safe U-turn while fully disengaged |
| Solid orange with exclamation point | Shift into Park, then Drive and retry; schedule service if persists |
| Locking differentials cancel/delay engagement | Continue driving and wait; caused by wheel spin difference |
