Tesla's New Traction Control Modes: What Changes and Which Cars Get Them

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Tesla has added three traction control modes in the 2026.26 summer update. Drivers can now choose between an automatic setting, a program for wet or icy roads, and a mode that helps get out of snow, mud, or sand. The car reverts to the standard Auto mode after every drive.

The switch is found under Controls — Dynamics — Traction Control Mode. “Slippery Surface” is meant to distribute torque more precisely on slick surfaces, while “Stuck Assist” allows limited wheel spin so the driver can rock the car free. The system doesn’t control “engine power,” as the original release notes put it, but rather brake force and torque from the electric motors.

This doesn’t turn the Model 3 or Model Y into an off-roader. “Stuck Assist” is built for situations where the wheels simply need a bit more freedom to spin, but the outcome still depends on the tires, the depth of snow or mud, and whether there’s any grip under the wheels at all. Tesla recommends switching back to the normal setting as soon as the tricky stretch is behind you.

There’s still some uncertainty around availability. Teslarati reports the feature for both the Model 3 and Model Y, while an independent update tracker confidently lists only the new Model 3, flagging Model Y compatibility as still unconfirmed. On top of that, some Model Y owner’s manuals already mentioned Slippery Surface and Off-Road Assist modes before version 2026.26. So it’s too early to call this an entirely new feature for every Model Y.