On a scorching day in Costa Mesa, California, Brianna Janel found herself unexpectedly confined within her Tesla during a system update. With external temperatures reaching 103°F (39°C), her situation became increasingly perilous. What was intended to be a routine update at a local Chick-fil-A turned into a distressing experience.
Unforeseen Extension of Tesla System Update
Brianna anticipated the Tesla’s system update to last 24 minutes; however, it prolonged to a taxing 40 minutes. As time elapsed, the car’s interior temperature escalated dangerously. In a TikTok video that rapidly gained nearly 30 million views, she expressed her concern: “Inside my car, it’s 103 degrees, so I’m slightly freaking out. I hope I don’t run out of air.”
Immobilized in Tesla Amidst Rising Heat
As the vehicle’s interior grew hotter, Brianna’s anxiety intensified. She refrained from opening the windows or doors, apprehensive about causing potential damage to the car. She conveyed her predicament to her TikTok audience: “I can’t open up the doors or the windows otherwise I could potentially damage my car, so I’m just stuck in here roasting like a frickin chicken dripping sweat.” Adding to her discomfort, her Chick-fil-A meal had been waiting for 30 minutes.
Widespread Attention on Social Media
Brianna’s experience resonated widely online. In a subsequent video, she described her eventual release, noting that the car’s interior temperature had soared to 115°F. “I literally made it out of my car. The AC has never felt so good, and I’ve never felt better. I feel like I just took a bath,” she remarked, visibly perspiring. Despite owning the Tesla for six years, this was her inaugural system update—a process she intends to handle differently moving forward.
Recommendations for Tesla Owners
Reflecting on her ordeal, Brianna advised fellow Tesla users: “Do not update it when you’re sitting in the car. Stick to updating it at 2am like I used to do it.” Her counsel underscores the importance of selecting a safe and comfortable setting for performing system updates.
Understanding Tesla’s Manual Door Release
It’s crucial to recognize that Tesla vehicles are equipped with manual door release mechanisms for instances when the car’s power is low. Brianna’s situation highlights the necessity of being familiar with these features to manage emergencies effectively.
Electronic Door Mechanisms in Contemporary Cars Like Tesla
Tesla isn’t alone in utilizing electronic interior door releases; manufacturers like Ford, Chevrolet, Audi, and Lucid incorporate similar systems. These modern conveniences make it imperative for drivers to acquaint themselves with manual overrides. A 2006 Consumer Reports article recounted an incident where a driver was trapped for 14 hours due to a depleted battery and unfamiliarity with the manual release. Such cases emphasize the need for vehicle owners to be well-informed and prepared.