My 11,000-Mile Journey in a Tesla with Full Self-Driving: Why I Can't Go Back

Since I purchased my Tesla back in March 2024, its full self-driving capabilities, rather than its electric nature, have been the primary draw for me. While charging is convenient due to readily accessible stations and a home unit in my town, my extensive travel schedule requires a car that complements long commutes.

Working as a product manager in the 3D lidar scanner industry means I’m often on the road visiting clients across America, covering over 50,000 miles annually. In this scenario, an electric vehicle like my Tesla is slower than traditional gas cars, but the FSD system more than compensates for any drawbacks.

A Road Trip Like No Other

My road adventure kicked off on October 28, and since then, I've logged 18,741 miles. By the end of December, I had driven over 11,000 miles without ever manually using the steering wheel or pedals, a testament to Tesla's FSD version 14.2 which I updated on November 25 in Raleigh, North Carolina. Every maneuver, from navigating tight parking spots to choosing the best route, was managed seamlessly by the FSD system.

The FSD adeptly handled diverse conditions—be it dirt paths, construction detours, or unexpected road blocks. One memorable incident was navigating out of a closed street in Reno; the car competently rerouted without a hitch. In Wyoming, the FSD showcased its effectiveness during a severe wind event, managing a stretch of highway pelted by 80 mph gusts without losing lane integrity.

Venturing through major routes spanning Miami, Texas, the Rockies, and Oregon, my FSD experience reinforced the prowess of this technology. After a quick holiday pause in Washington, I pushed onward to Los Angeles and finally reached South Carolina.

Multi-Tasking During My Travel

The autonomy offered by FSD allows me to engage with audiobooks and podcasts extensively and keep in touch with family or attend business calls without distrusting the car’s performance. Even though adhering to the law by keeping my eyes on the road is important, the enhanced sense of safety means I am significantly more relaxed compared to traditional driving.

Impact of Software Updates

My journey commenced with FSD version 13.2.9 and progressed with updates to 14.1 and subsequently 14.2. Utilizing a Starlink Mini system, I installed these updates seamlessly during my travels. Each version brought incremental advantages—increased smoothness, advanced parking capabilities, and novel speed settings like “Sloth” and “Mad Max”.

These enhancements, particularly in 14.2, impressed my friends and family who once viewed the FSD as just a tech novelty. Now, they recognize its transformative impact, convinced of its utility.

FSD is Here to Stay

For me, FSD is an essential feature that has changed the way I view driving. The peace of mind it delivers, as if having a co-driver, means I often opt for driving over flying despite longer distances. A flight often lacks the flexibility of renting an FSD-equipped vehicle at the destination.

While setting records wasn't my initial goal, realizing people’s reactions to my hands-free experiences underscored how integral FSD has become to my routine. Beyond my convenience, FSD carries personal significance: my father, who is legally blind, might one day regain his independence through such technology. His excitement for future advancements is palpable and aligns with my journey’s larger context.