Tesla’s FSD software is getting a significant update to address one of its most persistent quirks – overly cautious highway behavior. Upcoming FSD V13.3 release aims to refine both highway speed management and vehicle following distance, according to recent statements from Phil Duan, a Senior Staff Software Engineer on Tesla’s AI team.
Dan Burkland, Tesla FSD users have consistently reported that the system maintains unnecessarily conservative speeds on highways, often well below selected limits. The current version exhibits a tendency to fluctuate speeds unpredictably, causing frustration for both drivers and surrounding traffic.
Highway speed and lead vehicle following distance will be improved with 13.3.
Phil Duan clarified that the max speed setting serves a fundamentally different purpose than traditional cruise control. While drivers may expect their selected speed to be maintained, FSD treats these inputs differently – viewing the max speed merely as an upper limit rather than a target.
The system’s design philosophy prioritizes autonomous decision-making over direct user input. Rather than adhering to specific speed targets, FSD evaluates multiple factors to determine optimal speeds in real-time, treating most user interventions as potential errors in judgment.
Recent experiences with FSD V13.2.2 have shown promising improvements, particularly in highway merging scenarios. Users report smooth acceleration and confident merging maneuvers that feel natural and safe. However, the persistent speed oscillation issue continues to impact the driving experience.
Many users express a desire for more customizable options – specifically, the ability to maintain higher speeds while increasing following distances. This combination could potentially offer a more comfortable highway experience without compromising safety.
The upcoming update specifically targets highway speed management and lead vehicle following distance. These improvements aim to create a more consistent and predictable driving experience, potentially reducing the need for driver intervention.
As FSD continues to evolve, Tesla’s approach to speed management reflects a broader shift toward truly autonomous decision-making. The system’s reliance on driving styles (chill, standard, hurry) rather than specific speed settings points to a future where human input becomes increasingly minimal.
V13.3 might finally help Tesla drivers cruise past their speed anxieties.
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