Tesla’s 2026 Summer Update introduces a range of new features, including updated traction-control modes, enhancements to the Grok AI assistant, a more adaptive Automatic Navigation system, Caraoke with scoring, and a new welcome animation. Among the latest additions, Stuck Assist is designed to help drivers recover vehicles that become stuck in snow, mud, or sand.
Tesla Introduces Updated Traction Control Modes
One of the key additions in the 2026 Summer Update is a revised set of traction-control modes that now includes Stuck Assist alongside Auto and Slippery Surface.
According to Tesla’s release notes, Stuck Assist is intended for situations where a vehicle becomes stuck in snow, mud, or sand. While the release notes do not explain how the feature operates, owner’s manuals for the now-discontinued Model S and Model X state that the mode allows the wheels to spin at a limited speed, enabling drivers to rock the vehicle out of a situation in which the wheels are stuck.
Three Traction Control Settings Available
The other two traction-control modes are Auto and Slippery Surface, both of which were already referenced in Tesla owner’s manuals.
- Auto is intended for normal driving conditions.
- Slippery Surface is recommended for icy or wet roads and distributes traction evenly across all four tires to improve stability.
- Stuck Assist is designed to help recover a vehicle that is stuck in snow, mud, or sand.
Teslarati reported that the updated Traction Control Modes are rolling out to the Model 3 and Model Y, the two best-selling electric vehicles in the United States, ahead of the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Toyota bZ.
Stuck Assist Requires Driver Input
Tesla notes that Stuck Assist is an assistive feature rather than a fully automated solution. Drivers may still need to provide accelerator and steering inputs while using the mode.
Depending on the conditions, additional measures may still be necessary, including deflating the tires to increase the contact patch, placing rocks, branches, or traction boards beneath the tires, or having people push the vehicle from behind.
The traction-control settings can be accessed by selecting Controls, then Dynamics, followed by Traction Control Mode. The system automatically resets to Auto at the beginning of every drive.
2026 Summer Update Also Expands Grok AI Capabilities
Beyond the traction-control improvements, the 2026 Summer Update also expands the capabilities of Tesla’s Grok AI assistant.
Grok can now make phone calls, play music, and adjust the vehicle’s climate controls, making it more comparable to the Rivian Assistant, which can also adjust ride height.
Additional Features From Earlier Tesla Updates
The latest software release follows previous Tesla updates that introduced the expanded Blind Spot Warning While Parked feature, Dashcam Clip Encryption, and the Full Self-Driving V14 Lite suite for older vehicles equipped with AI3 chips.
The 2026 Summer Update combines new driving assistance tools with expanded AI functionality, adding several software enhancements while retaining driver involvement for features such as Stuck Assist.
