Anti-Elon Musk demonstrators have taken to vandalizing Tesla-branded vehicles in protest. As a result, the electric vehicle manufacturer is recommending that owners use “Sentry Mode.” However, while the Tesla setting can use sensors and cameras to better identify vandals, it isn’t a guarantee that the EVs will be protected against destructive acts. 

Tesla says ‘Sentry Mode’ readies a vehicle’s cameras and sensors “to record suspicious activity,” like vandalism

Tesla vehicles, from the Model 3 to the controversial Cybertruck, offer a feature called “Sentry Mode.” As it sounds, the mode is a security setting with vehicle safety in mind. When activated, the setting uses a Tesla’s sensor arrays and cameras to monitor and record “suspicious activity.”  

According to the Tesla Model 3 Owner’s Manual, the mode functions like an “intelligent vehicle security system that alerts you when it detects possible threats nearby.” Should the vehicle detect an active threat, it will enable five actions to deter or record a criminal act.

For starters, a sufficient “movement,” like towing or shaking, will prompt a Tesla to flash its lights and sound its alarm. Beyond the exterior alerts, the vehicle will display a warning message to intruders and send a notification to the owner via the mobile app. Finally, the security setting may save footage of the incident to a USB storage drive. That is, if the owner installed one. 

So, can Sentry Mode do anything to protect Tesla owners against vandalism? Yes and no. The specialized security setting isn’t the BMW 7-Series in “Tomorrow Never Dies.” No, you won’t find electrified door handles on the features list of the Model 3 or any other Tesla. However, it will use lights and an audible alarm to get attention. 

The camera coverage will similarly record “suspicious” events from multiple angles. While that might not be a proactive security measure, it can help authorities identify and catch thieves. Or vandals, for that matter. Still, some vandals captured by Tesla vehicle-mounted cameras wear masks, like a recent case where a vandal carved a swastika into a Cybertruck as the pickup truck’s cameras captured the event. In that case, the vandal scratched the hateful symbol into the truck and departed in under 30 seconds.

Consequently, Tesla recently decided to enable Sentry Mode for vehicles at the automaker’s service and collision centers. According to Not a Tesla App, the electric vehicle manufacturer authorized the use of the security suite while vehicles await service, preparation, or delivery. The divisive CEO of Tesla, Elon Musk, announced the move after owners voiced their concerns. Specifically, owners are worried that their EVs could be vandalized at the brand’s physical locations.