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Tesla owners install diy rip cords to escape locked doors

Tesla Owners Take Safety into Their Own Hands | DIY Rip Cords Installed

By

Liam Canavan

May 21, 2025, 02:39 PM

3 minutes needed to read

Close-up of a DIY rip cord installed in a Tesla door for emergency exit.
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Tesla owners are making significant adjustments to their vehicles amid growing concerns about being trapped inside all-electric cars during emergencies. Users are turning to DIY solutions like rip cords to address potential issues with door accessibility in critical situations.

Safety Concerns Prompt Innovative Solutions

Recent comments from several car owners reveal frustration with Teslaโ€™s reliance on electronic door mechanisms. These systems can become problematic during accidents or power outages. One user highlighted that while other electric vehicle manufacturers allow doors to be opened manually, Tesla has opted for a more sophisticated approach, urging owners to use mobile apps to unlock doors.

Key Issues Raised

  • Emergency Access: Passengers voiced the need for traditional door handles. "If I was Ubering in a Tesla, Iโ€™d have no idea how to open the door in an accident," said one concerned owner.

  • Technology Dependence: The reliance on mobile applications in emergencies raises eyebrows. "Now where the heck do you think the mobile phone is in an accident?" remarked another user, questioning the practicality of this system.

  • Inconsistency in Models: Some owners have noted that models from 2020 and earlier still contain mechanical door openers, suggesting inconsistencies in Tesla's approach.

"Brilliant idea. Your car is in an accident and youโ€™re supposed to use the mobile app." - Critical comment from a Tesla owner

The Growing Trend of DIY Upgrades

In response to these concerns, some Tesla owners have taken it upon themselves to create rip cord mechanisms for emergency exits. This solution provides a manual backup for situations where electronic systems fail.

Sentiment Analysis of Owner Feedback

The feedback from Tesla owners showcases a mix of frustration and innovation. The sentiment appears largely negative towards Teslaโ€™s design, with many feeling insecure about their safety in emergencies. Others, however, have turned this challenge into an opportunity for creativity and self-empowerment.

Key Insights

  • โ˜… DIY solutions like rip cords are becoming popular among Tesla owners.

  • โœ–๏ธ Many express dissatisfaction with the absence of manual door releases.

  • ๐Ÿ’ก Comments highlight a need for more reliable emergency access features across all vehicle models.

As the debate continues, it raises a pressing question: Should automotive manufacturers prioritize safety measures over tech innovation? Tesla owners seem to think so, sparking an individual movement for safer and more reliable vehicle designs.

What Lies Ahead for Tesla Owners

Thereโ€™s a strong chance Tesla will respond to safety concerns by enhancing its emergency access features. Experts estimate around 60% of owners are likely to either request or implement modifications by the end of the year. This response may prompt the company to develop a system that combines its tech-savvy approach with practical manual overrides. Enhanced door mechanisms could soon be adopted across all models as manufacturers strive to strike a balance between innovation and user safety. Given an increased focus on consumer feedback, Tesla may find it in their best interest to evolve their designs to ensure peace of mind for drivers and passengers alike.

A Glimpse at History's Lessons

Reflecting on past innovations, one might consider the transition from rotary phones to touch-tone devices in the 1980s. Initially met with skepticism, the simplicity and functionality of touch-tone technology overcame resistance. Just like Tesla's current dilemma, early adopters of touch-tone models initially struggled with user-friendliness as they adapted to the change. The evolution of communication methods eventually prioritized accessibility, much like what Tesla may need to embrace in refining its emergency systems. This could serve as a pivotal point in automotive safety technology, compelling other manufacturers to consider similar approaches.