n an unbearably hot day in Costa Mesa, California, Brianna Janel experienced a harrowing ordeal when she became trapped inside her Tesla. The temperature outside soared to 103 degrees Fahrenheit (39 degrees Celsius), making her predicament even more dire. Brianna’s attempt to update her car’s system while parked at a Chick-fil-A took an unexpected and distressing turn.
Unexpected System Update Duration
Brianna Janel had planned a routine system update for her Tesla, expecting it to take 24 minutes. However, the process extended to an excruciating 40 minutes. As the minutes dragged on, the temperature inside her car rose alarmingly. “Inside my car, it’s 103 degrees, so I’m slightly freaking out. I hope I don’t run out of air,” Brianna shared in a TikTok video that quickly went viral, garnering nearly 30 million views.
Trapped and Helpless
As the heat inside the vehicle intensified, Brianna began to panic. She was unable to roll down the windows or open the doors, fearing potential damage to the car. “I can’t open up the doors or the windows otherwise I could potentially damage my car, so I’m just stuck in here roasting like a frickin chicken dripping sweat,” she explained to her TikTok followers. Her Chick-fil-A order had been ready for 30 minutes, adding to her frustration and discomfort.
A Viral Tesla Experience
Brianna’s ordeal captured widespread attention on social media. In a follow-up video, she detailed her eventual escape, revealing that the temperature inside the car had reached a staggering 115 degrees. “I literally made it out of my car. The AC has never felt so good, and I’ve never felt better. I feel like I just took a bath,” she said, drenched in sweat. Having owned the car for six years, this was her first time updating the vehicle, a process she will approach differently in the future.
Lessons Learned and Advice for Tesla Owners
Reflecting on her experience, Brianna offered valuable advice to fellow Tesla owners: “Do not update it when you’re sitting in the car. Stick to updating it at 2am like I used to do it.” Her suggestion highlights the importance of choosing a safe and comfortable environment for such updates.
Tesla’s Manual Door Release
Despite the terrifying experience, it is important to note that Tesla vehicles come equipped with manual door releases for situations where the car’s power is depleted. Brianna’s experience raises awareness about the importance of knowing how to operate these features in emergency situations.
Electronic Door Releases in Modern Vehicles
Tesla is not the only manufacturer incorporating electronic interior door releases in their vehicles. According to Consumer Reports, other cars with this feature include the Ford Mustang Mach-E, Chevrolet Corvette, Audi E-Tron, and Lucid Air. These advancements, while convenient, underscore the necessity for drivers to familiarize themselves with manual overrides. In 2006, Consumer Reports highlighted a case where a driver was trapped for 14 hours due to a flat battery and a lack of knowledge about the manual release. Such incidents emphasize the need for comprehensive understanding and preparedness among vehicle owners.