The TechRax channel on YouTube has posted a video of a rather extreme experiment with a Tesla car’s media control unit. Watch it at your own discretion if you aren’t into smashing expensive glass!
Automotive purists often criticize carmakers for giving their cars touch-sensitive displays. They argue that these displays distract drivers from the road and generally aren’t easy enough to use when driving.
The main concern, however, is that a car like the Tesla Model 3 pictured here might go completely out of order – or even out of control – if the screen gets damaged. Since most of the in-car functions can be controlled via this display, we can understand where that concern comes from. Let’s now look at the results of a real-life experiment.
In the beginning, the driver hits the display slightly with a hammer. the glass cracks, but the touchscreen remains responsive. He then continues to apply increasing amounts of force until the entire screen turns into a fine mosaic of broken glass and crumbles down. Even after this, the EV continues to go as if nothing had happened.
The YouTuber then decided to disconnect the remains of the infotainment unit from the wiring, park the car for a few minutes, and restart the engine. Once he does so, all systems start up green and the car launches as if everything was normal.
Here’s a friendly warning: repeating the experiment, aside from being irresponsible and possibly even illegal in your area, will cost you at least $1,500 USD in replacement parts.