Missing The Traditional Stalks on Your New Model 3?
If you’ve recently upgraded to the new Tesla Model 3 (2024+), you might’ve noticed something different—there are no stalks around your steering wheel. Previously, Tesla models had stalks for turn signals, windshield wipers, headlights, and gear shifting. However, the latest designs have streamlined these functionalities into touchscreen controls or steering wheel haptic feedback buttons, leaving some drivers feeling nostalgic or uneasy.
Today, we’re addressing this very issue by installing a custom stalk kit from EV Offer. Here’s what you need to know:
Why Consider Adding Stalks?
The Tesla community is somewhat divided on the necessity of physical stalks. Veteran Tesla owners generally adapt quickly to touchscreen controls. Yet, drivers transitioning from conventional vehicles frequently miss the intuitive feel of traditional stalks.
The new Juniper Model Y addressed this by retaining a single stalk for turn indicators.
EV Offer’s Stalk Kit: Our Hands-On Experience
We tested EV Offer’s latest stalk kit, and here’s what we found:
- Quality & Design: The kit closely resembles OEM parts you’d find on earlier Tesla models. It integrates neatly, maintaining the sleek Tesla aesthetic. The primary device connects via CAN bus, and there is a USB-C on it, ensuring easy access to updates.
- Installation & Tools: The kit includes everything necessary for installation—cables, adhesive strips, trim removal tools, screws, and even a small ratchet with a torque bit. Installation, though straightforward, does require patience and precision, especially when routing cables through the steering column.
Installation Overview (Simplified):
- Access the Steering Column: Remove the side trim and carefully loosen internal panels.
- Connecting the CAN Bus: Securely connect the provided cables, daisy-chaining them where necessary to ensure data communication.
- Cable Routing: Route the provided 4-pin connector cable from the CAN bus data interface on the passenger side to the steering wheel column.
- Testing & Adjustments: Before final assembly, test the stalk functions (gear shifting, turn signals, windshield wipers, headlights) to ensure everything operates correctly.
- Secure Installation: Reassemble the steering column carefully, ensuring all cables are hidden neatly. Due to concerns over the stability of provided clips, we added zip ties to enhance security and stability—highly recommended for peace of mind.
Practical Observations
- The stalk feels genuinely OEM, providing tactile feedback identical to original Tesla components.
- All functions, including gear shifting, indicators, windshield wipers, and high beams, worked flawlessly after installation.
- Cable management and securing clips were the trickiest parts; we strongly advise using additional zip ties for a stable, long-term solution.
Why We’re Not Selling This at TESBROS
At TESBROS, our mission is always to offer products we can confidently support long-term. After our experiences with electronic products reliant on Tesla’s frequent software updates, we’ve found that sometimes updates disrupt third-party integrations, creating customer support challenges. To maintain our high customer service standards, we’ve chosen not to carry products like these directly. However, we do partner closely with reliable companies like EV Offer, who specialize in electronic integrations.
Final Thoughts
If you’re missing the convenience of physical stalks, EV Offer’s kit is a solid choice. It significantly enhances usability, especially for new Tesla owners transitioning from traditional vehicles. While installation can be involved, the end result is professional, practical, and genuinely enhances your driving experience.