Tesla enthusiast Sawyer Merritt completed his first drive using Full Self-Driving version 14.3.1, describing it as more polished than 14.3. He highlighted several improvements in highway behavior, braking, and lane selection.
Sawyer Merritt shared his impressions of Tesla's Full Self-Driving (FSD) software version 14.3.1 following a recent test drive. He noted that the update feels refined compared to version 14.3 and, in his view, is prepared for broader rollout to users. Merritt emphasized enhanced reactivity, stating that FSD now responds 20% faster to sudden events, such as a car pulling out from a parking spot, braking before the driver fully registers the hazard. No brake stabbing issues occurred during his drive, unlike a previous experience with version 14.3. A new parking icon labeled 'P' allows access to various parking options directly from the interface. On highways, the 'Mad Max' mode adopted a more conservative approach, capping speeds in the low 80s mph—never exceeding 83 mph despite clear roads—and shifting to right lanes earlier for exits. Follow distances felt more comfortable. Urban lane selection improved over the prior version, though Merritt pointed out ongoing refinements needed for navigation routes and parking alignment. He argued these shortcomings do not justify delaying a wide release.
