Teslas are beloved for their high-tech features, sleek designs, and top-notch electric components. One of the most popular features included with these cars is the ability to check tyre pressure using the internal display screen. But how do you enable this feature?
Here’s how to display tyre pressure on the Tesla Model 3:
- Turn the vehicle on.
- Access the vehicle status cards by swiping left or right on the bottom-left area of the screen, or navigate to Controls > Service.
This guide will discuss how to check the tyre pressure on a Tesla Model 3 in more detail. It will also explain how to check the tyre pressure for the other Tesla models (Model X, Model Y, and Model S).
How To Check Tyre Pressure: Tesla Model 3
1. Turn the Vehicle On
To see the tyre pressure display, you need to turn the car on. Then, once the vehicle is on, you’ll need to wait a few minutes to give the car a chance to check the pressure. This is one of many routine checks your Tesla will perform each time you turn the car on, so it may take a few minutes.
Also, keep in mind that it may not display any numbers. This is likely to happen if the car has been stationary for a while. To get the readings, you’ll need to drive around and allow the vehicle to make its internal checks.
2. Swipe the Vehicle Status Area or Use the Service Menu
With the latest Tesla software updates, checking your tyre pressure has evolved. On the left side of the screen, where you see the digital visualization of your vehicle, there are status cards at the bottom. Swipe left or right through these cards until the tyre pressure widget appears.
Alternatively, for a persistent view, tap the car icon in the bottom corner to open your main Controls, then tap Service. This screen will clearly display a large image of the car with the PSI (or BAR) information for all four tyres.
How Do You Check Tyre Pressure on a Tesla Car? Other Models
Checking your Tesla’s tyre pressure is a straightforward process but differs slightly depending on the type of Tesla model you own. We’ve already covered how to check it on a Tesla Model 3. It’s a slightly different process on older or different vehicles.
As such, let’s explore checking the tyre pressure of the three other current Tesla models.
| Model Type | Tesla Model 3 | Tesla Model S | Tesla Model X | Tesla Model Y |
| Where tyre pressure is displayed | Centre console | Driver dashboard or Centre console | Driver dashboard or Centre console | Centre console |
Tesla Model 3 and Tesla Model Y
Checking the tyre pressure on your Model Y is as straightforward as it was for the Model 3. First, you’ll need to enter your vehicle and turn it on. Then, access the digital display screen to the right of the steering wheel.
From here, you’ll want to pay attention to the left portion of the screen, the portion showing a digital visualization of your vehicle. Make a swipe motion on the status cards at the bottom left to bring up your vehicle’s current tyre pressure, or go to Controls > Service.
You can also measure the tyre pressure manually.
Here’s how to manually check the tyre pressure on a Tesla Model Y: 1. Read the label on the driver’s door pillar. 2. Detach the valve cap. 3. Push an accurate gauge onto the valve. 4. Read the pressure off the gauge.
How to Check Your Tesla Model X and Model S Tyre Pressure
For newer refreshed Model S and Model X vehicles (equipped with the horizontal centre screen), the process matches the Model 3 and Y: navigate to Controls > Service on the centre screen to see the tyre pressure.
For older, legacy Model S and Model X vehicles equipped with the vertical screen and a dedicated digital instrument cluster behind the steering wheel, you’ll need to utilize the right-hand-side scroll wheel on your steering wheel.
To do this, press and hold the scroll wheel for a few seconds, then move it up or down to scroll. You’ll see this movement displayed on the screen behind the wheel. Scroll until you find the ‘Car Status’ or ‘Tyres’ menu. Press the scroll wheel down to select this menu and view tyre pressure. Remember, your vehicle won’t show this information if it’s currently in park mode.
Also, try the following when checking your Tesla’s tyre pressure:
- Drive your Tesla for about 1 mile (1.6 Kilometres). This allows the car’s computer to read the tyre pressure accurately. Driving at a high speed isn’t necessary; normal speeds will suffice.
If the tyre pressure is low, add air until it reaches the recommended pressure on your car’s tyre and loading information label.
What is Tesla TPMS?
Having your tyres either over or under-inflated can cause some serious problems, like decreased range and even potential blowouts. This is why it’s crucial to keep a close eye on your tyre pressure, especially in a Tesla.
Luckily, Tesla cars come equipped with a tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS) that constantly checks the pressure in all four tyres. If any of them are too low or too high, you’ll receive a warning icon on your dashboard.
Understanding the Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
You’ll love learning about how your Tesla keeps track of the air inside your wheels through its tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS). This feature helps you stay safe and comfortable on the road by alerting you when your tyres are underinflated or overinflated.
The TPMS is a small computer that uses sensors located in each wheel to measure the air pressure. The TPMS sends information to the car’s main computer, which then displays the tyre pressure on your dashboard.
If there is a problem with any of your tyres, such as low pressure, you will receive an alert on your display screen. This feature ensures that you can always keep an eye on your tyre pressure and avoid potential problems while driving.
Interpreting Tyre Pressure Readings
The first thing to understand is what each number represents. Your Tesla will display the air pressure for each tyre individually, usually in pounds per square inch (PSI) or Bar, depending on your display settings.
It’s important to note that the recommended PSI for your tyres can vary depending on a few factors such as wheel size and load capacity. The optimal air pressure range for your specific vehicle should be listed in your owner’s manual or on a sticker located inside the driver-side door jamb.
How Do You Pump Up a Tesla Tyre?
If you’re running on underinflated tyres, it’s crucial to fill them with air as soon as possible. If you drive with underinflated tyres for too long, you risk causing an accident or damaging your tyres.
Here’s how to pump up a Tesla tyre:
- Attach a pressure gauge to the valve stem. 2. Use a foot pump or compressor to inflate the tyre to the proper pressure. 3. Remove the gauge from the valve stem.
- Reattach the valve cap to its stem. Note: If you don’t have a foot pump, you can use an air compressor with a pressure gauge attached. For the best results, ensure the tyre pressure reaches the recommended number on your car’s tyre and loading information label.
| Tesla Model | Recommended Pressure |
| Model 3 | 42 – 45 PSI (290 – 310 kPa) depending on wheel size |
| Model Y | 42 PSI (290 kPa) |
| Model S | 40 – 42 PSI (276 – 290 kPa) depending on configuration |
| Model X | 42 PSI (290 kPa) |
Related questions you might have!
Can You Put Any Tyre on a Tesla?
Just as with any other vehicle, you’ll want to ensure you’re putting the right tyres on your Tesla. You can find out which tyres are best for your Tesla by referring to the tyre information inside the driver’s side door jamb.
The most important consideration is size, load rating, and tyre pressure. That said, it’s also worthwhile to consider tyre type (all-terrain, all-season, snow, sand, etc.) to ensure your tyres enjoy a long life. Teslas come with top-of-the-line EV-rated tyres, so it’s recommended that you replace them with tyres that have the correct load index for heavy electric vehicles.
Why Do Tesla Tyres Have Foam in Them?
If you purchase a brand-new Tesla, you’ll likely end up with a vehicle that has Tesla-specific acoustic tyres. These tyres often come with a layer of insulating polyurethane foam. The primary purpose of this foam is to absorb sound cavity resonance and reduce road noise, keeping the cabin quiet.
Why Tyre Pressure Matters for Tesla Cars
Correct tyre pressure affects many aspects of your driving, including energy efficiency, handling, braking distance, and overall comfort.
With Teslas being high-performance vehicles that rely heavily on their battery range and instant torque capabilities, maintaining adequate tyre pressure is even more crucial.
What Happens if the Tyre Pressure is Too Low or Too High?
If your Tesla’s tyre pressure is too low, you’ll experience increased rolling resistance, which consumes more electricity and decreases your total driving range. It also causes increased wear and tear on your tyres, leading to poor handling and reduced safety while driving.
On the other hand, if the tyre pressure is too high, you risk a blowout or uneven wear on the centre tread of your tyres. This could result in costly repairs and reduced traction.
Adjusting Tyre Pressure in Extreme Weather
When extreme weather hits, it’s important to ensure your tyres are properly inflated so that they can grip the slippery roads and keep you safe.
In cold weather, it’s common for tyre pressure to drop due to the contraction of air molecules. This means that during winter months, you may need to increase your tyre pressure slightly above what is recommended to compensate for this natural phenomenon.
Should I Get Winter Tyres for My Tesla?
Winter driving can be unpredictable, so it’s important to consider investing in winter tyres for your Tesla if you live in regions that experience heavy snow and ice.
Winter weather often leads to slippery roads and reduced visibility, which means that having the right set of tyres can make all the difference. Investing in winter tyres for your Tesla can provide extra grip and traction. These specialized tyres have deeper treads and softer rubber compounds than all-season ones, which helps them maintain their flexibility even in colder temperatures.
Should I use Tyre Chains on my Tesla?
Don’t get caught unprepared in the middle of a winter storm; consider using tyre chains on your Tesla to provide extra traction and safety on the most treacherous roads.
While it’s true that many Teslas come with Dual Motor All-Wheel Drive, which handles slippery conditions incredibly well, adding tyre chains to your vehicle will make sure you have maximum grip on packed snow or ice.
However, be aware that not all Tesla models’ wheel and tyre configurations are compatible with tyre chains, so check your owner’s manual before making any purchases to ensure adequate clearance. Another key thing to remember is that adding tyre chains may affect your driving dynamics and should only be used at very low speeds.
