The Tesla Model 3 does weigh more than the average car of its size (compared to ICE cars). This, together with the model and the enormous amount of torque it often churns out (when you like to flex your throttle foot) can have a bad effect on tire lifespan. So, what is the average mileage on Tesla Model 3 tires?
The Tesla Model 3’s tires should be good for anywhere between 20,000 and 40,000 miles (32,000 and 64,000 km). Factors such as Load support, Tire type, Proper maintenance, Driving style, and Environmental conditions can put its lifespan outside the above-mentioned range.
Check out the rest of the article to learn more.
5 Factors That Affect Your Tesla Tire’s Lifespan
The factors that determine how long your tires will last include:
1. Load Supported
The distribution of weight across your tires affects the pressure acting on them. In other words, the greater the load on the tires, the greater the wear and tear they experience. Conversely, a lower vehicular load means your tires will see less stress.
So, a Model 3 with a heavier battery pack (like the Performance or Long Range models) will run through tires faster than a Standard Plus on average.
Note that the diameter of your tires will also affect load-bearing. Loads will be greater on smaller tires than on larger ones with the same vehicular load. So, while a 19-inch tire is more expensive than an 18-inch tire with identical specifications, it may last longer.
On a similar note, check out this related article I wrote about the Best Tesla Model 3 Replacement Tires. I discussed the best overall tires with Range & Value as comparisons.
2. Tire Type
Aside from the size of the tire, other characteristics have a bearing on how long tires last. Most of this information is printed on the side of tires, as required by law. This page of the Model 3 Manual lists how to read these numbers.
Tire specifications that affect the lifespan of your tires include:
- Load rating. A greater load rating will mean less strain on your tires.
- Treadwear grade. The higher a tire’s treadwear grade, the longer it will take to wear out.
- Traction grade. The greater the traction offered by the tire, the slower it will wear out.
- Temperature grade. The higher the temperature rating of the tire, the greater its expected longevity.
Apart from these quantifiable aspects, a tire’s weather and performance rating will also make or break its longevity. Tires generally come with the following ratings:
- Summer: These have less traction and will wear out faster than winter tires when used in similar environments.
- Winter: These offer greater traction and will last longer in the same environment.
- All-weather: These are in-between summer and winter in terms of traction.
- Performance: These are optimized for handling, not traction, and tend to wear out quicker.
For a more in-depth explanation of the differences between summer, winter, and all-weather tires, check out the following YouTube video:
Also, the front tires in an all-wheel-drive Performance or Long Range Model 3 will wear out faster than its rear tires because of the greater pressure they regularly experience. Similarly, the rear tires on a rear-wheel-drive Model 3 Standard Plus will wear out faster than its front tires.
Of course, other qualitative aspects — such as the brand, materials, and manufacturing technology — also affect how long tires last.
3. Proper Maintenance (or the Lack Thereof)
To get the most out of your Model 3’s tires, you need to care for them properly. For instance, inadequately inflated tires will wear out faster than tires whose air pressure is consistently maintained at the recommended levels. As already mentioned, front and rear tires may wear out at different rates.
The Tesla Model 3 Manual has detailed instructions for the proper maintenance of tires. It recommends maintaining a tire pressure of 40-45 psi and swapping front and rear tires every 6,250 miles (10,000 km) or if the difference between threads is greater than 2/32 in (1.5 mm).
Check out this article that I wrote called “What Psi Should Tesla Tires Be?” This is somewhat related to the info above and might further help you.
4. Driving Style
An aggressive driving style is another factor that can cause significantly greater tire wear and tear. Examples of this include:
- Driving excessively fast
- Accelerating or braking hard
- Taking fast turns
- Hitting the curb when parking
5. Environmental Conditions
The lifespan of your Model 3’s tires can likewise be affected by environmental factors, such as:
- Temperature: Prolonged exposure to high temperatures will adversely affect the life of your car tires.
- Humidity: High exposure to water, snow, or moisture can shorten the life of your tires.
- Terrain: Driving off-road, on rough ground, or on badly tarred and potholed roads can all put excess stress on your tires.
Signs Your Model 3’s Tires Need Replacement
Tire Damage
The most obvious sign that your Model 3 needs a tire change is a flat tire. Although punctures under ¼ in (6 mm) can be temporarily patched over, in most cases, you’ll need to replace your tires ASAP.
If you’d rather not replace all your tires at once, you can replace only one pair — but only if you’re sure it won’t significantly affect the performance of your vehicle.
Wear and Tear
Your Model 3’s tires have wear indicators woven into their tread patterns. When the tires wear down to 3 mm (4/32 in), these patterns will show, indicating that it’s time for a tire change.
According to Tesla, treads less than 3 mm (4/32 in) pose a risk of hydroplaning under wet conditions.
Tesla Tire and Date Replacement Calculator
Summary
Your service request has been completed!
We have sent your request information to your email.You can use this online Tesla tire calculator to find how long any Tesla Model tire will last. You can also estimate the number of miles left on your current set and how many days you have until they need to be swapped out for new ones. If that is the case, you can also find the price for any set of Tesla tires by selecting the appropriate tires. Have fun!
Picking Replacement Tires for Your Tesla Model 3
The Michelin Primacy MXM4 tires that a Model 3 Standard Plus comes with cost almost $1,400 for an entire set of four. However, it’s not necessary to replace them with the same tires. The following table lists the specifications of the Michelin Primacy MXM4 tire.
| Specification | Value |
| Tire Category | P (Passenger) |
| Width | 9.25 inches (235 mm) |
| Tire Construction | R (Radial Ply) |
| Wheel Diameter | 18 inches (457 mm) |
| Load Index | 98 |
As long as your replacement tires meet or exceed the same specifications, you have plenty of options to choose from.
For example, a search on Simple Tire shows that tires with a warranty of between 50,000 and 60,000 miles (80,500 km and 96,560 km) meet these specifications.
Pro Tip: Can you get a Tesla tire warranty at any time?
The weight of Teslas can be pretty hard on Michelin tires. If you have the Michelin tires you can get some money back from them if you have some issues before the warranty comes up. You can go to any certified Michelin dealer and have them write a note where the wear and tear is together with the mileage on your car. You can then call Michelin customer service, and they will give you a check for the difference. You can also get a discount on the tires from the place where you got the tires.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Is Tire Choice Especially Critical in Electric Vehicles?
Tire choice is critical in electric vehicles because the engines of electric vehicles produce greater torque and faster acceleration than conventional internal combustion engine vehicles.
What Tire Technologies Can I Expect in the Future?
Tire technologies you can expect in the future include Michelin Airless Tires for use on Tesla Model 3s. Benefits of airless tires include greater durability and better energy efficiency.
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