Are you a Tesla driver who’s been hearing rumors about tire problems? Are you worried that your electric car’s tires won’t last as long as you need them to? Well, fear not my fellow Tesla enthusiasts! We’re here to set the record straight and put your mind at ease.
Teslas don’t have tire problems, they are radial tires with thicker sidewalls designed to handle the high torque of the electric engine. Proper maintenance and good driving habits determine the longevity of the tires. Tesla chooses premium tires for specific models to ensure better performance. Free roadside assistance and tire repair services are available for Tesla drivers.
In this article, we’ll be diving deep into the world of Tesla tires, and we’ll be showing you just how durable and reliable they truly are. So sit back, relax, and let’s get rolling on the truth about Tesla Tires!
Tesla Tires: Durable and Reliable
Tesla tires aren’t problematic. The brand doesn’t make its own tires, but they choose the best possible tire options for specific models in the production stage. With good driving habits, the installed tires can last as long as any other in the market.
When choosing a tire for any model, Tesla makes sure to only go with an option that’s a perfect fit for the instant torque available on standard Teslas. The tires are typically radial, and the sidewalls are thicker to accommodate the weight of a typical Tesla.
The YouTube video below shows the important features that make radial tires a good fit on most Teslas:
Premium Quality for Better Performance
Tesla tires aren’t different from conventional car tires. However, the company only chooses the premium version of tires to ensure better performance over tens of thousands of miles.
All tires used on Teslas aren’t made for the models exclusively. The brand chooses tires that are more capable of delivering instant torque. Such tires always have synthetic rubber or durable rubber construction, thicker sidewalls, and radial orientation.
Teslas don’t have bias-ply tires because the technical specifications of such tires are too obsolete for the Tesla style.
Repairs: Warranty and Roadside Assistance
Tesla tires are repairable depending on the part of the tire that’s damaged, the severity of the problem, and the overall state of the specific tire.
If you’re still within the warranty window and your Tesla tires need repairs, you can request roadside assistance from your app.
If you’re outside the window or too far away for a Tesla repair personnel to reach you, consider contacting other car repair companies in the area. If they’ve ever repaired any tires in the past, they can repair your Tesla tires.
Patching and Repairing Tesla Tires
Tesla tires can be patched if they have minimal damage. Mechanics carefully remove the object responsible for the puncture if still lodged, scrape away the damaged area, and then complete the patch.
It was difficult to patch Legacy Tesla tires in the past because the tires were modified and fitted with a heavy foam layer lining to deliver a quiet ride. The foam layer made small punctures difficult to repair. Today, most mechanics can patch Tesla tires punctured by nails or other sharp objects. However, if the tire was slashed badly, you’d need a replacement—as is the case with any other vehicle.
If you’d like to find out How To Display Tire Pressure on Tesla Model 3 and All Models check out this helpful article that I wrote.
Plugging Punctures in Tesla Tires
Tesla tires can be plugged if the puncture is not extreme. If the puncture hole can take a plug without obstructing the tire’s movement, you can temporarily tackle a leak until you can get a repair done.
You can plug a tire if the following situations apply your situation:
- The puncture is not larger than 6 mm in diameter (0.25 in.).
- The puncture is not on the tire’s sidewall or too close to it.
- The object punched straight in nearly 90 degrees instead of sideways.
If a small nail or broken glass pierced through the tire, the puncture will meet all of the criteria above. Otherwise, you may need a full patch quickly.
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!
Why Are Tesla Tires So Expensive?
Tesla tires are expensive because they’re always the premium version of standard tires on combustion engine vehicles. The tires on electric cars are designed with torque in mind.
You can expect Tesla tires (and other electric vehicle tires) to cost a few hundred dollars more than your standard tires because only the premium versions of these tires are installed on Teslas.
Michelin is the chief manufacturer of Tesla tires, and they often make the “sport” model of different tires for Teslas.
How To Reset Tesla Tire Pressure – We resolved some common questions people have. Check it out!
Why Do Tesla Tires Wear Out So Fast?
Tesla tires wear out faster than standard tires because all electric motors have 100% access to their torque at all times. The faster acceleration, in addition to the larger weight of the overall chassis, means excessive friction on the tires and more wear. EV’s also weigh a lot more.
The effect of friction on Tesla tires means that most repair shops expect to replace Tesla tires up to 10,000 miles sooner than combustion engine vehicles.
This fact may sound counterintuitive, seeing how EVs are marketed to be super-efficient in every area. However, the reality is that the combination of aggressive acceleration, chassis weight, and regenerative braking will always make Tesla (and all other EV) tires wear out faster.
However, going by the conversation between Tesla Model 3 owners, you can expect your Tesla tires to reach up to 50,000 miles before wearing out if you drive gently and only on good roads and highways.
If you always hit the floor with the accelerator after braking and generally apply spirited driving, you can expect your Tesla tires to wear out well under 30,000 miles.
| Type of Driver | Projected Tire Lifespan (miles) |
| Regular driver | 25,000-35,000 |
| Gentle driver | >40,000 |
| Enthusiastic driver | <25,000 |
What To Do When Tesla Has a Flat Tire
If you have a flat tire on a standard vehicle, you most likely have a spare to change and move on. However, with a Tesla, the conversation is different as the car doesn’t have any space for spares.
Adding a tire to the trunk will be more drain on the EV battery, so it’s no surprise that Tesla doesn’t give you any spare tires with your purchase. So, when you have a flat, you’ll likely be in a bit of a bother. Here’s what you should do:
Call Tesla Roadside Assistance
If you can get cell coverage on your phone, call Tesla to see if they can send out some maintenance guys to change your tires. Unless you’re in a busy city center, this is more or less a Hail Mary.
First, you need to ensure you’re still under warranty, and then you have to hope that they have someone in the area. Otherwise, you’d have to wait more than a few hours. However, if they have a repair center close by, you can be on your way in less than an hour.
Is Tesla Roadside Assistance Free? Find out from this article that I also wrote and see what they cover and more.
Call AAA or Your Auto Insurance Company
You can call your insurance company to send you a mechanic to repair or swap out your tires when you have a flat. Of course, you need to ensure your plan covers this scenario to avoid wasting your time. You can relax and wait for the repair guy to arrive if it does.
While you wait, keep an eye on your surroundings and take the necessary safety precautions to ensure your car isn’t a danger to other drivers.
Pickin’ the Right Tires for Your Tesla
When it comes to new tires for your Tesla, you want to make sure you’re getting the right ones. After all, electric car tires are a bit different than the regular tires you might be used to.
The good news is that Tesla cars come with the right tires for the job, but it’s always good to know what you’re rolling on.
Brand and Model Name
One of the main reasons Tesla drivers might be curious about their tires is to know the brand and model name. Depending on the model of Tesla you drive, you might find Goodyear tires, Michelin Pilot Sport tires, or Michelin Primacy MXM Tires.
Each of these tires has been specially selected by Tesla to provide the best driving experience for the specific model of car.
Recommended Tire Pressure and Rotation Schedule
Just like a regular gas-powered car, your Tesla needs the right tire pressure to perform at its best. The recommended tire pressure for your Tesla can be found in the owner’s manual or on the Tesla app. It’s important to check your tire pressure regularly, especially before long trips or during extreme temperatures.
Another important aspect to consider is the recommended tire rotation schedule. Just like any other car, regular tire rotation is key to maintaining the life of your tires. Tesla recommends rotating the tires every 10,000 miles or 12 months to ensure even wear.
Tesla’s Decision
It’s important to note that Tesla’s decision to use specific tire brands and models is not just based on cost, but also on factors such as road noise, road surface, and the added weight of the electric motor and battery. The company’s goal is to provide the best driving experience for its drivers, and that includes the tires.
Free Roadside Assistance
If you ever run into a flat tire or a tire problem, Tesla drivers can take advantage of the company’s free roadside assistance. Simply call for service through the Tesla app and a service technician will come to your location. If you’re outside the warranty period, a mobile tire service or a nearby tire shop can also help.
Personal Experience
In terms of personal experience, Tesla tires have proven to be reliable and durable. The thicker sidewalls of the tires help to support the extra weight of the vehicle and the higher torque of the electric motor. With good driving habits and regular tire maintenance, the life of Tesla tires can be as good as or even better than regular tires.
Life of the Tire
It’s important to remember that the life of the tire depends on the owner’s driving habits, road conditions, and the season of the year. For example, if you drive your Tesla at high speeds, on rough roads, or in extreme temperatures, the life of your tires may be shorter than if you drive on well-maintained roads at lower speeds.
It’s also a good idea to invest in season tires or winter tires if you live in an area with harsh winters, in order to ensure the best driving experience and the longest life of the tire.
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