Which Tires Come Standard With the Tesla Model 3?

Tesla loves to provide many options when choosing the configuration that is suited to you. The same counts for wheels and tires. They actually can change from time to time. And when buying a second-hand model 3, the standard tires are often replaced. So, which tires will you actually get when purchasing a Tesla Model 3?

The Tesla Model 3 comes with three tire options: the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 235/45 ZR18 98Y XL Acoustics, the Continental ProContact RX 235/40 R19, and the Pirelli P Zero 235/35 R20. The vehicle configuration you select at the time of purchase will determine which tires you get with your Model 3.

For a bit of in-depth background about the topic, check out the rest of this article. I know right, how interesting can tires actually get? Well, put on your nerd glasses, because I already did.

What Kind of Tires Does Tesla Model 3 Come With?

1. Michelin Pilot Sport 4 235/45 ZR18 98Y XL Acoustics
2. Continental ProContact RX 235/40 R19
3. Pirelli P Zero 235/35 R20

The standard wheels change from time to time and are also dependent on the Model 3 configuration that you choose.

Tesla puts a lot of time and effort into finding the best tires for each Model. That’s why they don’t offer a single-tire model for all vehicles. In fact, they generally offer at least two tire options for each model based on the car’s specifications. 

A long-range version of a car will get tires meant to last longer, while a performance version of a car will get tires meant to go fast. The Model of tires you get will depend on the specifics of the car you buy.

As you can see, none of these are run-flat tires. However, Tesla chose each tire specifically to maximize the performance of the car. This means that run-flat tires will never be the best choice for maximizing the performance of any Tesla model.

Please note that the Cybertruck has not entered production, so the specific tire model hasn’t yet been announced. However, Elon Musk has been spotted driving around Los Angeles in a prototype Cybertruck with massive 35-inch (88.9 cm) Goodyear tires.

This suggests that Tesla will go with Goodyear tires for the Cybertruck when it enters production, but this is still unconfirmed.

Tire Options for the Tesla Model 3

Hankook Ventus V12 evo2

This special tire is a high-performance tire that is designed to deliver exceptional grip and handling in both dry and wet conditions at high speed. This tire features a unique tread pattern that provides excellent traction in both dry and wet conditions, while also minimizing road noise and vibrations.

The Ventus V12 evo2 comes in a 235/40 R19 size and is designed with a silica-enhanced tread compound that provides improved wet traction and longer tread life. Additionally, it has an XL rating, which means that it can carry more weight than regular tires.

This tire is an excellent option for Tesla Model 3 owners who are looking for a high-performance tire that delivers exceptional grip and handling, while also providing a comfortable and quiet ride. Its tread pattern also provides a good balance of wet and dry traction.

Michelin Pilot Sport 4

The Michelin Pilot Sport 4 is a high-performance tire that is designed to deliver exceptional grip and handling in both dry and wet conditions. This tire is made with a unique rubber compound that provides a balance of grip and durability, making it a great option for those who value sporty driving dynamics in their Tesla car.

The Pilot Sport 4 comes in a 235/45 ZR18 98Y XL size, which provides a larger contact patch to improve traction and handling. Additionally, it has an XL rating, which means that it can carry more weight than regular tires.

This tire is specially designed to be a tubeless tire which means that it does not have an inner tube and therefore it is more resistant to punctures.

Continental ProContact RX

The Continental ProContact RX is a premium all-season tire that is designed to provide a balance of performance and comfort. This tire features a unique tread pattern that provides excellent traction in both dry and wet conditions, while also minimizing road noise and vibrations.

The ProContact RX comes in a 235/40 R19 size and the tire manufacturers designed it with a silica-enhanced tread compound that provides improved wet traction and longer tread life. It is also designed to have a low rolling resistance which reduces fuel consumption in Tesla electric cars.

This tire is specially designed to be a tubeless tire which means that it does not have an inner tube and therefore it is more resistant to punctures.

Pirelli P Zero

The Pirelli P Zero is a high-performance tire that is designed to deliver exceptional grip and handling in both dry and wet conditions. This tire features a unique tread pattern that provides excellent traction in both dry and wet conditions, while also minimizing road noise and vibrations.

The P Zero comes in a 235/35 R20 size and is designed with a silica-enhanced tread compound that provides improved wet traction and longer tread life. Additionally, it has an XL rating, which means that it can carry more weight than regular tires.

This tire is specially designed to be a tubeless tire which means that it does not have an inner tube and therefore it is more resistant to punctures.

How Model 3 Tesla Tires Work

Electric vehicles are heavier than their gas counterparts, causing more wear and tear on the tires. Therefore, Tesla tires are manufactured specifically to optimize the performance of the cars they’re installed on. For example, (depending on the Tesla configuration you choose) the Model 3 can come standard from the manufacturer with Michelin Primacy MXM4 tires. 

These tires incorporate sunflower seed oil into the rubber to keep them sticky on slick or wet surfaces and maintain traction on dry road surfaces. 

The Primacy MXM4 boasts a 3D sipe technology which are tiny cuts in the tire tread. When the tread presses on the road surface, the sipe cuts join together to form a solid surface. This enhances stability and provides exceptional traction.

Pirelli Tires for Tesla Model 3

Although many Model 3 owners make due with the Primacy MXM4 tires, some of them also use the Pirelli variety. Pirelli tires combine technology with innovation to deliver a smooth, all-season ride.

The tread pattern ensures a secure grip in all weather conditions, while the design reduces the chance of hydroplaning on wet surfaces and improves braking distance. 

On a somewhat related note, I wrote an article where I discussed how many miles Model 3 tires actually last. I also shared 5 factors that affect your Tesla tire’s lifespan. Check it out!

Rotation, Alignment, and Balancing of Model 3 Tires

Although Model 3 tires are sturdier than those for fuel-powered vehicles, they’re still prone to wear and tear that can shorten their lifespan and make your vehicle more dangerous to drive. Fortunately, you can take steps to make your tires last longer — like ensuring that their rotation, alignment, and balance are just right.

The Tesla manufacturer’s recommendations are to rotate the Model 3 tires around 6,250 (10,000 km) miles to ensure even wear on the tires. While the Tesla Model 3 will tell you many things about the current state of your car, it won’t tell you whether the tires need balancing or alignment. 

This YouTube video from aDigitalNomad.net will help you what to look out for with your Tesla tires and act accordingly.

You should notice any wheel vibration that causes the steering wheel to judder. If you notice a slight shaking of the steering wheel, this is a good indicator that you need to have the tires balanced. 

Some Model 3 owners say they have an alignment check every six months or 6,000 (9,600 km) miles. 

Other Tires That Work on the Tesla Model 3

While many Model 3 owners stick with the tires from the manufacturer, you can also change out the tires for a different brand.

Here are three other tire choices for a Model 3. Remember, the rear tires are two inches (5 cm) wider in the back than the front due to the staggered tires for better handling.

Tesla Pro Tip: Can you get a tire warranty on your existing Tesla tires?

You can buy a warranty for your existing tires by going to America’s Tire Company or Discount Tires. You can go directly to one of these dealers and request to buy the Road Hazard Warranty on your existing tires (for example). You don’t have to buy new tires from them.

This can be done with any tires, but would possibly help Low Profile owners the most, as they have a higher risk of blowing out their tires.

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!

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