If you think batteries are the most expensive part of a Tesla, think again. Yes, you will spend around $7000 to replace the battery. But if you look at costs per mile, a Tesla owner could spend more money on tires than on batteries, which last 300,000 miles (480,000 km).
Tesla uses expensive tires on its vehicles, and the tires have a reputation for wearing out quickly. You may be tempted to buy cheaper tires, but it won't save you money in the long run. Instead, adjust your driving habits and follow the manufacturer's maintenance guidelines.
Tires can be a touchy subject for Tesla owners who didn't expect the costs associated with them. Use our guide to help you navigate the world of Tesla tires.
Index
- Does Tesla make its tires?
- How long do Tesla tires last?
- Why do Tesla tires have foam?
- Can I use any tire on a Tesla?
- How do I maintain Tesla tires?
- How often do you need to rotate Tesla tires?
- Do Tesla's wheels need alignment?
- How often should I check the air pressure?
- The best places to change Tesla tires
- Tips to make Tesla tires last
- Tesla tire repair
- Do Tesla tires never go flat?
- Does a Tesla come with a spare tire?
- How much do Tesla tires cost?
- Factory tires for Teslas
Does Tesla make its tires?
Tesla does not make its own tires and they are not vertically integrated. Instead, the tires that come standard on a Tesla are either Goodyear or B.F. Goodrich. Some manufacturers sell aftermarket tires, including Pirelli.
Automakers rely on third parties to make the parts that go into their cars, but Tesla takes the opposite approach. Almost everything in a Tesla is built by Tesla, with batteries and tires being two exceptions.
Eletrekreports that Tesla plans to eventually replace Panasonic and CATL batteries with ones produced at its Gigafactories. Furthermore, according torebellion investigation, there are some signs that Tesla might consider acquiring a tire maker like Goodyear or Cooper Tire and Rubber.Lowering the cost of tires could help TeslaAchieve the goal of building a car that can be profitably sold for less than $30,000.
Pro tip:Can you change the settings on your Tesla steering wheel on the screen?
If you go into your car menu > Service > Wheel Settings, you can select the wheels you have on your car. This can also adjust the algorithm in your range if you find the wheel settings less efficient. Using this method, you can switch and see the car (on the screen) as it really looks.
If Tesla had control of a tiremanufacturer, the company could design tiresthat have money-saving features and better performance, such as
- Being able to retread tires
- Using computer models to improve tire design
- Incorporation of AI technology that provides drivers with real-time information on tire wear
- They develop a tire that uses friction to generate electricity, thus recharging the battery
That technology is still a few years away, but Tesla could speed it up and use cheap tires to reduce its cost.

How long do Tesla tires last?
How long Tesla tires last depends on who you ask. The manufacturer and Tesla claim the tires will last 30,000 miles (48,280 km). Drivers often report wearing out sooner. Driving habits and improper maintenance are two of the reasons for excessive tire wear.
Driving habits are partly responsible for tire wear. It's tempting to take off quickly, especially in a car with 100% instant availability to accelerate. The habit of braking hard also contributes to tire wear.
But maintenance habits are also to blame. Tesla owners who don't check air pressure, rotate and align their tires on schedule will have tires that wear out quickly.teslapoints out that the most common reason tires fail is lack of pressure. He also points out that underinflation shortens the life of a tire.
Why do Tesla tires have foam?
Tesla tires have a layer of foam to reduce tire noise. In a gasoline-powered car, the sound of the engine is louder than most road noise. In a Tesla, however, the lack of an engine alerts the driver to tire noise.
But a little tire noise shouldn't make much of a difference, right?
In accordance withContinental, which also makes foam silencing technology, these tires reduce sound by 9 dB. Therefore, for every 10 dB drop in sound level, we believe the sound has been cut in half. For example, think about the difference between an everyday conversation (60 dB) and a shout (70 dB).
Although the road surface and the speed of your car will affect the sound, tires with a layer of polyurethane foam provide a quieter ride.
By the way, unless you want to dismount your Tesla tire, watch this video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O2h2RzkWY3c
Can I use any tire on a Tesla?
Nothing prevents you from using the proper size spare tire. However, just because you can doesn't mean you should. While it's tempting to save a little money now, cheaper tires will cost you more in the long run.
In general, cheaper tires perform worse. And in the long run, they don't save money either. A tire that costs less but needs to be replaced will end up costing more.
A Michelin tire for a Tesla currently costs around $250. A cheap tire that's half the cost will wear twice as fast (if you're lucky). Factor in the price of mounting and balancing the tires, and cheaper tires only cost less in the short run.

Take a look at this related article I wrote about theThe best tire repair kit for every Tesla model. This is somewhat related to this post.
Consumer Reportscompared some of China's cheap tires with their counterparts from around the world. The investigation revealed that none of the tires were up to the mark of the brands with familiar names.
Many of the most expensive tires are also made in China. But they have to meet the standards of well-known American brands like Goodyear or Michelin or they will lose the rights to make them.
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You can use this online Tesla tire calculator to find out how long any Tesla model tire lasts. You can also estimate how many miles you have left on your current set and how many days you have until you need to trade them in for new ones. If that's the case, you can also find the price of any set of Tesla tires by selecting the appropriate tires. Have fun!
How do I maintain Tesla tires?
First, the good news: Tesla tires stay the same as other tires. Check air pressure, rotate and balance periodically, and monitor floor wear. However, due to the performance and design of the car, the tires will require more maintenance.

How many times do you needRotate Tesla Tires?
According to Tesla, tires should be changed approximately every 6,000 miles (9,600 km) or if the difference in tread depth is 2/32 of an inch (1/16 mm) or more. Also, the company is vague about maintenance and suggests that you refer to the owner's manual that came with the tire.
It's not exactly useful to them.
Do Tesla's wheels need alignment?
Tesla wheels require alignment, but you may have a hard time finding a shop that will do the alignment. Some shops will say they can't do the alignment and will give reasons like not knowing the specs or not having the specialized tools.
None of these are valid reasons, but if a repair shop doesn't want to fix your car, there's no point arguing with them. Maybe they had a bad experience with a previous Tesla owner, or maybe they just don't want to be bothered. Regardless of the reason, if they don't want to mess with your car, move on.
Unfortunately, finding a shop that will align your wheels depends on where you live, so Google is your best friend in this case. Google something like "tesla wheel alignment near me". Firestone Tire Centers have a reputation for being able to align with Tesla. Look for theClub Tesla Motorssite for forums focused on where you live.
Be aware, however, that Tesla's have a reputation for being misaligned when they leave the factory. Since misalignment wears out your tires, you need to align them as soon as possible. And if your car pulls to one side, the steering wheel is unbalanced or vibrating, or the tire wear is uneven, misalignment could be the cause.
How often should I check the air pressure?
Maintaining proper tire pressure is vital, and Tesla expects you to check it from time to time. The recommended PSI for most Tesla's is between 42 and 45 psi.
While tire pressure can be checked manually with a tire gauge, you'd expect a Tesla to have a built-in tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS), and it does.
However, monitors have a reputation for being finicky, sometimes displaying a warning when the PSI drops 1. This is not a cause for concern, especially in cold weather when the pressure drops.
The best places to change Tesla tires
You'll have better luck finding a place to change your tires, as it's a simple process. So you shouldn't have to worry about using Costco, Walmart, or Discount Tires to change tires. While Tesla service centers have a reputation for being expensive, their tire change rates will be competitive.
Anyway, by the way; I wrote a somewhat related article aboutCostco and if they can change Tesla's tires. I also talked about all the various related services that Tesla has with Costco. Verify!
Tips to make Tesla tires last
There's no getting around it: Tesla tires typically wear out sooner than the same tires on similarly sized sedans. However, that doesn't mean you can't extend its lifespan.
- fast acceleration.Yes, a Tesla can go from 0-60 at insane speeds. Nothing wears out tires like fast takeoffs. Sure, everyone has to brag once or twice, but don't make it a habit.
- strong braking.This doesn't wear the tires as much, but you don't want the anti-lock braking system to come on every time you stop. Coast at your stop.
- Road conditions.There are many things you can do about the shape of the roads, but if you can avoid bad roads, go for it. Dirt and gravel will also affect tire wear.
The most important thing is to follow the recommended maintenance guidelines.
Speaking of ridiculous, this YouTube video offers a bird's eye view of the cockpit.
Tesla tire repair
If you need to repair tires, you can take advantage of Tesla Roadside Assistance. Some roadside assistance vehicles have borrowed wheels. You can then drive to a Tesla Service Center and change the borrowed wheel. However, there is an assembly fee.
Another option, although less convenient, is to use Roadside Assistance to tow the vehicle. There is no charge for 50 miles (80 km).
Unfortunately, Tesla does not guarantee tires.
Do Tesla tires never go flat?
Tesla tires definitely go flat. Michelin, which supplies Tesla tires, is developing airless tires that, in theory, can never go flat.
Airless tires would also eliminate the need to check air pressure or worry about low pressure affecting tire life. However, Tesla is not using them at the moment because they are waiting to see how the tires will perform.
If your car sits in high temperatures for too long, the tires have the potential to form flat spots. This is not a sign that the tire is flat.
However, the studs will cause excessive vibration until the tires warm up. To avoid this problem, inflate the tires to maximum pressure when storing the car for several weeks. Then adjust the air to recommended levels before you start driving.
Does a Tesla come with a spare tire?
Tesla buyers are often surprised that their cars don't come with a part. After all, replacement parts are standard on most cars, so shouldn't an expensive car have one too? But Tesla gives several reasons for not having one.
First, Tesla uses a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) that monitors air pressure electronically. When the pressure is low, the system alerts the driver. Because the TPMS alerts the driver that the air pressure is low, the driver can drive to a tire repair shop before the tire becomes dangerously flat.
Secondly, a spare wheel also increases the weight of the car. Although a passenger tire weighs 27 pounds (12 kg) on average, in an EV, every pound counts. and according tohot cars, which will rarely be used 27 pounds, since 85% of spare tires will never be used during the life of a car.
At one point, Tesla sold a set of replacement tires, which cost around $300. The company recently discontinued it. Aftermarket sellers like itmodern replacementfilled the void with equally expensive aftermarket kit options. For a kit that includes a tire and tools, you'll need to change the tire and pay over $400 plus shipping.
If a Tesla is still under warranty, the driver can use Tesla Roadside Assistance, which can repair or replace a tire.
How much do Tesla tires cost?
Since Tesla uses premium tires, you'll pay premium prices for replacement tires. For example, the Michelin Primacy tires used on many models can cost as much as $250 each. If you choose to buy, stick with the lower-priced Goodyear and Michelin tires.
Factory tires for Teslas
Model | wheel size | Tire |
3 | All the models | michelin pilot sport 4 |
S | 19-inch (85 kWh vehicle) | Michelin Primacy MXM4 |
19-inch (60 kWh vehicle) | Goodyear águila RS-A2 | |
21 inches in standard | Continental Extreme Contact DW | |
21 inches on P85+ vehicles | Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 | |
Y | standard model | Goodyear Eagle Touring |
performance upgrade | Pirelli P-Zero tires |
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FAQs
How long do tires on a Tesla last? ›
It is recommended that tires are replaced every six years, or sooner if required, even if tread depth is above the minimum. When a tire set becomes worn, replace all four tires at the same time.
Do Tesla tires wear out fast? ›Teslas are heavier than most other cars because of their battery packs, which can add hundreds of pounds to the vehicle's overall weight. This extra weight puts additional strain on the tires and leads to increased friction between the tires and the road surface, which causes them to wear out faster.
How long do tires on electric vehicles last? ›Electric vehicle tires that are properly mounted and balanced, such as Michelin and Goodyear, tend to last between 30,000 to 40,000 miles. Because Electric vehicles have what is called “regenerative braking” systems, the braking takes place on the tires and battery versus the brake pads and rotors.
How long do Model Y tires last? ›In order to ensure that an owner gets the most life possible out of its tires, and to ensure proper steering and tracking, Tesla has a required tire rotation interval of just 6,250 miles.
How many miles does the average tire last? ›How Many Miles Should Tires Last? Your tires should last 50,000 to 60,000 miles on average. But that really depends on the manufacturer. Some manufacturers build their tires to last up to 80,000 miles, while some design their tires to last as little as 30,000 miles.
Do Tesla tires go flat? ›Tesla tires are tubeless, which means that they may not leak when punctured. It is best, in these cases, to leave the nail in your tire until it can be patched. Tesla recommends not driving on a punctured tire, even if it is still full of air, as they can deflate suddenly at any moment.
How much does a Tesla tire cost? ›Tesla Model Y Tire FAQs
Tesla Model Y tires typically range in cost from $195 to $450+, depending on the type and size of tire you've got on your Model Y. Because the Tesla Model Y is heavy and transfers near-instant torque through its tires, the Model Y typically goes through tires quicker than ICE vehicles.
We recommend rotating your tires every 6,250 miles or if tread depth difference is 2/32 inches or greater, whichever comes first. Aggressive driving can lead to premature tire wear and may require more frequent tire service. Unbalanced and misaligned wheels affect handling, tire life and steering components.
Do Tesla dealerships change tires? ›Yes. Damaged Tesla tires can be taken to Tesla Service Centers or a nearby third-party tire shop for repair or replacement.
Do tires wear out faster on electric cars? ›The tires of electric vehicles wear 20% faster than those of internal combustion engines, which is due to the acceleration of electric vehicles that generate strong instantaneous power.
Do I need to rotate my Tesla tires? ›
At one time, Tesla recommended tire rotation at 5,000 miles, then (I think around 2016) they changed that to 6,250 miles (10 km). The most recent Tesla Owner's Guide says to rotate the tires every 10,000–12,000 miles (for both Model 3 and Model S).
Do I have to buy winter tires from Tesla? ›Winter Tires
Purchase winter wheel and tire packages from the Tesla Shop or at select Tesla Service Centers. Find additional installation information in the 'Winter Tires' section of the owner's manual.
Tesla Model Y tires typically range in cost from $195 to $450+, depending on the type and size of tire you've got on your Model Y. If you're running the stock 19-inch tires on your Model Y Long Range, you'll find that your Model Y tires are on the cheaper side of that range.
How often do you rotate tires on a Tesla Model Y? ›Tesla recommends rotating the tires every 10,000 km or if tread depth difference is 1.5 mm or greater, whichever comes first. Tire rotation is an essential part of tire maintenance.
Are Tesla Model Y long range tires all season? ›The Pirelli tires for the Tesla 2021 Model Y Long Range Electric 384 are a perfect marriage of technology and innovation, made with a special tread compound that can tackle any weather condition without hesitation.
Which tires last the longest? ›- General Grabber X3.
- Longest lasting all weather tires.
- Michelin CrossClimate2.
- Michelin Defender LTX M/S.
- Continental CrossContact LX25.
- Continental TerrainContact H/T.
- Michelin XPS Rib.
- Michelin X-Ice Snow.
The longest lasting tires in Consumer Reports' tests are the Pirelli P4 Four Seasons Plus. They claim 90,000 miles, and Consumer Reports estimates they'll go 100,000. If your tires wear out before the mileage warranty, don't expect to get all your money back.
How often should tires be replaced? ›As a general rule, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recommends that drivers change the tires on their vehicles every six years. However, there are several factors that can place additional wear and tear on tires that force drivers to change them more frequently.
Do Teslas have special tires? ›As such, Tesla always uses radial tyres made from the highest quality rubber with thicker sidewalls for maximum durability. Tyres for Tesla are designed to deliver a smooth ride and very low rolling resistance for maximum range.
Can AAA change a Tesla tire? ›Can AAA change a flat tire on a Tesla? You can switch to AAA and they will tow your car, but you will have to find another solution for a spare tire.
How are Tesla tires in snow? ›
The added traction will make sure you get through the snow safely with good traction. The dual motor Tesla digitally controls the torque to the wheels for a much better handling and traction control. The dual motor has one motor controlling the front and another controlling the rear.
What brand of tires does Tesla use? ›Tesla Tires
Michelin® offers the best tires for Tesla to meet your safety and performance needs for every season and function.
Flat tires are not covered under warranty; however Tesla will cover the cost of a tow, provided by Roadside Assistance, for the first 50 miles (80 km) to the nearest Tesla Service Center, while the vehicle is covered by a Tesla New Vehicle, Used Vehicle, or Used Vehicle Extended Limited Warranty.
What tires do Teslas come with? ›Every current Tesla is available with a Michelin tire from the factory. The Model S uses MICHELIN® Pilot® Sport 3 or Pilot® Sport 4S tires, with the insanely quick Tesla Model S Plaid using 21-inch 265/35-21 (front) and 295/30-21 (rear) Pilot® Sport 4S tires.
How often do Tesla brakes need to be replaced? ›Brake pads on Teslas would “literally never” need to be replaced, he said, thanks in part to the electric car's regenerative brakes cutting way down on brake pad use compared to a conventional car.
Do Teslas need brake fluid? ›Brake fluid health check every 2 years (replace if necessary).
What maintenance do Teslas need? ›While Tesla does not have required maintenance schedules, it does recommend intervals at which you should consider certain services: Tire rotation, balance, and wheel alignment: Every 6,250 miles. Full service inspection: Every 1 year. Brake caliper replacement: Every 1 year or 12,600 miles for winter care.
Why does Tesla put foam in tires? ›This strip of foam, as noted by Elon Musk in a tweet last year, could be described as an “internal acoustic foam,” which is designed to minimize road noise. Tesla's vehicles are fully-electric, which means that they are incredibly silent on the road.
What PSI should Tesla tires be? ›Tesla recommends a tire pressure between 40-45 PSI. Depending on the model and vehicle configuration, this is typically the minimum amount of air pressure needed to support your vehicle at its maximum load. In a potential update, users could be sent a notification if their tires are over or under-inflated.
What are the downfalls of electric cars? ›- Finding a Charging station - EV charging stations are fewer and further between than gas stations.
- Charging takes longer.
- The driving range on a full charge.
- Higher Initial Purchase Cost.
- Replacing the Batteries is Expensive.
What country is banning gas cars? ›
In November 2021, the Indian government was amongst 30 national governments and six major automakers who pledged to phase out the sale of all new petrol and diesel vehicles by 2040 worldwide, and by 2035 in "leading markets".
Is it free to charge an electric car at Walmart? ›You can't charge an EV at Walmart for free. But, Walmart does offer fast chargers that let you charge the electric vehicle in about 15-30 minutes while you're out shopping. However, not all Walmart stores support charging stations.
How much is a tire rotation at Costco? ›But first, it's vital to know how much is a tire rotation at Costco. For your information, you'll need to pay around $18-$21 for the service, which includes nitrogen inflation and balancing for your wheels. Read on for more details.
How do you lift a Tesla to change a tire? ›...
Jacking Procedure
- TouchControls > Suspension.
- Press the brake pedal, then touch Very High to maximize the height of the suspension.
- Touch Controls > Service > Jack Mode to disable self-leveling.
Tesla charges on average $50 (a little higher in areas with higher labor rates) for just a tire rotation, and it's usually done my a mobile service tech.
Do Tesla door handles freeze? ›In severe winter conditions, ice buildup within the door handle can prevent the door handle from opening. The process for freeing a Model 3 door handle is slightly different than others to remove ice buildup. Preemptively applying WD-40 to the door handle pivot pins can help prevent ice buildup inside your door handle.
Why are Tesla tires special? ›As such, Tesla always uses radial tyres made from the highest quality rubber with thicker sidewalls for maximum durability. Tyres for Tesla are designed to deliver a smooth ride and very low rolling resistance for maximum range.
Should I precondition my Tesla before driving? ›Tesla recommends activating climate settings at least 30-45 minutes before departure (see Climate Controls). Preconditioning times depend on outside temperature and other factors. The mobile app will notify you once your vehicle has reached the desired preconditioning temperature.
How much do Tesla rims cost? ›Tesla Model Y rims can range in cost from $200 to $550+, depending on the year model and trim level of your Tesla, as well as the size and type of rim you're after.
Can you put cheap tires on a Tesla? ›Can you put regular tires on a Tesla? Sure, you can put any type of tire you want on a Tesla, as long as they fit. But there's a pretty long list of reasons why you shouldn't. Tesla tires are of much better quality than traditional tires, which means their ability to perform on the road is also better.
Can you replace 2 tires on a Tesla? ›
Can I replace just 1 tire on my Tesla? The Tesla manual says “ideally you should replace all 4 tires at the same time but if not, they should be replaced in pairs with the new ones put on the rears”.
Do Teslas need special tires? ›While you certainly can fit normal tyres on a Tesla, provided they fit, you probably shouldn't. Remember, Tesla cars are high-performance machines and require a higher quality tyre than traditional ones.
Do electric cars wear out tires faster? ›The tires of electric vehicles wear 20% faster than those of internal combustion engines, which is due to the acceleration of electric vehicles that generate strong instantaneous power.
Why can't you change a tire on a Tesla? ›There are a few reasons behind Tesla's decision to leave out the spare tire, such as practicality, weight, lack of use, free roadside assistance, and inefficient labor.