Last Updated on July 10, 2024 by Rose Morah
Owning a Tesla is an exhilarating experience, but maintaining it properly is essential to keep it running smoothly.
One critical aspect of maintenance is tire care. Tesla tires are unique, and ensuring they are in top condition can improve your driving experience and extend the life of your tires.
Based on my experiences and insights gathered from other Tesla owners, here are some top Tesla tire replacement tips and tricks.
Understanding Uneven Tire Wear
Uneven tire wear is a common issue, particularly with Tesla Model S and Model X.
This problem is often related to the camber, which is the tilt or alignment of the tire either inwards or outwards. If not corrected, this misalignment can lead to premature tire wear.
The good news is that you can use metallic shims to bring the tires into perfect alignment, thereby preventing uneven wear and extending the life of your tires.
Common Tire Mistakes to Avoid
Buying Tires Without a Mileage Warranty
One of the most frequent mistakes Tesla owners make is purchasing tires without a mileage warranties.
Tesla tires are known for being expensive and somewhat hard to find, and they tend to wear out faster due to the car’s performance capabilities.
A mileage warranty can save you a significant amount of money in the long run.
Related: Tesla Tire Rotation: Everything You Need to Know.
Aggressive Driving Habits
Your driving habits play a crucial role in tire wear. Aggressive acceleration and braking can significantly reduce tire life.
To maximize your tire mileage, consider switching to acceleration with chill mode and using the stopping mode when doing your daily driving.
Neglecting Tire Pressure and Rotation
Maintaining proper tire pressure is vital for even wear and optimal performance. So, be sure to regularly check your tire pressure and ensure it’s at the recommended level.
Additionally, rotating your tires every 10,000 miles helps to distribute wear more evenly across all four tires.
Choosing the Right Tires
Not all tires are created equal, especially for electric vehicles (EVs). Ensure you buy only EV-specific tires.
These tires are designed to handle the unique demands of electric vehicles, such as the instant torque from the electric motor.
Related:
The Best Tires For Tesla Model Y.
Reducing Tire Noise
Tesla models are known for their quiet cabins, and therefore, tire noise can be a significant disruption.
To reduce this noise, opt for tires with foam inside, such as the Pirelli P Zero EV. These tires are designed to dampen road noise, providing a quieter ride.
Check out A Complete List Of All-Season Low Rolling Resistance Tires.
Tips for Changing Tires
Changing a tire on a Tesla is a bit different from conventional cars. Here are some essential tips to make the process smoother and safer:
- Turn Off Sentry Mode. Before you begin, turn off the sentry mode to prevent the alarm from going off. You can do this by turning off the dash cam from the infotainment system.
- Gather the Right Tools. Ensure you have all the necessary tools: jack pucks, a breaker bar, a jack, an impact gun, and a torque wrench. These tools will help you change the tires safely and efficiently.
- Loosen the Lugs Before Jacking Up the Car. Loosen the lug nuts before jacking up the car to prevent the wheel from spinning.
- Tighten the Lugs in a Star Pattern. When tightening the lug nuts, use a star pattern instead of a circular pattern to ensure they fit snugly.
- Select the Correct Tire Size. Make sure to select the correct size of the tires on the dashboard by going to Service > Wheel Configuration. This step is crucial as it allows your car to accurately calculate distance and battery requirements.
- Double-Check the Lugs. After changing the tires and driving for a few miles, double-check the lugs to ensure they are still tight. This step ensures that your wheels are securely attached.
Insights from the Tesla Community
Browsing through YouTube and Reddit forums, I gathered additional insights that can be quite useful:
- Regular Alignment Checks: Many Tesla owners recommend getting regular alignment checks, especially after installing new tires, to ensure even wear and optimal performance.
- Use of Torque Sticks: A popular tip is to use torque sticks when using an impact gun to avoid over-tightening the lug nuts.
- Monitor Tire Wear Patterns: Regularly inspect your tires for wear patterns. Uneven wear can indicate alignment issues or the need for rotation.
- Seasonal Tire Changes: If you live in an area with significant seasonal changes, consider switching between summer and winter tires. This can enhance performance and safety while extending the life of your tires.
- Tesla Service Centers: Utilize Tesla service centers for tire replacements. They have the expertise and the right tools to handle Tesla-specific requirements.
Following these tips and tricks ensures your Tesla tires are well-maintained, providing you with a smoother, quieter, and safer driving experience.
Remember, proper tire care not only enhances performance but also extends the lifespan of your tires, saving you money in the long run.
