Many new Tesla buyers are usually confused when it comes to the type of tires the car uses. Does Tesla come with special tires or ordinary EV tires?
Yes, Tesla uses or comes with special tires. Tesla tires are made by Michelin, which is known for producing some of the best electric vehicle tires. Nonetheless, Tesla tires are slightly different from normal gas-powered tires as they can handle more load and deliver more range.
Why does Tesla use special tires?
Different driving style
Being an electric car, Tesla is quite different from normal gas-powered vehicles. This car is fast and performs at a high level. As a result, Tesla tires undergo more strain than conventional tires. Depending on where you live and your driving habits, you may have to choose all-terrain tires, performance tires, low-profile tires, or season tires.
Understanding the best tires that will serve your driving style and weather is very crucial. The good news is that Michelin has different types of tires for different needs. So, if you want performance tires, you will have them but you will have to pay slightly more.
Weight of your car
Tesla and other electric vehicles are quite heavy. As a result, their tires are built somehow differently from conventional tires to put up with this weight. The additional weight of Tesla and heavy battery put the car under more strain.
That’s why Tesla uses tires with durable sidewalls to put up with the weight. Furthermore, the tire’s cavity shape should is normally designed in a way that helps the tread stay in contact with the road.
Grip and rolling resistance
Unlike gas-powered cars, electric vehicles have a lower rolling resistance. As a result, it’s important for their tires to feature an excellent grip and have great rolling resistance. Aside from that, the tires come with an exceptional tread depth for increased grip and rolling resistance.
Level of quietness
Since Tesla doesn’t feature an engine, these cars are virtually silent. Hence, this means that you can hear tire noise as you cruise down the street. For this reason, Tesla uses special tires that minimize noise to a great extent. Luckily, most of the Tesla tires have foam that reduces tire noise.
Range
Another thing that makes Tesla use special tires is range. The range is very important with electric vehicles and having wheels that extend it is very commendable. Michelin makes wider and larger Tesla tires with more grip. This helps to increase the vehicle’s frontal area; thus, increasing range.
FAQ
What brand of tires does Tesla use?
Tesla uses Michelin tires. Michelin makes some of the best tires for electric vehicles on the market. Their tires provide a comfortable, quiet ride, and have low rolling resistance. Moreover, their tires offer increased load-bearing capacity to handle the extra weight of EVs.
Apart from having fantastic load-bearing capacity, Michelin tires also feature a tread and pattern that are EV-specific. Most of them also consist of a foam inlay inside the tires to reduce tire noise. That’s why Tesla Michelin tires are quite expensive when compared to traditional tires.
How long do Tesla tires last?
The duration that your Tesla tires last will depend on a number of things. This includes the Tesla model, the type of tires you have fitted on your car, and your driving habits. If you love speed or aggressive driving, your tires won’t last longer than a person who drives at an average speed.
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Additionally, how you maintain your tires also matters. Tesla recommends its users to rotate, balance, and align their tires every 10,000 to 12,000 miles. Regardless, Tesla tires have an average lifespan of around 26,000 miles. So, depending on your driving habits, the tires may wear before or after covering these miles.
What’s the cost of replacing Tesla tires?
The cost of replacing Tesla tires varies from one Tesla model to another. This is because different Tesla models use different types of tires. Different tires are made for different purposes, such as speed, cold weather, hot weather, and all-season tires. Even though the cost of tires varies, Tesla may charge you around $55 for the cost of labor.
For instance, the price of Michelin Pilot Sport 4S is slightly higher than that of Michelin Primacy MXM4. However, both of these tires are meant for the Tesla Model 3. Michelin Pilot Sport 4S is an ultra-high performance tire, which is perfect for drivers who want speed.
Does Tesla feature run-flat tires?
No, Tesla doesn’t come with run-flat tires. So, in case you get a puncture on your way, you will be stuck. Besides, Tesla does not offer a spare tire. However, Tesla has a service (Road Assistance) where they will tow your punctured car if it’s within 50 miles of a Tesla service center.
Besides, you can also opt for the Tesla service (Mobile Service) that may come to your location and replace the tire, instead of towing your car to their service center. Nonetheless, this service also comes with several challenges. But as long as you have not violated their warranty, you stand to enjoy the service.
Why is there foam inside a Tesla tire?
Tesla tires have acoustic foam for noise reduction. This allows the car to be as silent as possible when on the road. Acoustically insulated tires were introduced to make vehicles run quietly on the road. On top of that, this foam prevents vibration from being transferred from the tire to the wheel, axel, and then to the cabin.
Conclusion
So, if you’ve been wondering whether Tesla uses special tires, yes it does. Tesla uses unique tires that are specifically made for EVs. Tesla tires are made by Michelin and they meet the needs of electric vehicles. Unlike traditional tires, these tires can handle Tesla’s additional weight and instant torque.
Besides, these tires are also quiet in operation and provide more range than conventional tires. However, they are also quite expensive. If you get a puncture along the way, ensure to replace these tires with similar ones for exceptional performance, durability, and a smooth driving experience.