When should you change Tesla tires, and is there a Tesla tire warranty to take advantage of? Well, let’s sort that out.
If you own a Tesla, then you’re probably aware that tire maintenance practices differ somewhat for these electric vehicles.
Key Takeaways:
To learn more about when you should change the tires on your Tesla, along with tire maintenance tips, keep reading.
When to Change Tesla Tires
The lifespan of tires on a Tesla vehicle depends on several factors, including the following:
- The tire make and model
- How often you drive
- The terrain of the roads you generally drive on
- How well you maintain your tires (rotations, air pressure, etc.)
While most tires on fossil fuel vehicles last an average of 50k-60k miles (about 4 years), tires on electric vehicles don’t last nearly as long.
This is due to the features of electric vehicles that traditional cars don’t have.
For example, Teslas utilize instant torque and other features that allow fast accelerations.
And although these features are enjoyable to use for drivers, they wear out tires considerably quickly.
You’re probably going to get about ¼ of the lifespan out of your tires on a Tesla that you would otherwise get on a gas vehicle.
This means that you could be buying new tires as soon as one or two years into the use of your Tesla vehicle.
It’s a compromise that Tesla drivers make in exchange for the other money-saving perks of electric vehicles, such as better fuel consumption.
However, as a general rule, you should start shopping for new tires one the tread pattern has about 4/32″ of an inch remaining.
If you are unsure of how to measure this, I recommend watching the penny test below to help determine how much tread you have left:
Is There a Tesla Tire Warranty?
Because there isn’t a specific tire designated for use on Tesla vehicles, there is also no Tesla tire warranty.
However, there is a very convenient Tesa Vehicle Warranty that EV owners get when they buy a new Tesla.
Within this warranty, there is special coverage including roadside assistance that protects drivers in the case of damaged tires.
Tesla’s New Vehicle Limited Warranty includes the following:
- Basic Vehicle Limited Warranty
- Supplemental Restraint System Limited Warranty
- Battery and Drive Unit Limited Warranty
Warranty Length
In the Basic warranty, Tesla owners are covered for the first 50,000 miles or 4 years of use (whichever should come first).
The Restraint System warranty is 5 years of coverage or 60,000 miles (whichever comes first).
And the Battery warranty is 8 years or between 100,000-150,000 miles of coverage (whichever comes first), depending on the Tesla model.
Lengthening Tesla Tire Lifespan
Because electric vehicle tires wear out fairly quickly in comparison to tires on traditional vehicle counterparts, there are some tips we’re sharing to help you lengthen the use of your Tesla tires.
Get Regular Rotations
Regular tire rotations at the interval recommended for your tire model is essential.
This is especially true with Tesla vehicles, and you may even opt to get these rotations done sooner than the recommended mileage in order to get ahead of the wear and tear early.
You should rotate your tires roughly every 5,000-6,000 miles on a Tesla vehicle.
You can also measure the timing of a tire rotation by checking the tread depth of your tires. If it has diminished by at least 2/32 inch, then you should get a rotation.
Maintain Proper Air Pressure
Keeping your tires on your Tesla properly inflated at all times is another way to keep them from wearing out so quickly.
The driver’s door of a Tesla should contain a Tire and Loading Information label that indicates the recommended tire air pressure.
Minimize Rough Driving
And another option is to avoid harsh acceleration, hard braking, and generally driving on rough terrain. These all quickly erode tires on a Tesla vehicle.
Tesla Tire Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if you get a flat tire in Tesla?
Since Teslas do not come equipped with spare tires, if you get a flat, you can luckily rely on Tesla’s roadside assistance.
You just need to navigate to the home screen on your Tesla mobile app. There, you can request Tesla Roadside Assistance to come and transport you, provide a loaner wheel, or tow your vehicle to a repair center (24/7, 365 days/year).
How much does it cost to replace a tire on a Tesla?
It generally costs anywhere between $200-$300 to replace a single tire on a Tesla vehicle.
But the cost depends on several factors, such as the local costs of installation labor, the prices for the tire brand, and more. Taxes also affect the cost of a replacement tire, which vary depending on your location.
Do Teslas require special tires?
Tesla vehicles don’t necessarily require a certain type of tire, as you can choose the tire model you want to use.
However, because Teslas are extremely unique vehicles, you’re better off choosing specific types, such as Michelin CrossClimates, Goodyear Assurances, Michelin Primacy MXM4s, or Pirelli P Zero All Season Plus tires. All-season tires are the best option.
Why does Tesla not have a spare tire?
Tesla vehicle models do not come equipped with spare tires because the free, 24/7 roadside assistance that Tesla drivers get makes up for it.
Tesla EVs are also all about fuel efficiency, so nixing the extra tire weight helps to maintain gas mileage. It’s just not practical or justified considering the type of vehicle.
Final Thoughts
Hopefully, our guide on when to change Tesla tires (and is there Tesla tire warranty?) has cleared things up for you.
You can use different types of tire models on Tesla vehicles, and the Tesla vehicle warranty covers tire repairs in emergencies.
Further, Tesla tires wear out much faster than tires on gas vehicles, meaning you may need to change them as soon as 15,000 miles.
