Tesla Model 3 Tire Replacement Cost
Many people err in calculating their Tesla Model 3 tire replacement cost. They only factor in the tires’ retail price in their estimate, ignoring the installation and balancing costs. Shipping fees, which must be included for tires bought online, are also left out.
As a result, their mood takes a hit when they see the bill. The difference in the cost they assumed they’d be paying and the actual amount written on the payment receipt makes them feel as if the other parties involved in the transaction have ripped them off.
Where in reality, nobody has scammed them. It’s just that the calculation they performed at the start – and which they didn’t verify from other sources – was wrong. By the time this realization hits them, they have no choice but to bite the bullet and pay the bill.
This article will provide you with the correct Tesla Model 3 tire replacement cost. So that you have a clear picture of the price you’ll have to pay when replacing tires on your Tesla Model 3. Read on if you hate blaming other people for your personal mistakes.
Tesla Model 3 Tire Replacement Cost
Replacing all four tires on your Tesla Model 3 might cost you in the range of $900 to $1,200. Having said that, the actual tire replacement cost will be decided by the size of your Model 3’s rims, the type of tires you choose to install and the brand those tires belong to.
Let’s look at all these factors in detail.
Rim Size
Most of you might already be aware that Tesla Model 3 comes in three different rim sizes. These include 18-inch, 19-inch and 20-inch rims. While the 18-inch rims sport 235/45/18 tires, the 19” and 20” rims can be fitted 235/40/19 and 235 /35/20 tires, respectively.
A focused reading will reveal that the first number on all three tire sizes (ex. 235) is the same for all Tesla Model 3 trims. This number represents the width of the tire. The second and third numbers, meanwhile, represent aspect ratio and size of the trim.
Type of Tires
Here are the best tires for Tesla Model 3:
Touring and Grand Touring
These tires offer an unrivaled drive comfort, have excellent road manners and come with long treadwear warranties. Plus, they are available in pocket-friendly priced, especially when compared with their performance and high-performance counterparts.
Run-Flat Tires
The best run-flat tires can be driven for up to 50 miles at speeds up to 50 mph with zero air pressure. A combination of high-end technologies and soft sidewall helps them keep rolling in conditions where ordinary tires find it hard to move an inch.
All-Season
All-season tires aren’t much different from their touring counterparts. The major difference between both categories is that the all-season tires are more reliable in mild wintry conditions. Plus, all-season tires cost less compared with grand touring tires.
Winter
Winter tires are the costliest of the lot. Not only because they have to withstand much harsher conditions than every other category of, excluding all-terrain tires. The Continental WinterContact TS 860S is our top pick for moderate-to-harsh wintry conditions.
Ultra High Performance
UHP tires like the ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus are excellent for electric vehicles like the Model 3. Their aggressive cornering performance, enhanced high-speed stability and superb steering response makes them a must-have option for drivers who are willing to pay above the odds.
Brand
The last factor which will determine your Tesla Model 3 tire replacement cost is the brand the replacement tires belong to. Tires from two types of brands are ideal for Model 3:
- Premium Tire Brands: Michelin, Bridgestone and Continental perfectly fit the description of premium tire brands. Be prepared to pay the big bucks if you opt for a tire from any of the three brands.
- Mid-Range Brands: Frankly speaking, Hankook is the only mid-range brand whose tires can do justice to the qualities of the Model 3. Other brands who cost less than or even as much as Hankook may degrade this EV’s performance.
What Tires Does Tesla Model 3 Use?
The Tesla Model 3 comes equipped with Michelin Primacy MXM4 all-season tires. These tires boost the best in-class braking distances and are very quiet and comfortable. Their grip and traction are equally excellent on wet and dry roads. Plus, despite having an A/S compound, they give a sporty feel.
You can also count on these tires to perform exceptionally in wet conditions. 3D Variable Thickness Sipe Technology enables them to plough through snow and ice. Plus, their Green-X certification is an indication that these tires will be incredibly fuel-efficient.
Not everything about these tires is great, though. While you can ignore their astronomical price – as they’d be coming installed from the factory, one thing you cannot ignore as easily is their lack-luster 55,000 mile warranty, which is underwhelming for all-season-touring tires.
When Should I Replace My Tesla Model 3 Tires?
According to a rule of thumb, Tesla Model 3 tires should last from 20,000 to 40,000 miles. This means you may need to look for a pair of replacement tires every 3-4 years, especially if you’re the sort of driver who doesn’t believe in giving any respite to their car.
Having said that, your Model 3’s tires can last longer if a) you only use it for every day driving and b) you rarely venture away from the highway. That is because rough driving and off-roading eat up a tire’s life, forcing the driver to replace it.
Why do Tesla tires wear out so fast?
Tesla tires wear out so fast because of the added weight they have to carry in the shape of batteries. The added weight of the batteries increase the friction on the tires, causing them to wear out more quickly than their counterparts on regular/gas cars.
Here are some steps you could take to make your Tesla tires last longer:
- Rotate the tires once every six months. This means periodically changing the position of each of the tires on your Tesla. Make sure to rotate the tires in a way that the left front goes to the left rear, and vice versa.
- Drive with a light foot. Although the instant torque outputted by the EVs can be addictive to some, it is devastating for your tires lift. So, drive easy the next time you’re sitting behind the wheel.
- Opt for all-season tires. If the performance of all-season tires is too lackluster for your liking, touring tires are your best bet. Both categories last longer than performance or winter tires.
- Perform regular tire maintenance. Make sure that your Tesla’s tires are properly inflated at all times. Aside from that, take them to the mechanic for re-alignment once every few months.
Do you have to replace all 4 tires on a Tesla Model 3?
According to the instructions written in the Tesla Model 3 owner’s manual, you should ideally replace all 4 tires simultaneously. However, if for some reason you cannot afford to replace all four tires at once, buy two new tires and put them on the rears.
Conclusion
While many people are afraid of the Tesla Model 3 tire replacement cost, thinking it will blow a hole in your pocket, the numbers given above suggest otherwise. Sure, Model 3’s replacement tires don’t come cheap. But compared with other cars in the same category, their price tag is reasonable.
