Tire Care and Maintenance

Displaying Tire Pressures

You can display tire pressures on the instrument panel by using the right or left steering wheel buttons to display Car Status (see Using Left Steering Wheel Buttons or Using Right Steering Wheel Buttons). The pressure of each tire displays in the visualization of your vehicle, in addition to what time the tire pressures were last measured. To choose whether you want to display tire pressures using Bar or PSI, touch Controls > Display > Tire Pressure.

You can also view tire pressures in the Tesla mobile app.

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Note
You may need to drive briefly before the visualization displays the tire pressure values.

Maintaining Tire Pressures

Keep tires inflated to the pressures shown on the Tire Information label, even if it differs from the pressure printed on the tire itself. The Tire and Loading Information label is located on the center door pillar and is visible when the driver door is open.

Label on center door pillar
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The Tire Pressure indicator light on the instrument panel alerts you if one or more tires is under- or over-inflated.

The Tire Pressure indicator light does not immediately turn off when you adjust tire pressure. After inflating the tire to the recommended pressure, you must drive over 25 km/h for a short amount of time to activate the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), which turns off the Tire Pressure indicator light.

If the indicator light flashes for one minute whenever you power on Model S, a fault with the TPMS is detected (see TPMS Malfunction).

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Note
Your vehicle’s tire pressures will drop in cold ambient temperatures. If the TPMS indicator light appears, inflate the tires before driving. The tires will lose one PSI for every 6° C drop in outside temperature. Proper tire pressures help protect tires from potholes and improve range when properly inflated.
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Warning
Under-inflation is the most common cause of tire failures and can cause a tire to overheat, resulting in severe tire cracking, tread separation, or blowout, resulting in unexpected loss of vehicle control and increased risk of injury. Under-inflation also reduces the vehicle's range and tire tread life.
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Warning
Check tire pressures using an accurate pressure gauge when tires are cold. It takes only about 1.6 kms of driving to warm up the tires sufficiently to affect tire pressures. Parking the vehicle in direct sunlight or in hot weather can also affect tire pressures. If you must check warm tires, expect increased pressures. Do not let air out of warm tires in an attempt to match recommended cold tire pressures. A hot tire at or below the recommended cold tire inflation pressure is dangerously under-inflated.

Checking and Adjusting Tire Pressures

Follow these steps when tires are cold and Model S has been stationary for over three hours:

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  1. Refer to the Tire Information label located on the driver’s center door pillar for the target tire pressure.
  2. Remove the valve cap.
  3. Firmly press an accurate tire pressure gauge onto the valve to measure pressure.
  4. If required, add or remove air to reach the recommended pressure.
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    Note
    You can release air by pressing the metal stem in the center of the valve.
  5. Re-check pressure using the accurate tire gauge.
  6. Repeat steps 3 and 4 as necessary until the tire pressure is correct.
  7. Reinstall the valve cap to prevent dirt from entering. Periodically check the valve for damage and leaks.

Inspecting and Maintaining Tires

Regularly inspect the tread and side walls for any sign of distortion (bulges), foreign objects, cuts or wear.

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Warning
Do not drive Model S if a tire is damaged, excessively worn, or inflated to an incorrect pressure. Check tires regularly for wear, and ensure there are no cuts, bulges or exposure of the ply/cord structure.

Tire Wear

Adequate tread depth is important for proper tire performance. Tires with a tread depth less than 3 mm are more likely to hydroplane in wet conditions and should not be used. Tires with a tread depth less than 4 mm do not perform well in snow and slush and should not be used when driving in winter conditions.

Model S is originally fitted with tires that have wear indicators molded into the tread pattern. When the tread has been worn down to 3 mm, the indicators start to appear at the surface of the tread pattern, producing the effect of a continuous band of rubber across the width of the tire. For optimal performance and safety, Tesla recommends replacing tires before the wear indicators are visible.

To improve vehicle handling characteristics and minimize hydroplaning in wet conditions, put tires with the most tread on the rear of the car.

Tire Rotation, Balance, and Wheel Alignment

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. It helps maintain an even treadwear pattern which enhances the tire's overall wear quality, decreases road noise and maximizes tire life.

Vehicles with staggered wheels and non-directional tires can be rotated side-to-side (left-to-right) but not front-to-back as the front and rear tire size is different. Left-to-right rotation can increase tread life by changing the direction of rotation for each tire and balancing shoulder wear.

Unbalanced wheels (sometimes noticeable as vibration through the steering wheel) affect vehicle handling and tire life. Even with regular use, wheels can get out of balance. Therefore, they should be balanced as required.

If tire wear is uneven (on one side of the tire only) or becomes abnormally excessive, check the wheel alignment.

Punctured Tires

A puncture eventually causes the tire to lose pressure, which is why it is important to check tire pressures frequently. Permanently repair or replace punctured or damaged tires as soon as possible.

Your tubeless tires may not leak when penetrated, provided the object remains in the tire. If, however, you feel a sudden vibration or ride disturbance while driving, or you suspect a tire is damaged, immediately reduce your speed. Drive slowly, while avoiding heavy braking or sharp steering and, when safe to do so, stop the vehicle. Arrange to have Model S transported to a Tesla Service Center, or to a nearby tire repair center.

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Note
In some cases, you can temporarily repair small tire punctures (under 6 mm) using an optional tire repair kit available from Tesla. This allows you to slowly drive Model S to Tesla or to a nearby tire repair facility.
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Warning
Do not drive with a punctured tire that has not been repaired, even if the puncture has not caused the tire to deflate. A punctured tire can deflate suddenly at any time.

Flat Spots

If Model S is stationary for a long period, tires can form flat spots. When Model S is driven, these flat spots cause a vibration which gradually disappears as the tires warm up and regain their original shape.

To minimize flat spots during storage, inflate tires to the maximum pressure indicated on the tire wall. Then, before driving, release air to adjust tire pressure to the recommended levels.

Improving Tire Mileage

To improve the mileage you get from your tires, maintain tires at the recommended tire pressures, observe speed limits and advisory speeds, and avoid:

  • Pulling away quickly, or hard acceleration.
  • Fast turns and heavy braking.
  • Potholes and objects in the road.
  • Hitting curbs when parking.
  • Contaminating tires with fluids that can cause damage.

Replacing Tires and Wheels

Tires degrade over time due to the effects of ultraviolet light, extreme temperatures, high loads, and environmental conditions. It is recommended that tires are replaced every six years, or sooner if required, even if tread depth is above the minimum.

If tires need to be replaced early, for example due to a flat tire, we recommend replacing the tires in pairs unless the other tires are within 1.5 mm of tread depth of the new tire. When replacing tires, it is important to match the brand and model of the older tires. Always place a pair of new tires on the rear if all four tires are the same size. Always balance the wheel and tire after replacing a tire. Consult with a professional tire retailer and installer for further guidance. It may take up to 24 hours after a tire replacement or repair before the tire lubricant is completely dry and tires achieve maximum adherence to the rims. Avoid hard accelerations during this period to avoid tire slip on the rim.

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Note
Regardless of the number of tires replaced, a complete set of matching tires is recommended for optimum performance.

If tires other than those specified are used, ensure that the load and speed ratings marked on the tire (see Understanding Tire Markings) equal or exceed those of the original specification.

For the specification of the original wheels and tires installed on Model S, see Wheels and Tires.

If you replace a wheel, the TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) sensors need to be reset to ensure they provide accurate warnings when tires are under- or over-inflated (see Resetting the TPMS Sensors).

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Warning
For your safety, use only tires and wheels that match the original specification. Tires that do not match the original specification can affect the operation of the TPMS.
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Warning
Never exceed the speed rating of your vehicle's tires. The speed rating is shown on the sidewall of your tires (see Understanding Tire Markings).

Asymmetric Tires

Some Model S tires are asymmetric and must be mounted on the wheel with the correct sidewall facing outward. The sidewall of the tire is marked with the word OUTSIDE. When new tires are installed, make sure that the tires are correctly mounted on the wheels.

Arrow pointing to the word "Outside" on a tire sidewall
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Warning
Road holding is seriously impaired if the tires are incorrectly installed on the wheels.

Removing and Installing Aero Covers

If your Model S is equipped with aero covers, you must remove them to access the lug nuts.

To remove an aero cover:

  1. Grasp the aero cover firmly with both hands.
  2. Pull the aero cover toward you to release the retaining clips.

To install an aero cover:

  1. Align the aero cover with the valve stem.
  2. Firmly press the center of the cover to secure it in place, then work your way out to firmly pressing the outer perimeter of each spoke. You may need to hold onto the opposite side of the cover until all spokes are secured.
  3. Firmly press the center of the cap with your hands (do not hit the cover with your hands) to ensure it is secured.
  4. As a final check, quickly pull each spoke to confirm they are secured in place.
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CAUTION
To prevent the aero cover from falling off, ensure that it is fully secured before driving.

Wheel Configuration

If you are installing new wheels or swapping them for different ones, update your vehicle's wheel configuration by touching Controls > Service > Wheel & Tire > Wheels. This allows Model S to learn the new wheels and provide more accurate status updates on your vehicle. Select a wheel from the drop down menu that matches the new wheels you plan to install on Model S. Selecting new wheels in the wheel configuration also changes the wheels that appear on your vehicle's avatar on the touchscreen.

Ensure you are aware if your vehicle is equipped with staggered wheels, meaning the wheels are different sizes in the front and rear. Check the front and rear tire sizes marked on the tire sidewall to see if they match or are different sizes. If the wheels are staggered, take extra precaution to ensure the new wheels you install are staggered in the same way as the previous wheels.

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Note
Changing your vehicle's wheel configuration can impact range estimates, tire pressure warning levels, and vehicle visualization.
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Warning
Only use Tesla-approved wheels when installing or swapping wheels. Using non Tesla-approved wheels can cause serious damage. Tesla is not liable for damage caused by using wheels not approved by Tesla.

Tire Pressure Monitoring

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The Model S is equipped with a tire pressure monitoring system that warns the driver of significant under-inflation or over-inflation of the tires by displaying the Tire Pressure Indicator Light. Check the Tire Information label located on the driver’s door pillar for more details, or see Maintaining Tire Pressures.

Each tire, including the spare (if provided), should be checked monthly when cold and inflated to the inflation pressure recommended by the vehicle manufacturer on the vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure label. (If your vehicle has tires of a different size than the size indicated on the vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure label, you should determine the proper tire inflation pressure for those tires.)

As an added safety feature, your vehicle has been equipped with a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) that illuminates a low tire pressure telltale when one or more of your tires is significantly under-inflated. Accordingly, when the low tire pressure telltale illuminates, you should stop and check your tires as soon as possible, and inflate them to the proper pressure. Driving on a significantly under-inflated tire causes the tire to overheat and can lead to tire failure. Under-inflation also reduces fuel efficiency and tire tread life, and may affect the vehicle's handling and stopping ability.

Please note that the TPMS is not a substitute for proper tire maintenance, and it is the driver's responsibility to maintain correct tire pressure, even if under-inflation has not reached the level to trigger illumination of the TPMS low tire pressure telltale.

TPMS Malfunction

Your vehicle has also been equipped with a TPMS malfunction indicator to indicate when the system is not operating properly. The TPMS malfunction indicator is combined with the low tire pressure telltale. When the system detects a malfunction, the telltale will flash for approximately one minute and then remain continuously illuminated. This sequence will continue upon subsequent vehicle start-ups as long as the malfunction exists.

When the malfunction indicator is illuminated, the system may not be able to detect or signal low tire pressure as intended. TPMS malfunctions may occur for a variety of reasons, including the installation of replacement or alternate tires or wheels on the vehicle that prevent the TPMS from functioning properly. Always check the TPMS malfunction telltale after replacing one or more tires or wheels on your vehicle to ensure that the replacement or alternate tires and wheels allow the TPMS to continue to function properly.

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The TPMS malfunction indicator is combined with the tire pressure indicator light. If Model S detects a fault with the TPMS, this indicator flashes for one minute whenever you power on Model S.
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Note
If a tire has been replaced or repaired using a different tire sealant than the one available from Tesla, and a low tire pressure is detected, it is possible that the tire sensor has been damaged.
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Note
Installing accessories that are not approved by Tesla can interfere with the TPMS.

Resetting the TPMS Sensors

After replacing one or more wheels (but not after replacing a tire or rotating wheels), the TPMS sensors need to be reset to ensure tire pressure warnings are accurate.

On newer versions of Model S, the TPMS sensors are reset automatically after driving over 25 km/h for longer than 10 minutes. But for older versions, follow these steps:

  1. Inflate all tires to their recommended pressures, as indicated on the Tire Information label located on the door pillar.
  2. Get ready to drive for ten minutes, then touching Controls > Service > Reset TPMS Sensors.
  3. Follow the onscreen instructions.
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    CAUTION
    Selecting the incorrect wheel size may result in false tire pressure warnings. If a tire pressure warning displays, exit the vehicle, close the rear trunk and all doors, wait for the touchscreen to go black, then re-enter the vehicle and ensure that the correct wheel size is selected before touching Reset TPMS Sensors.
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Note
On some older versions of Model S, when changing to 21" wheels, the TPMS may generate false tire pressure warnings. Bring Model S to a Tesla Service Center for further adjustment.
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Warning
Do not reset the TPMS sensors in an attempt to clear tire pressure warnings.

Replacing a Tire Sensor

If the Tire Pressure warning indicator displays frequently, use the mobile app to schedule a service appointment to determine if a tire sensor needs to be replaced. If a non-Tesla Service Center repairs or replaces a tire, the tire sensor may not work until Tesla performs the setup procedure.

Seasonal Tire Types

Understand Your Tire Type

The type of tires that your vehicle is originally equipped with depends on vehicle model and market region. It is important to understand the capabilities of your vehicle's tires and whether they are suited for summer, all-season, or winter driving. Check the information on the sidewall of a tire for information about a tire's performance characteristics (see Understanding Tire Markings).

Summer and All-Season Tires

Summer tires and all season tires are designed for maximum dry and wet road performance but are not designed to perform well in winter conditions. All-season tires are designed to provide adequate traction in most conditions year-round, but may not provide the same level of traction as winter tires in snowy or icy conditions. All-season tires can be identified by “ALL SEASON" and/or "M+S” (mud and snow) on the tire sidewall.

If driving in cold temperatures or on roads where snow or ice may be present, Tesla recommends using winter tires.

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Warning
In cold temperatures or on snow or ice, summer and all-season tires do not provide adequate traction. Selecting and installing the appropriate tires for winter conditions is important to ensure the safety and optimum performance of your Model S.

Winter Tires

Use winter tires to increase traction in snowy or icy conditions. When installing winter tires, always install a complete set of four tires at the same time. Winter tires must be the same diameter, brand, construction and tread pattern on all four wheels.

Snowflake within a mountain symbol
Winter tires can be identified by a mountain/snowflake symbol on the tire's sidewall.

When driving with winter tires, you may experience more road noise, shorter tread life, and less traction on dry roads.

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Warning
Never exceed the speed rating of your vehicle's tires. The speed rating is shown on the sidewall of your tires (see Understanding Tire Markings).

Driving in Low Temperatures

Tire performance is reduced in low ambient temperatures, resulting in reduced grip and an increased susceptibility to damage from impacts. Performance tires (summer applications) have reduced traction in ambient temperatures below 5° C, and are not recommended in snow/ice conditions. Performance tires can temporarily harden when cold, causing you to hear rotational noise for the first few kilometers until the tires warm up.

Using Tire Chains

Tesla has tested and approved the following tire chains (also called snow chains) to increase traction in snowy conditions. Tire chains should only be installed on the rear tires. The approved tire chains can be purchased from Tesla.

Tire Size Recommended Chain
19" König K-Summit K45

Do not use tire chains on 21" tires.

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CAUTION
Do not put tire chains on summer tires, doing so can cause damage.

When installing tire chains, follow the instructions and warnings provided by the tire chain manufacturer. Mount them evenly and as tight as possible.

When using tire chains:

  • Inspect the tire chains for loose fittings and damaged links before each use.
  • Set air suspension (if equipped) to Standard and turn off the Default Ride Height to Low setting (see Air Suspension).
  • Avoid heavily loading Model S (heavy loads can reduce the clearance between the tires and the body).
  • Do not drive the vehicle without the chains properly installed.
  • Drive slowly. Do not exceed 48 km/h.
  • Remove the tire chains as soon as conditions allow.
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Note
Tire chains are prohibited in some jurisdictions. Check local laws before installing tire chains.
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CAUTION
Air suspension (if equipped ) should remain in the Medium ride height setting to avoid damage.
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CAUTION
Using non-recommended tire chains, or using tire chains on other sized tires can damage the suspension, body, wheels, and/or brake lines. Damage caused by using non-recommended tire chains, or incorrectly installing tire chains, is not covered by the warranty.
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CAUTION
Do not use snow chains on the front tires.
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CAUTION
Never deflate your tires to put on tire chains. When re-inflated, the chains might fit too tightly and cause tire damage.
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CAUTION
Ensure that the tire chains cannot touch suspension components or brake lines. If you hear the chains making unusual noises that would indicate contact with Model S, stop and investigate immediately.