2021 Tesla Model 3 Tire Care and Maintenance Owners Manual

Follow these steps when tires are cold and Model 3 has been stationary for over three hours:

1. Refer to the Tire and Loading 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.
   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.

Adequate tread depth is important for proper tire performance. Tires with a tread depth less than 4/32” (3 mm) are more likely to hydroplane in wet conditions and should not be used. Tires with a tread depth less than 5/32” (4 mm) do not perform well in snow and slush and should not be used when driving in winter conditions.

Model 3 is originally fitted with tires that have wear indicators molded into the tread pattern. When the tread has been worn down to 4/32” (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.

Tesla recommends rotating the tires every 6,250 miles (10,000 km) or if tread depth difference is 2/32 in (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.

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 alignment of wheels. If the tires need to be serviced, such as rotated or replaced, reset the tire configuration (see Tire Configuration) to improve your driving experience.

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 3 transported to a Tesla Service Center, or to a nearby tire repair center.

If Model 3 is stationary for a long period, tires can form flat spots. When Model 3 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.

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.

Model 3 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.

If your Model 3 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 into position so that the notch at the base of the Tesla “T” is aligned with the tire’s valve stem.
   

   

2. Push firmly around the perimeter of the aero cover until it fully snaps into place.

   For Gemini wheels, press on the perimeter of the cover until it aligns with the wheel surface. Press on the Tesla “T” in the center until the cap snaps into place. See Parts and Accessories for more information.

   CAUTION

   To prevent the aero cover from falling off, ensure that it is fully secured before driving.

If you are installing new wheels or swapping them for different ones, update your vehicle’s wheel configuration by touching Controls > Service > Wheel Configuration. This allows Model 3 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 3. 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.

After replacing one or more wheels (but not after replacing a tire), the TPMS sensors are relearned to ensure tire pressure warnings are accurate. TPMS sensors reset automatically within 10 minutes of driving over 15 mph (25 km/h).

If the Tire Pressure warning indicator displays frequently, contact Tesla 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.

Model 3 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 tire pressure indicator light. When the system detects a malfunction, the indicator flashes for approximately one minute, then remains continuously lit. This sequence continues upon subsequent vehicle start-ups as long as the malfunction exists. When the TPMS malfunction indicator is on, the system might not be able to detect or signal under- or over-inflated tires as intended.

TPMS malfunctions can occur for a variety of reasons, including installing replacement or alternate tires or wheels that prevent the TPMS from functioning properly. Always check the TPMS malfunction indicator light after replacing one or more tires or wheels on your vehicle to ensure that the replacement tires or wheels allow the TPMS to continue to function properly.

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 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. If not equipped with winter tires, contact Tesla for winter tire recommendations.

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. Contact Tesla for winter tire recommendations.

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.