Which tires for your Tesla Model 3 2017-2023? Original tires and compatible tires.

The Tesla Model 3 requires suitable tires to guarantee safety and maintain the manufacturer's warranty

You've received your Tesla Model 3 or you're waiting for it (be patient, it's worth it). It may be time for you to consider the subject of tires for your Tesla Model 3 . Tires are a safety factor not to be neglected, they're your insurance for a good grip on the road, but they also have to meet certain prerequisites before they can be installed on your beautiful Californian.

OEM strategy for truck tires Tesla

Tesla likes to be independent and to have decision-making power. That's why the manufacturer chooses not to put all its suppliers in the same basket. It takes the liberty of diversifying its sourcing to limit the risks of price increases, stock-outs, negotiations and even supplier bankruptcy. For tires, Tesla applies the same strategy: for each size, the American carmaker chooses a brand that will equip the car from the factory. That's why there are 4 different suppliers, depending on the origin and rim size of the car.

Let's start by summarizing who, what and where?

Model 3 original 20-inch equipment

The Tesla Model 3 equipped with 20 inches as standard have tires:

However, the tire mount changes according to the car's origin:

Provenance USA: VIN = 5JYxxxxxxxxx = USA 🇺🇸

Michelin Pilot Sport 4S 235/35R20 96W

Specifications :
XL: Extra Load: reinforced tire with a higher load index.
MFS: Max Flange Shield: protective reinforcement for rim edge.
Tesla original equipment mount Tesla. (T0 or T1)
Acoustic: Michelin Acoustic Technology

Reference : Michelin Pilot Sport 4S 235/35R20 96W XL MFS Tesla Acoustic

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Provenance USA : VIN = LRWxxxxxxxx = China 🇨🇳

Pirelli Pzero 235/35 R20 92Y XL

Specifications :
XL extra Load: reinforced tire with a higher load index.

Reference : Pirelli Pzero 235/35 R20 92Y XL

How can we comply with Tesla?

The Californian manufacturer does not require tires to come from a specific manufacturer. Tesla only asks its customers to respect the sizes recommended by the manufacturer. To do this, simply consult the user manual (available on this page in all languages) to find all the sizes according to the dimensions of the rims fitted to your Tesla.

In a nutshell, it's quite simple:

Tesla Model 3 Propulsion (formerly SR+)
&
Tesla Model 3 Long Range (LR)

18-inch: 235 / 45R18 98Y

19-inch: 235 / 40R19 96W

Tesla Model 3 Performance

20-inch: 235 / 35R20 92Y

20-inch: 245 / 35R20 92Y

Extract from the official user manual :

Speed and weight ratings for Tesla tires Model 3

In addition to the tire dimensions for your Tesla, you'll need to make sure that you respect at least the manufacturer's original tire indexes. This is the other very important element which will ensure that the mounting is compliant. The indices are easy to read: the number indicates the load index, i.e. the maximum load the tire can take, and the letter indicates the tire's maximum speed.

For our Tesla Model 3 we're at :

18 inches : 98 = 750 kg / Y = 300km/h

19 inches : 96 = 710 kg / W = 270km/h

20 inches : 92 = 630 kg / Y = 300km/h

When you're looking for a tire, make sure you always respect at least these indexes.

Finally, winter information: in winter and ONLY in winter, you are entitled to lower your speed rating by one letter.

In other words:

18 inches: V = 240km/h to W = 270km/h

19 inches : W = 270km/h to V = 240km/h

20 inches : Y = 300km/h towards W = 270km/h

How do you change the rims and tires on your Tesla Model 3 ?

This is a very important part to read and note for the life of your car. The Tesla Model 3 requires special handling when changing wheels, and more generally when the car is lifted. To this end, Tesla has provided lifting points at all 4 corners of the car to enable you to work safely.

Caution:

We strongly recommend the use of lifting brackets (also known as JackPads) to lift the car safely.
You'll need to insert the JackPads into the special inserts on the underside of the car.
The car must be unplugged before any work is carried out.
Never lift the car with any other lifting support or anywhere other than in the designated slots.

Vue depuis le dessous du véhicule avec les points de levage indiqués en vert et les zones à éviter indiquées en rouge.

Lifting brackets are the essential accessory for safe working, or the accessory to have in the boot when you go to your mechanic. For your information, today only Euromaster garages are Tesla approved. However, it is possible to go elsewhere.

To find out more about our partnership with Tesla, click here: Tesla X Euromaster partnership.

If you're looking for a lifting support, we sell them for less than 10€ each.

Lifting bracket for Tesla Model 3 and Y

€5.90

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Pressure sensors for Tesla (TPMS)

Tesla as all manufacturers use pressure sensors in their cars, these sensors are used to provide information directly on your central screen.

The Tesla Model 3 underwent a change at the end of 2020 and beginning of 2021 in this area. Indeed, Tesla switched from 433mhz sensors with radio communication technology to Bluetooth sensors.

Tesla the company also took the opportunity to move away from radio technology to proprietary Bluetooth technology.

This change of mechanism has had a major impact on sensor prices, with radio sensors selling for between €125 and €200 for 4 sensors, while Bluetooth sensors are sold by Tesla for €350 for 4 sensors. Fortunately, the French company "Alcar" has succeeded in making compatible sensors, which we offer directly on our website.

To determine the technology of your sensors, it's quite simple, thanks to the visual aspect of your car and the delivery date. Bluetooth sensors will be fitted to all cars from 2021 onwards, and can be recognized externally by the disappearance of chrome around the windows of your Tesla Model 3 .

BLE (Bluetooth) pressure sensors/valves for Tesla - ALCAR

€224.90

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Retouching pens for your rims from Tesla Model 3

Have your rims ever hit the sidewalk? Then you've come to the right place to repair your rims and restore their original shine. At GreenDrive, we've thought of you and developed a range of touch-up pens for both bodywork and wheels.

A great article on BlogTesla sums up how our products work and how we use them.

To sum up, we've partnered with a French laboratory to create a range of pens made in France, so that we can offer you quality products made in Europe with perfect compatibility.

For an ideal finish, it's essential to use a finishing varnish, both for shine and to ensure that the paint lasts over time. Varnishes are available in gloss or matte, depending on the rims you have.