Best Tires for Tesla Model 3: Navigating the Terrain
Choosing the right tire for your Tesla EV is crucial to support its heavier weight and powerful instant torque. Our Tesla experts reviewed grip, durability, rolling resistance and noise to recommend the best Summer, Winter, Performance, Run Flat and All-Season tires plus EVehiclePro’s overall Model 3 Fan Favorite.
The tires you choose for your Tesla Model 3 can mean the difference between a smooth, safe ride and a less efficient journey. Whether you choose all-season, summer, winter, run-flat or performance, the right set of tires is integral to your electric vehicle’s (EV) performance.
Does my Tesla Model 3 Need Specific Tires?
Your Tesla vehicle will perform more efficiently with the proper tires, making tire choice important to maintain your EV’s range and road safety. Your Tesla’s heavy weight, instant torque plus weather conditions and your driving habits will determine what specific type of tires you need. Our EV experts will guide you through choosing the right type of tire, and offer our personal recommendations on brands we like.
Consider these factors when deciding on which tires to purchase for your Model 3:
- Weight. The weight of an EV is significantly higher than a traditional gasoline-powered vehicle (primarily due to the battery pack). This added weight can wear out tires prematurely, so they need to be highly durable and capable of handling the increased load. If a tire isn’t up to the task, it can affect your overall driving experience, safety and maintenance costs.
- Instant Torque. Tesla drivers love the instant torque delivery of electric vehicles. Because the tires must be ready to cope with this sudden force, you need tires with a superior grip to handle rapid acceleration and deceleration. They must be robust enough to maintain traction and prevent tire spin, which can otherwise lead to quicker wear and tear.
- Rolling Resistance. Tires with low rolling resistance can significantly increase the range of your Model 3. Because these tires require less energy to roll, your car’s battery can take you further on a single charge.
- Noise Reduction. Tire noise often goes overlooked, but the quiet operation of electric vehicles makes tire noise more obvious. Finding tires with noise-reducing technology can help maintain the serene, near-silent driving experience you expect from a Tesla.
- Weather Conditions. If you live in an area with heavy snowfall, winter tires are a good investment (and may lower insurance costs).
- Driving Habits. If you frequently drive on highways, open roads or racing circuits, consider high-performance tires designed for stability at higher speeds.
Our team of Tesla experts have considered all these factors and have done the work for you. We’ll help you find the perfect set of tires for your Model 3, with this comprehensive dive into some of the best tire options on the market.
What Kind of Tires Do I Need for My Tesla Model 3?
To make your decision easier, we’ve organized our top tire picks in these categories:
- Fan Favorite (Best Overall Tire)
- All-Season Tires
- Summer Tires
- Winter Tires
- Run Flat Tires
- Performance Tires
Here’s how to choose the right tires for your Model 3:
- Fan Favorite Tires: This category showcases the tires that most Tesla Model 3 owners swear by, offering a balance of overall performance, durability, and comfort.
- All-Season Tires: All-season tires are the jack-of-all-trades in the tire world. They offer a balance of good performance in a variety of conditions, from dry roads to light snow. Built with moderate tread depths and compounds that deliver a longer tread life, these tires are ideal for drivers who experience a mix of climates and want a good blend of performance and longevity without having to change tires with the seasons. If you’re having trouble deciding which tires to purchase, start with these.
- Summer Tires: Designed to offer the most grip and performance during the warm months. They’re made from a rubber compound that stays firm in high temperatures, offering better handling, improved fuel efficiency, and reduced tire noise for summer cruising.
- Winter Tires: Essential for those who live in areas that see heavy snowfall. They’re made from a different rubber compound that stays flexible in cold weather, offering better traction and safer handling. Additionally, their tread design is specifically aimed at providing a good grip on snowy or icy surfaces. Some regions mandate winter tires and insurance companies may offer reduced rates with proof of winter tires.
- Run Flat Tires: Run-flat tires are designed to be driven at reduced speeds for limited distances when deflated or punctured. Since Teslas don’t come with a spare tire, these are ideal for drivers who value peace of mind knowing they won’t be stranded due to a flat tire.
- Performance Tires: Performance tires are designed for speed and agile handling. Made from high-quality rubber compounds, performance tires offer superior grip and responsiveness, making them the preferred choice for high-speed driving enthusiasts. If you’ve purchased Acceleration Boost or love circuit racing like our friend Jeremy, consider Performance Tires.
Remember, the “best” tire is subjective and depends on your personal needs, climate and driving habits.
With this guide, you’ll be able to choose the right tire that enhances your Model 3’s performance and ensures a safe and comfortable ride. Here are our top picks for each tire category.
Best Tesla Model 3 Tire: Fan Favorite
Our experts asked Model 3 owners across many Tesla forums and groups what their all-round favorite tire was. The overwhelming fan favourite is the Michelin CrossClimate2 All-Season. Here’s why:
Michelin CrossClimate2
- Made to last. The CrossClimate 2 outlasted four leading competitive tires by up to 15,000 miles on a tread-wear test. These tires can last up to 50,000 miles before needing to be replaced.
- Excellent dry- and wet-stopping power. Even when the tire is worn, it can stop up to 16 feet on dry pavement and up to 56 feet on wet pavement.
- Designed for EVs like the Tesla Model 3. The Michelin CrossClimate 2 tire was specifically designed for electric cars like the Tesla Model 3.
- Excellent traction. Self-locking 3D full depth sipes allow you to maintain excellent traction in both wet and snowy conditions.
- Hydroplaning Safety. The tire’s high silica content and special rubber compounds contribute to its impressive wet grip, reducing the risk of hydroplaning.
- Snow certified. The CrossClimate 2 stands out with its 3 Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) certification, a rare achievement for an all-season tire. This certification indicates that the tire has met high snow testing criteria and is designed for severe snow conditions. This makes the CrossClimate 2 an option for Tesla Model 3 drivers who encounter occasional snowy conditions but prefer not to switch to dedicated winter tires.
- Quiet Ride. Michelin’s PIANO Noise Reduction Tuning technology uses advanced tread pattern modelling to reduce road noise.
- Low rolling resistance. Contributes to maintaining the Model 3’s range and efficiency.
- Warranty. 60,000 miles.
Fan Favorite for Tesla Model 3: Michelin CrossClimate 2
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Excellent Wet and Dry Performance: Unique V-formation tread pattern and high silica content provide excellent grip in both dry and wet conditions. Its 3PMSF certification ensures reliable performance in snowy conditions. | Limited Ultra-High Performance: While the CrossClimate 2 offers balanced performance across various conditions, it may not match the ultra-high performance of dedicated summer or winter tires in extreme conditions. |
| Comfort and Noise Reduction: Unexpectedly quiet ride due to the tire’s design and compounds. | Price point: May be higher than other all-season tires for this premium tire. |
| Long Tread Life: The CrossClimate 2 is known for its durability and long tread life, making it an economical choice in the long run. | Availability: Depending on the region and demand, there may be limited availability or longer wait times for this popular tire. |
| Low Rolling Resistance: The tire’s low rolling resistance can contribute to maintaining range. | Wet Performance: While the tire generally performs well in wet conditions, some users have reported limited grip and higher levels of understeer in heavy rain. |
| Versatility: Able to handle a wide range of weather conditions. |
What Previous Buyers Have Said
- It’s a premium all-season tire so it costs a little bit more, but it is so very worth it!
- Excellent performance all year round… we get some snow where I live but these tires have a great grip so I didn’t need to purchase an additional set of winter tires
- Really impressed… I’m getting these for all the other vehicles in our fleet
Best All-Season Tires for Tesla Model 3
If you’re not sure which tires to choose for your Model 3, start with a good set of all-weathers.
These tires are a game-changer for EVs. They’re designed specifically for EVs and are our pick for the best all-season tire for Tesla Model 3. You’re gonna love the Goodyear’s ElectricDrive GT tires. Here’s why:
Goodyear’s ElectricDrive GT
- Designed for Electric Vehicles. The Goodyear ElectricDrive GT is an ultra-high-performance all-season tire that has been specifically designed to meet the unique needs of electric vehicles like the Tesla Model 3. This tire is a testament to Goodyear’s commitment to innovation and their understanding of the evolving demands of electric vehicle technology.
- Sound Comfort Technology. Engineered to balance sound comfort and tread life, a combination that is particularly beneficial for EVs. The ElectricDrive GT complements Tesla’s quiet operation with its SoundComfort Technology. This technology involves a layer of sound-absorbing foam adhered to the inner liner of the tire, which reduces cavity and airborne sounds, helping to minimize interior vehicle noise.
- Reliable, Predictable Handling. The ElectricDrive GT is built to offer predictable traction in dry, wet, and wintry conditions, even in light snow, making it a reliable all-season tire. The tire features low rolling resistance and an asymmetric tread pattern. This design promotes confident handling in dynamic, high-load scenarios, which is crucial for an EV’s powerful acceleration and low centre of gravity.
- Superior Grip and Hydroplaning Resistance. The wide, interconnected outboard shoulder blocks provide sturdy, consistent grip while cornering. The well-supported inboard tread elements help manage the higher lateral and longitudinal forces from powerful electric motors. Additionally, wide circumferential grooves with lateral and high-angle notches ensure adequate hydroplaning resistance in standing water. The tire also boasts sipes and higher-void inboard tread features to provide traction in wintry weather.
- Exceptional Handling and Stability at High Speeds. Driving at ludicrous speeds? The internal construction of the ElectricDrive GT features twin steel belts and a robust two-ply polyester casing designed to handle the rigors of high speed operation while maintaining their expected comfort and luxury. Two polyamide cap plies are included for dependable handling and stability at high speeds.
- Warranty. 40,000 mile warranty.
Best All-Season Tires for Tesla Model 3: Goodyear ElectricDrive GT
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| SoundComfort Technology: The tire’s sound-absorbing foam reduces interior vehicle noise, enhancing the quiet ride of the Tesla Model 3. | Hard Ride Initially: Some users have reported that the ride feels a bit hard initially, although this usually softens over time. |
| All-Season Performance: The tire offers predictable traction in dry, wet, and wintry conditions, making it a reliable choice for all seasons. | Decreased Range: Some users have reported a slight decrease in vehicle range after installing these tires. |
| Handling: The tire’s design promotes confident handling in dynamic, high-load scenarios. | Longevity: While the tire is designed for long tread life, some users have expressed skepticism about achieving the expected mileage. |
| Noise Reduction: The tire is designed to maintain the low noise levels expected in Tesla’s quiet, electric motors. | Price: The Goodyear ElectricDrive GT is a premium tire and may be more expensive than other options. |
| Designed for Electric Vehicles: The tire is specifically tailored to the unique needs of electric vehicles. | Availability: As a specialized tire, availability may be limited in some regions or during certain times of the year. |
What Previous Buyers Have Said
- These tires… are great and handle the weight and Torque of the dual motors very well
- These have delivered on my expectations… wet performance is considerably improved….ride is quieter and smoother (compared with stock tires)
- Deeper treads…longer lasting…quiet and handles well
- Sidewalls are stiffer…I don’t mind though because they’re built for EVs and can handle the instant torque
Best Summer Tire for Tesla Model 3
Our hands-down favorite summer tire for Model 3s is the Michelin Pilot Sport 4S. Here’s why:
Michelin Pilot Sport 4S
- Developed with Tesla. The Michelin Pilot Sport 4S is a high-performance summer tire well-suited for the Tesla Model 3. Michelin’s commitment to innovation and performance shines through as this tire was developed in collaboration with some of the world’s most demanding vehicle manufacturers, including Tesla.
- Dynamic Response Technology. The Pilot Sport 4S is designed with Michelin’s Dynamic Response Technology, a feature that ensures superior handling and steering precision that’s 10% better than previous Pilot Sport tires. This technology uses a hybrid aramid and nylon belt to optimize the tire’s footprint, allowing for adaptive steering inputs based on driving conditions. This is particularly beneficial for the Tesla Model 3, a vehicle known for its quick acceleration and agile handling.
- Max Dry and Wet Handling. The Pilot Sport 4S is a Max Performance Summer tire, meaning it is designed to provide the best possible dry and wet road traction and handling. This makes it an excellent choice for summer driving when roads are typically dry, and for occasional rain showers that require excellent wet traction.
- Ultra-Reactive Tread Pattern. The tire’s unique ultra-reactive, asymmetric tread design continuously adapts to the road. This ensures better grip and improved braking performance, both of which are crucial for the high-speed capabilities of the Tesla Model 3.
- Dry Grip Compound. The Pilot Sport 4S is made with a new mix of compound that offers excellent dry grip and improved braking performance on dry roads.
- Variable Contact Patch 3.0. Distributes your Tesla’s weight under hard cornering, and prolongs tire life.
- Deep Rim Protectors. Keeps wheels from being damaged.
- Warranty. 30,000 mile warranty.
Michelin Pilot Sport 4S: Best Tesla Model 3 Summer Tire
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Superior Handling and Steering Precision: Thanks to Michelin’s Dynamic Response Technology, the tire provides excellent handling and steering precision, enhancing the Tesla Model 3’s performance. | Not Ideal for Cold Climates: As a summer tire, the Pilot Sport 4S is not designed or recommended for cold weather or snowy conditions. Its performance may decrease in such environments. |
| Excellent Dry and Wet Traction: The Pilot Sport 4S is a Max Performance Summer tire, providing excellent dry and wet road traction, which is ideal for summer driving conditions. | Price: The Michelin Pilot Sport 4S is a high-performance tire and is priced accordingly. It may not fit all budgets. |
| Improved Braking Performance: The unique tread design and new mix of compound offer excellent dry grip, improving braking performance on dry roads. | Tire Wear: While the Pilot Sport 4S offers excellent performance, some users have reported that it may wear faster than some other tires, especially with aggressive driving. |
| Optimized Footprint: The ultra-reactive tread pattern adapts continuously to the road, ensuring an optimized footprint at all times for better grip. | Noise: Some users have reported that the tire can be a bit noisy at higher speeds. |
| Developed with High-Performance Vehicles in Mind: The tire was developed in cooperation with demanding vehicle manufacturers, including Tesla, ensuring it’s well-suited for the Model 3. |
What Previous Buyers Have Said
- Michelin’s Pilot Sport 4S are a top-tier summer tire
- They positively changed the dynamic handling of my vehicle in an instant
- They’re more expensive, but absolutely worth it
Best Winter Tires for Tesla Model 3
When our team prepares their Teslas for winter, we switch to Michelin’s X-Ice snow tires. We have driven in some of the worst snow storms in North America and count on these tires to keep our families safe. Here’s why we love the X-Ice snow tires:
Michelin’s X-Ice Snow
- Premium Touring Winter Tire. The Michelin X-Ice Snow tire is a premium touring winter tire, lauded for its exceptional performance in winter driving conditions.
- Excellent Ratings. The Michelin X-Ice Snow tire is the successor to the popular Michelin X Ice Xi3, and adds enhanced features and improved performance. The tire boasts impressive ratings across various parameters, including Dry Grip (80%), Wet Grip (81%), Road Feedback (78%), Handling (69%), Wear (86%), Comfort (87%), Snow Grip (96%), and Ice Grip (91%).
- Snow and Ice Grip. With a snow grip rating of 96% and an ice grip rating of 91%, Ice-X offers superior traction on slippery surfaces, providing Tesla Model 3 drivers with control and stability. This is particularly important for EVs like the Tesla Model 3, which have instant torque that can sometimes lead to wheel spin on slippery surfaces.
- High Wear Rating. The tire’s high wear rating (86%) means that it is durable and long-lasting, making it a cost-effective choice for Tesla Model 3 owners.
- Comfort and Noise. The tire’s comfort rating of 87% suggests that despite its robust winter performance, the tire does not compromise on the smooth and quiet ride that Tesla owners have come to expect.
- Warranty. 40,000 mile warranty.
Best Winter Tires for Tesla Model 3: Michelin X-Ice Snow
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Superior Snow and Ice Grip: With a snow grip rating of 96% and an ice grip rating of 91%, the tire provides excellent traction on slippery winter surfaces. | Slightly Increased Road Noise: Overall, all winter tires are generally a bit noisier than all-season, so this is not unique to Ice-X. |
| High Durability: The tire’s high wear rating of 86% indicates that it is durable and long-lasting, offering good value for money. | Potential Range Reduction: Some users have reported a slight decrease in range due to the increased rolling resistance (similar to most winter tires). |
| Comfortable Ride: Despite its robust winter performance, the tire offers a comfortable ride, with a comfort rating of 87%. | Not Ideal for Warm Conditions: Like all winter tires, the Michelin X-Ice Snow is not designed for use in warm weather and will wear faster if used in such conditions. |
| Good Handling: The tire offers good handling and road feedback, providing Tesla Model 3 drivers with confidence on winter roads. |
What Previous Buyers Have Said
User reviews have praised the Michelin X-Ice Snow tire for its performance on the Tesla Model 3:
- The tires were absolutely superb…the best snow tires I’ve used on my Tesla
- The road noise has not been obtrusive at all… the ride is firm and confident
- The grip on wet road was much better than the OEM Goodyears I’ve used in the past
- We’ve driven for 4 winter seasons (24,000 miles) already on these tires, which is amazing for a heavy EV
Best Run Flat Tire for Tesla Model 3
Teslas don’t come with a spare tire, so many of our readers purchase an all-season run flat tire or tire repair kit for peace of mind. Run-flat tires allow you to drive safely for up to 50 miles (at 50 mph) before repairing or replacing the tire.
Run-flats are great for:
- construction workers and engineers that drive to construction sites or on rough/underdeveloped roads
- drivers that live in or travel to areas with high rates of vandalism
- towing, where a blowout could lead to loss of control
- EVs with TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) technology like the Model 3
If you choose run flat tires, we recommend Bridgestone Driveguard Plus – an all-season, state-of-the-art run-flat tire that offers exceptional comfort, safety, and durability when your tire deflates. Here’s why:
Bridgestone Driveguard Plus
- Smooth and Comfortable Ride. Superior ride quality and noise reduction, which sets it apart from many other run-flat options in the market.
- Safety. DriveGuard Plus tires offer excellent traction and handling in wet, dry and wintry conditions.
- Peace of Mind. In the event of a puncture or blowout, the tire continues to function, allowing drivers to maintain control and drive up to 50 miles (at a speed of up to 50 mph) reducing the need for immediate roadside tire changes.
- Longevity. The DriveGuard Plus has received positive reviews for its durability, with some users reporting excellent performance over hundreds of thousands of miles. This makes it a cost-effective choice for Tesla Model 3 owners, aligning with the vehicle’s low maintenance requirements.
- Warranty. 65,000 mile manufacturer’s warranty.
Best Run Flat Tires for Tesla Model 3: Bridgestone Driveguard Plus
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Excellent ride quality and noise reduction. | Run-flat tires may not offer the same level of comfort or noise reduction as conventional tires however Bridgeport is considered one of the quieter run flat options. |
| Superior safety with excellent traction in both wet and dry conditions. | Not a winter tire. While it performs well in most conditions, heavy snow or extreme winter conditions may require snow tires. |
| Peace of mind. Run-flat capabilities allow you to drive for 50 miles even with complete air loss eg in the event of a puncture or blowout. | Cost. Run-flat tires, including the DriveGuard Plus, tend to be more expensive than conventional tires. |
| Long lasting. Designed for longevity, offering excellent performance over hundreds of thousands of miles. | Over-Use. The tire’s lifespan may be reduced if frequently driven in run-flat mode after a puncture or blowout (but that’s what it’s designed for). |
| Maintains traction on slippery roads. |
What Previous Buyers Have Said
- This is my first choice in all-season tires for my Model 3…it is excellent through all seasons plus gives me peace of mind knowing my family will be safe in the case of a blowout
- Significant improvement over previous run-flats that I’ve had. I had to wait for these tires, but it was totally worth it. I’m ordering a set early for my wife’s new Model 3
Best Performance Tires for Tesla Model 3
If you use Acceleration Boost, race your Tesla or just love blasting off at ludicrous speeds, then these performance tires are for you! With their superior handling, traction and responsiveness, our top pick for performance tires is Pirelli P Zero PZ4. Here’s why:
Pirelli P Zero PZ4
- Designed for powerful vehicles like the Tesla Model 3. The Pirelli P Zero PZ4 is a high-performance tire engineered to meet the demands of the most powerful vehicles on the road, making it an excellent choice for the Tesla Model 3. This tire is part of Pirelli’s P Zero collection, a range known for its exceptional performance, comfort, and safety features. This tire is used on high end luxury vehicles such as Porsche, Maserati and Lamborghini.
- Superb traction. The P Zero PZ4 features a unique hybrid tread pattern that enhances the tire’s grip. Its inner tread contains silica to deliver superb traction on wet surfaces.
- Noise cancelling technology. The P Zero PZ4 incorporates Pirelli’s Noise Cancelling System (NCS) to reduce road noise for a quieter, more comfortable ride. This is a significant feature for electric vehicles like the Tesla Model 3, where the absence of engine noise makes road and tire noise more noticeable.
- Performance and safety. The P Zero PZ4 excels in performance and safety with exceptional grip and braking performance for the instant torque of Tesla’s Model 3. The tire’s high grip levels and precise handling make winding roads a thrill. The tire’s impressive wet and dry braking performance contributes to its overall safety profile.
- Low rolling resistance. The P Zero PZ4’s low rolling resistance contributes to the Model 3’s efficiency, helping to maximize its range and extend tire life.
- Warranty. 50,000 miles.
Best Performance Tire for Tesla Model 3: Pirelli P Zero PZ4
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Excellent handling and control. Hybrid treads with silica provide excellent handling and control | High-performance tires like the PZ4 may wear faster than regular tires, but are on par with other performance tires |
| Impressive wet and dry braking performance enhances safety | Not suitable for temperatures below 45 degrees F (7 degrees C) (like other summer performance tires) |
| Low rolling resistance contributes to the efficiency of the Tesla Model 3, helping to maximize range | Cost. The cost of the PZ4 may be higher than other types of tires |
| Noise Cancelling System (NCS) reduces road noise, enhancing the quiet driving experience of the Tesla Model 3 | |
| The tire’s high-speed rating is 186 mph, well-suited to the Tesla Model 3’s capabilities |
What Previous Buyers Have Said
- These performance tires are slightly more expensive than others, but I was really impressed by how well-balanced they performed during sharp turns
- High precision and grip, impressive braking with average aquaplaning resistance
- Because they have a higher than average rolling resistance, I noticed a very slight reduction in my range but it wasn’t that noticeable in the summer… I’d buy them again
- These tires bring out my inner race care driver!
FAQ
What stock tires does my Model 3 come with?
Tesla has switched from Michelin to Hankook Kinergy GT all-season tires on its Model 3 vehicles. Hankook Kinergy GTs are considered a premium grand touring tire. Many Tesla owners purchase after-market winter, summer, performance, run-flat or premium all-season tires.
Do I need winter tires for my Tesla Model 3?
Tesla Model 3 vehicles come with all-season tires which may be sufficient for very light snow conditions. Winter tires are recommended for Tesla drivers that live in areas with moderate to significant snow, ice and sleet conditions.
Although the Model 3 is a very heavy vehicle, it’s the grip between the tire and road surface that matters. Michelin’s X-Ice tires are recommended for their excellent grip and performance.
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