The introduction of the Model 3 changed the automotive industry forever. None of the major automakers took EVs very seriously until that time. Tesla’s strategy of designing a sporty luxury sedan with impressive performance proved to be a success.
This article will explore a select group of tires that we consider worthy of being installed on a vehicle as sophisticated as the Tesla Model 3.
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Tesla Model 3 Tire Size Overview
As important as the brand and type of tire is the size recommended by the manufacturer. Never attempt to use a tire size other than the one described in the Model 3 owner’s manual unless you know exactly what you are doing. Below are the recommended OEM sizes.
- OEM Tire Size(s):
- Front/Rear: 235/45R18, 235/40R19
- OEM Tire(s): Michelin Primacy MXM4, Continental ProContact RX
- Trim(s): Standard Range Plus, Long Range, Performance
Choosing New Tesla Model 3 Tires
The Tesla Model 3 is an incredible car. However, to enjoy it to the fullest, it is essential to use a set of wheels suitable for your needs. Do you plan to use it as a daily driving car? How is your driving style? These are some of the questions to ask yourself to determine which are the best tires for your Tesla Model 3.
What’s Your Weather Like?
You can change your daily routine and driving style, but the weather is what you cannot change. How is the weather in your area? Will you need winter tires, or will all-season tires suffice? Average temperature, rainfall frequency, and other weather factors are decisive in choosing the best tire for your Model 3.
What Do You Use Your Model 3 For?
Your driving style and how you intend to use your Model 3 are also crucial factors to consider. If you are a spirited driver, then it would be better for you to use high-performance tires. On the other hand, if your driving style is average and you use your Model 3 as your everyday car, durable tires with a solid warranty are better.
Comfort, Performance, Budget. Pick Two.
Ideally, you should only worry about the price when you buy tires. However, it is more complicated than that. If your priority is maximum comfort, then you will surely have to sacrifice a dry grip. If you favor durability, then it is sure to affect the price. In the next section, you will find the best tradeoff tires for your Tesla Model 3.
Comparison of the Best Tires for Tesla Model 3
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The Best Tires for Tesla Model 3
It’s understandable to feel overwhelmed when choosing your next set of tires. It’s difficult to strike a balance between different aspects such as price, comfort, and performance, just to name a few. Fortunately, we’ve already done most of the heavy lifting for you. In this section, you will find the best tires for your Model 3 classified according to your use case.
Best Overall Tires for Tesla Model 3
Michelin CrossClimate2
Ratings (out of 5)
Dry Performance: 4.70 / 5
Wet Performance: 4.75 / 5
Overall Comfort: 4.50 / 5
Treadwear: 4.55 / 5
Snow/Ice Performance: 4.60 / 5
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The Michelin CrossClimate2 is a tire that, similar to the Tesla Model 3, uses the most advanced technology. On the one hand, the combination of Michelin’s Thermal Adaptive all-season tread compound with the V-Formation directional tread design gives this tire an outstanding grip in any weather condition. On the other hand, the V Ramp chamfers molded into the leading and trailing edges of the blocks together with the 3D SipeLock technology integrated into the tread will give your Model 3 spectacular stopping power and handling.
If you add to the above that the CrossClimate2 offers you smooth and quiet handling along with excellent durability, then we will not have to explain why this is the best tire for the Tesla Model 3. All in all, this is the ideal choice for demanding drivers looking for a balanced tire that offers uncompromising performance and amazing ride quality.
Other Specifications
UTQG Rating: 640 B A
Directional: Yes
TireRack Road Hazard Protection: Yes
Treadlife Warranty: 6 Years / 60K Miles
Price Range: $218 to $246 per tire
Best Performance Tires for Tesla Model 3
Michelin Pilot Sport 4S
Ratings (out of 5)
Dry Performance: 4.80 / 5
Wet Performance: 4.60 / 5
Overall Comfort: 4.45 / 5
Treadwear: 4.15 / 5
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If you drive a Tesla Model 3 Performance then you already know that not all tires will allow you to take full advantage of your car. You need tires that won’t fade when accelerating hard or driving at high speed. That tire is the Pilot Sport 4S. Michelin has created this tire with drivers of sports cars, performance sedans, and powerful luxury vehicles in mind who are looking for maximum stopping power, unbeatable cornering stability, and amazing grip in dry and wet.
As you’d expect from Michelin, the Pilot Sport 4S doesn’t neglect ride quality, giving your Model 3 the comfort you’ve come to expect from it. In short, if you are a spirited driver who favors performance above all else, then the Pilot Sport 4S will not disappoint you.
Other Specifications
UTQG Rating: 300 A A
Directional: Yes
TireRack Road Hazard Protection: Yes
Treadlife Warranty: 6 Years / 30K Miles
Price Range: $251 to $355 per tire
Best Cheap Tires for Tesla Model 3
Vredestein Quatrac Pro
Ratings (out of 5)
Dry Performance: 4.60 / 5
Wet Performance: 4.60 / 5
Overall Comfort: 4.55 / 5
Treadwear: 4.35 / 5
Snow/Ice Performance: 4.25 / 5
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Tesla vehicles are not cheap. However, that doesn’t mean that a set of wheels should cost you an arm and a leg. If you drive your Model 3 short distances in the city or only use it a few days a week then you don’t need to pay for premium tires. You just need reliable, long-lasting tires that will give you an adequate level of performance all year long. In that context, the Vredestein Quatrac Pro is one of the best options for your Tesla Model 3.
Despite its modest price, the Quatrac Pro offers you an 8 Years / 50K miles Treadlife Warranty, along with wet and dry ratings on par with more expensive tires. All in all, if you are looking for tires that offer the best cost-benefit ratio, then the Vredestein Quatrac Pro is for you.
Other Specifications
UTQG Rating: 400 A A
Directional: Yes
TireRack Road Hazard Protection: Yes
Treadlife Warranty: 8 Years / 50K Miles
Price Range: $180 to $199 per tire
Best All-Season Tires for Tesla Model 3
Michelin CrossClimate+
Ratings (out of 5)
Dry Performance: 4.70 / 5
Wet Performance: 4.70 / 5
Overall Comfort: 4.35 / 5
Treadwear: 4.45 / 5
Snow/Ice Performance: 4.35 / 5
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The CrossClimate+ is an excellent choice for drivers who need a daily driver tire that provides superior ride quality and dependable year-round performance. To achieve this goal, the CrossClimate+’s highly directional tread pattern and unique compound provide an amazing level of wet and dry traction, while its 3D self-locking sipes give your Model 3 the grip it needs on light snow roads.
If these features are familiar to you, it’s because the CrossClimate+ shares many features with the CrossClimate2, making it a great alternative at a lower cost. Put another way; this is an ideal tire for drivers who require a premium daily driver tire at a reasonable price.
Other Specifications
UTQG Rating: 600 A A
Directional: Yes
TireRack Road Hazard Protection: Yes
Treadlife Warranty: 6 Years / 50K Miles
Price Range: $225 per tire
Best Winter Tires for Tesla Model 3
Bridgestone Blizzak WS90
Ratings (out of 5)
Dry Performance: 4.35 / 5
Wet Performance: 4.60 / 5
Overall Comfort: 4.40 / 5
Treadwear: 4.25 / 5
Snow/Ice Performance: 4.65 / 5
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Depending on where you live, you may need winter tires. If that’s the case, then the Bridgestone Blizzak WS90 is hard to ignore. Bridgestone designed these tires with a unique directional pattern that uses full-depth interlocking sipes to provide impressive performance on snow and ice.
Additionally, Bridgestone’s next-generation Multi-Cell compound gives the Blizzak WS90 the flexibility they need to achieve excellent grip even in extremely low temperatures. All in all, these tires are one of your best options to ensure your Model 3 responds predictably with safe braking on snow and ice.
Other Specifications
UTQG Rating: None
Directional: Yes
TireRack Road Hazard Protection: Yes
Treadlife Warranty: None
Price Range: $203 to $227 per tire
Conclusion
It’s hard to imagine driving the Tesla Model 3 with low-performance tires. This article introduces you to the best tires available on the market depending on your use case, from daily driving to high performance. Which is the best? As discussed in the first sections, that has a lot to do with your driving style, where you live, and how you intend to use your Model 3. The best results await drivers who align their needs with a tire designed for that purpose.
People Also Ask
Do you still have questions about the Tesla Model 3 tires? If so, then this section is for you. Here we will cover the most common questions related to Model 3 tires.
No, the Tesla Model 3 does not use special tires; it uses premium tires like the Michelin Primacy MXM4. The fact of being one of the most advanced electric vehicles today does not prevent the Model 3 from using any conventional or high-performance tire, as long as it is of the size and specifications recommended in the owner’s manual.
Most Tesla Model 3s use either the Michelin Primacy MXM4 or the Continental ProContact RX. However, if you are not comfortable with these brands, you can also use premium tires from other brands such as Bridgestone for example.
Like many cars today, the Tesla Model 3 does not come with a spare tire, nor does it use flat tires. In other words, if you have a flat tire, you’ll need to call a roadside assistance service for help.