Best Tires For Tesla Model 3: Complete Guide

10 Best Tires For Tesla Model 3

The Tesla Model 3 is a four-door fastback mid-size sedan and one of the most popular selling electric vehicles on the market. It was released in July 2017 and the car has been the top selling plug-in electric car since 2018 until present day.

The unique thing about Tesla tire sizing is the staggered and non-staggered tire offerings on the different models of their vehicles. Staggered tires are when the front tire and back tire are a different size. This is done both for a more sleek look while also combining to provide wider range tires for better handling.

There is no right or wrong when determining whether staggered or non-staggered tires are better. It depends on the driver’s preference.

This list of tires contains the 9 best picks for the Tesla Model 3 and a comparison to the factory tire. We breakdown upgrades available on the market for any driver considering the idea of upgrading or changing their current tires.

Every tire is broken into a specific category by primary usage. For example, best summer tires or best winter tires to describe the top option available to accommodate drivers in need of this specific tire.

Keep reading to learn more about the available tires on the market and have any outstanding questions you might have answered. These are the top 9 tires for a Tesla Model 3.  

Goodyear Assurance Maxlife - Best All Season

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Goodyear’s Assurance Maxlife tire is a grand touring all season option for drivers in need of a balanced tire. Key features provided here are long tread life, four season performance, and optimal range efficiency.

The symmetric tread pattern contains a center rib for more direct contact of direct and road. Wide shoulder blocks provide more stable cornering and on the interior twin steel belts keep the tire stable at highway speeds.

Goodyear also put a wear gauge feature on the exterior of the tire with a visual indication to track the tread depth remaining on the tire. This allows car owners to always know how worn their tire is and provides a visual alert when it is time to upgrade or replace them.

Wet traction and performance relies on circumferential grooves and sipes to expel water through outward channels and away from contact areas. In both rain and snow, the biting edges provide another layer of road grip.

These wet traction features also provide hydroplaning resistance. This is our top all season tire pick because of versatility, winter performance, braking, and handling.  

Specifications

Some specifications may vary based on the exact tire size selected.

• Warranty: 85,000 miles
• Max Load Capacity: 1,477 lbs
• Max Inflation Pressure: 51 PSI
• Tread Depth: 11/32’’
• Tire Weight: 24 lbs
• UTQG Treadwear: 820
• UTQG Traction: A
• UTQG Temperature: B

FAQ

What sizes does this tire come in?

This tire is available in dozens of different OEM sizes. The available options range between 15” and 20” in rim diameter.

What is the warranty on this tire?

The warranty offered by Goodyear is a 6 year / 85,000 mile limited treadwear warranty. There is also a special warranty available for a 30 day test drive guarantee. Drivers can try the tire and if they are not satisfied, it can be returned for a full refund.

How noisy is this tire?

The treadwear on this tire is amazing and it is felt with how comfortable, smooth, and quiet this tire rides. Expect very minimal noise, especially on highway drives.

Michelin Primacy Tour A/S - Best Touring

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A grand touring tire provides the best tread life, comfortable driving, and a premium riding experience. Michelin has created the perfect tire to accommodate touring drivers with the Primacy Tour A/S. It is an all season tire with light snow capabilities.

The asymmetric tread design gives drivers more traction and tread life without sacrificing the quality of a luxury riding experience. The outer shoulder blocks give more stable cornering and handling.

Wet traction is also excellent too. The circumferential grooves and zagzag sipes both help expel water to clean the contact area for better dry friction with the road. The grooves give hydroplaning resistance features.

The sipes also give off biting edges along both the outer and inner tire ribs. This creates strong, more secure traction on both snow and ice.  

The interior construction of the tire relies on a polyester casing and a pair of twin steel belts. Both features give better handling, steering responsiveness, and high speed stability.

Specifications

Some specifications may vary based on the exact tire size selected.

• Warranty: Up to 55,000 miles
• Max Load Capacity: 1,477lbs
• Max Inflation Pressure: 44 PSI
• Tread Depth: 8.5/32’’
• Tire Weight: 24 lbs
• UTQG Treadwear: 540
• UTQG Traction: A
• UTQG Temperature: A

FAQ

What sizes does this tire come in?

This tire is available in a variety of sizes ranging between 17” and 22” in rim diameter.

What is the warranty on this tire?

The warranty on this tire is a 6 year / 55,000 mile warranty for both H and V speed rated tires. The warranty drops to a 6 year / 45,000 mile guarantee for W speed rated tires.

The special warranty covers a 60 day satisfaction guarantee to protect drivers who do not like the tire. Michelin gives drivers 3 years of flat changing protection too.

How does this tire handle the snow?

This tire is a grand touring all season tire designed to handle both snow and ice. Drivers can feel at ease using this as a four season tire in light snow.  

Michelin Pilot Sport 4S - Best Summer

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This Michelin Pilot Sport 4S is a max performance summer tire for sport vehicles. The Pilot Sport is best at dry handling and wet condition performance. Because this is a summer tire, it is highly recommended to avoid using it in near freezing temperatures.

The asymmetric tread pattern is a hybrid style design for better traction and long lasting treadwear for optimal performance. The Variable Contact Patch 3.0 is a feature meant to evenly distribute the contact area for a smoother contact with the road. This helps maintain the tread while keeping the ride comfortable.

Summer tires are meant to provide better handling, cornering, and short distance braking on rainy surfaces. These tires also handle higher temperatures better and have internal designs to avoid overheating.

The Michelin Acoustic Technology absorbs road sounds, pothole noises, and vibrations to keep cabin noise at low levels.

Other important features include circumferential grooves for water expelling to optimize the wet traction performance.  

Specifications

Some specifications may vary based on the exact tire size selected.

• Warranty: 30,000 miles
• Max Load Capacity: 1,521 lbs
• Max Inflation Pressure: 50 PSI
• Tread Depth: 9.5/32’’
• Tire Weight: 22 lbs
• UTQG Treadwear: 300
• UTQG Traction: AA
• UTQG Temperature: A

FAQ

What sizes does this tire come in?

This tire is available in almost 100 different factory sizes ranging between 17” and 23” in rim diameter. It is a very popular tire and even used as an original equipment option by some manufacturers.

What is the warranty on this tire?

The warranty offered by Michelin is a 6 year / 30,000 mile warranty. The special warranty includes a 60 day money back guarantee and a 3 year flat tire changing offer. Drivers are in good hands when it comes to protection with Michelin.

What happens to this tire in the cold?

This tire is not designed to drive in the cold. The cold weather will cause it to crack a bit on the exterior and the wear will accelerate. Keep this as a summer tire only.  

Dunlop SP Winter Sport 3D - Best Winter

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In the winter, it is crucial to have a strong tire you can rely on. Getting stuck in the snow because you left your summer tires on or have an under performing all season tire letting you down is a nightmare in a time of need. The Dunlop SP Winter Sport 3D is the perfect winter tire choice for a Tesla Model 3.

The SP Winter Sport 3D has a reactive silica mix tread for pliability in cold weather. This allows the tread to expand or contract based on the temperature and adjust performance based on what is necessary.

The directional tread design also creates a more secure wet traction tire to reduce the risks of hydroplaning. The sipes built into the tread give off additional biting edges to combat thicker snow and ice to get a better grip.

The central and out blocks both work together to create outward flowing grooves for better stability and water flow. This gives more lateral stability. There are also more 3D sipes built into these blocks for another layer of wet traction performance.

On the interior, there is a pair of twin steel belts designed to create a secure contact patch. This patch creates a firm target for the road and tire to build better traction. This is also referred to as a jointless band.

Remember that a winter tire is meant for near freezing temperatures, snow, and ice. It does not provide optimal summertime performance.

Specifications

Some specifications may vary based on the exact tire size selected.

• Warranty: None
• Max Load Capacity: 1,477 lbs
• Max Inflation Pressure: 51 PSI
• Tread Depth: 10/32’’
• Tire Weight: 24 lbs
• UTQG Treadwear: N/A
• UTQG Traction: N/A
• UTQG Temperature: N/A
• Winter tires are not UTQG Rated

FAQ

What sizes does this tire come in?

This is a less popular winter tire but we love it as a top performer. The sizes available range between 18” and 21” for interested buyers.

What is the warranty on this tire?

Winter tires do not have a treadwear mileage warranty. Dunlop offers a uniformity warranty of 1 year 2/32” wear in protection.

What happens to this tire in the summer?

In the summer, winter tires tend to be much more noisy on the road and provide no edge or benefit to driving. They excel on difficult surfaces in the winter, but the summertime causes quicker wear and tear. Avoid using this tire in the summer.

Bridgestone Potenza RE-71R - Best Performance Street

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Performance street driving requires a tire that can corner with precision, drive comfortable at higher speeds, and provides a durable tread. The Bridgestone Potenza RE-71R is exactly what you need for a performance street tire.

This extreme performance summer tire is made specifically for sporty cars that need a maximum performance tire. The newly developed tread uses better gripping to grab onto the road more firmly for better riding.

It is molded into a directional tread design that helps maintain rubber to road contact throughout. There is also excellent wet surface traction to keep in mind.

The circumferential grooves are lined on inner and outer walls in lateral angles. This allows water to flow out as quickly as it can flow in. It acts as a water drainage system in the critical areas of the tire. Expect strong hydroplane resistance too.

The internal structure is built specifically with cornering, responsive steering, and higher speed driving in mind. The steel belts are widely built for a more secure ride quality.

This tire is classified as a summer tire and should not be used during the winter. It cannot provide the same features at near freezing temperatures.

Specifications

Some specifications may vary based on the exact tire size selected.

• Warranty: None
• Max Load Capacity: 1,477 lbs
• Max Inflation Pressure: 51 PSI
• Tread Depth: 8/32’’
• Tire Weight: 24 lbs
• UTQG Treadwear: 200
• UTQG Traction: A
• UTQG Temperature: A

FAQ

What sizes does this tire come in?

This performance street tire is best found in sizes ranging between 16” and 20” in rim diameter to accommodate all Tesla Model 3 drivers.

What is the warranty on this tire?

There is no treadwear mileage warranty on this summer tire. Seasonal tires rarely offer a strong, if any, warranty. There is a uniformity warranty that provides coverage on the first 2/32” of wear to be covered.

Can this tire drive on ice?

This tire would struggle with traction on ice. Assuming there is ice means the temperatures are most likely cold too. When this summer tire is exposed to the cold, the treads begin to crack and wear. Avoid wintry conditions with this tire.

Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R - Best Performance Track

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Pirelli is the king of street racing performance tires and the P Zero Trofeo R is yet another example of a masterpiece they have created. This tire is specifically designed as a track and competition tire. They can drive at higher speeds with more stable handling.

The asymmetric tread pattern creates a more firm driving grip on cornering, highways, and streets. It also works best when optimizing a tire for longevity.

The inboard and outboard shoulder blocks both exist to improve handling. A performance track tire is designed with many features that all contribute to better traction, improved cornering, and top notch handling.

This tire is not meant to drive at high speeds in rainy conditions, but in the event the roads are wet there is a set of circumferential grooves to help rid water from critical surfaces of the tire. Along these grooves is an internal belt design meant to improve the tire stability despite a more slippery surface.

Specifications

Some specifications may vary based on the exact tire size selected.

• Warranty: None
• Max Load Capacity: 1,521 lbs
• Max Inflation Pressure: 50 PSI
• Tread Depth: 6/32’’
• Tire Weight: 22 lbs
• UTQG Treadwear: 60
• UTQG Traction: AA
• UTQG Temperature: A

FAQ

What sizes does this tire come in?

This is one of the most popular performance track tires with dozens of sizes available between 16” and 21” in rim diameter.

What is the warranty on this tire?

There is no treadwear warranty offered on this tire. The uniformity warranty protects the tire for 1 year and for the first 2/32” of wear.

Can this tire drive on ice?

No, absolutely not! This tire should avoid ice and snow at all costs. Even in wet weather, speeds should not go too high.

Yokohama ADVAN Sport A/S - Best Highway

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The Yokohama ADVAN Sport A/S is our top highway tire pick because of smooth rides, extreme comfort, and long lasting treadwear. The best highway tires can do all three things well, and Yokhama found a way to build a perfect highway tire.

The tread is able to remain pliable in all temperatures because of advanced polymers that Yokohama found a way to incorporate into the design. This tread compound gives a perfect combination of comfort and durability.

Wet traction is extremely reliable too. The Streaming-Z Grooves incorporate with the circumferential grooves to create high-tech biting edges to add extra traction support.

The asymmetric tread pattern keeps this tire performing at a high level while maintaining even contact with the road. By staying steady, this eliminates discomfort while driving. Tread patterns tend to hit the ground unevenly and this causes cabin noise. The asymmetric design counteracts that issue.

Lastly, the outer shoulder blocks are what keep the handling and steering response so steady. With a wider base, cornering is much more under control. This gives the best amount of lateral stability too.  

Specifications

Some specifications may vary based on the exact tire size selected.

• Warranty: 50,000 miles
• Max Load Capacity: 1,653 lbs
• Max Inflation Pressure: 44 PSI
• Tread Depth: 11/32’’
• Tire Weight: 26  lbs
• UTQG Treadwear: 440
• UTQG Traction: AA
• UTQG Temperature: A

FAQ

What sizes does this tire come in?

This tire is available for drivers to try in sizes starting at 16” up until 21” in rim diameter.

What is the warranty on this tire?

The warranty on this tire is a 5 year / 50,000 mile warranty. There is also a special warranty offering that allows a 30 day test drive policy. If you don’t like the tire, it can be returned for a full refund.

How does this tire drive in the winter?

This is an all season tire and provides excellent traction in ice, snow, and cold weather. Expect to feel safe and comfortable using this tire during the winter.

Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady - Best All-Purpose

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The Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady is our top all-purpose tire choice because of the premium touring capabilities and all season traction. Drivers can expect a little bit of everything when relying on this tire.

The rubber tread is a soy based compound built into an asymmetric tread pattern. This pattern gives better traction across inclement weathers without sacrificing the quality of ride and overall treadwear life.

The 3D TreadLock Technology Blades are a new feature to handle ice and snow. These blades work on the outerboard of the tread to provide secure cornering on a wet surface.

Other features include zigzag biting edges, sweeping tread grooves, and circumferential channels all to improve the tire traction despite inclement weather.

This tire can do it all.

Specifications

Some specifications may vary based on the exact tire size selected.

• Warranty: 60,000 miles
• Max Load Capacity: 1,477 lbs
• Max Inflation Pressure: 51 PSI
• Tread Depth: 10/32’’
• Tire Weight: 23 lbs
• UTQG Treadwear: 700
• UTQG Traction: A
• UTQG Temperature: A

FAQ

What sizes does this tire come in?

This tire is available in sizes ranging between 15” and 20”.

What is the warranty on this tire?

The warranty offered on this tire is for 6 years covering up to 60,000 miles in treadwear usage. There is also a 30 day test drive special warranty to take advantage of.

Kumho Spare Tire - Best Temporary Spare

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A temporary spare tire can be a life saver in the event of a flat tire at an unexpected time. It is a low cost, low effort option to have stored in your trunk. The beauty of the Kumho Spare Tire is the lightweight feel, compact size, and trunk flexibility it can offer.

By storing this spare, you can always have the option to regain temporary road mobility in the event of a flat tire incident.

Temporary spares are only meant for temporary use and should never be treated as a long term solution. Driving on a spare too long can cause damage to your vehicle.

Specifications

Some specifications may vary based on the exact tire size selected.

• Warranty: None
• Max Load Capacity: 1,984 lbs
• Max Inflation Pressure: 60 PSI
• Tread Depth: 4.5/32’’
• Tire Weight: 13 lbs
• UTQG Treadwear: N/A
• UTQG Traction: N/A
• UTQG Temperature: N/A

FAQ

How many miles can this last?

The Kumho Spare Tire is meant to last up to 70 miles until it becomes a risk to continue driving. Using this spare past 70 miles leaves you at risk for another flat or other internal car problems.

What is the top speed I can drive?

The maximum speed to drive your temporary spare is 50 MPH. Driving faster than 50 MPH also puts you and your vehicle at risk for further damage. It is recommended to avoid highway driving when possible with a temporary spare.

Michelin Primacy MXM4 - Factory Tire

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The popular Michelin Primacy MXM4 is a choice by manufacturers as the factory tire. It is a reliable grand touring all season tire option. It provides great comfort, low road noise, and long lasting tread life.

Michelin designed this Primacy tire with their Green X standard to optimize for eco-friendly materials, lower CO2 emissions, and better range efficiency.

The tire has a 3D Variable Sipe Technology for better wet traction handling. These sipes work great ro remove snow, water, and slush from the tire and add additional biting edges for more grip.

Other key features include circumferential grooves, Helio compound technology, and hydroplaning resistance.  

The Comfort Control Technology also optimizes both the tread design and the precision of the manufacturing to create a more comfortable and reliable product.  

Specifications

Some specifications may vary based on the exact tire size selected.

• Warranty: 55,000 miles
• Max Load Capacity: 1,389 lbs
• Max Inflation Pressure: 51 PSI
• Tread Depth: 9.5/32’’
• Tire Weight: 26 lbs
• UTQG Treadwear: 500
• UTQG Traction: AA
• UTQG Temperature: A

FAQ

What sizes does this tire come in?

This tire is extremely popular and it can be found in sizes ranging between 17” and 20” in rim diameter.

What is the warranty on this tire?

The warranty on this tire is a 6 year / 55,000 mile warranty for H and V speed rated tires. The warranty drops to 6 years / 45,000 miles for W, Y, and Z speed rated tires.

How to Understand the Tesla Model 3 Tire Specifications

When searching for a new tire, reading the tire sidewall will become a task that is necessary to complete. The search process becomes a little more difficult if you can’t read the tire. Instead, we have created an easy to ready chart explaining all characters that are written on the tire.  

This chart breaks down in order the characters on a tire sidewall for a Tesla Model 3 tire.

What Are the Different Tesla Model 3 Tire Sizes & Models Available?

Now that you can understand a tire reading the right way, we can find the tire size for your Tesla Model 3. Shown below are the 5 different tire sizes that fit on the vehicle.

• ‍235/45R18
• 235/40R19
• 265/35R19
• 235/35R20
• 275/30R20

Since the initial release in 2017, the releases have varied for the Model 3. Check out this list below to find your vehicle and pair that with the correctly sized tire.