Best Tires For Tesla Model S: Complete Guide

10 Best Tires For Tesla Model S

The Tesla Model S is a five-door electric sedan first released in 2012. These cars began to shift the perspective of electric vehicles in general and became one of the most highly popular mass produced electric vehicles on the market. In 2014, the cars were released with a new autopilot feature that continues to become more efficient with every new release.

Here we have compiled a list of the 10 best tires for a Tesla Model S along with an analysis on the factory tire to help Tesla drivers. The goal is to keep them more informed about their current tires while increasing their knowledge of upgrade opportunities in hopes to allow for more informed purchases.

Another interesting feature to consider when reviewing the different Tesla Model S vehicles is the tire style. Unlike most vehicles, Tesla offers non-staggered and staggered tire setup. The staggered design is a more smooth look with aggressive driving capabilities. The non-staggered is a more practical option for most drivers with easier repairs and cheaper tire purchases.

This tire guide considers the staggered option in all tire reviews. With each tire being personally tested by a team of experts, all information is completely accurate.

Each tire is broken into a specific category for buyers to shop in. For example, the Florida Tesla Model S owner will have different tire needs than the New England driver. This was taken into consideration when picking tires and generating this list.

Here are the top 9 tires recommended for the Tesla Model S along with a factory tire analysis:

Bridgestone Turanza QuietTrack - Best All Season

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The Bridgestone Turanza QuietTrack gives Tesla Model S drivers a four seasons driving experience with excellent comfort, a luxurious feel, and top notch wet surface traction. It can also handle light snow, ice, and near freezing temperatures without much of a struggle.

Bridgestone has developed this tire with grand touring features too. Expect a long treadwear life too with customer feedback stating they have lasted for 80,000 miles or more.

The asymmetric tread pattern creates more comfort and better durability. An innovative QuietTrack Technology uses quiet track grooves, shoulder slots, and pitch sequencing to absorb road noise more efficiently. The high-tech feature provides optimal comfort for an improved driving experience.

ComfortCruise Technology is a software used by Bridgestone to create a more refined cavity shape on the tire. This makes a more rounded contact patch so that in the area where rubber meets road, there is smoother contact. It also helps with outward waterflow for better wet traction and hydroplane resistance.

Specifications

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

• Warranty: Up to 80,000 miles
• Max Load Capacity: 1,653 lbs
• Max Inflation Pressure: 51 PSI
• Tread Depth: 10/32’’
• Tire Weight: 30 lbs
• UTQG Treadwear: 800
• UTQG Traction: A
• UTQG Temperature: A

FAQ

What sizes does this tire come in?

As mentioned, Tesla sizing is a bit more unique than most vehicles. Fortunately, Bridgestone has it covered. This tire is available in rim diameter sizes ranging between 15” and 20” to fit the different Model S vehicle types.

What is the warranty on this tire?

The warranty provided by Bridgestone is a 5 year / 80,0000 mile warranty for optimal coverage available on the market. There is also a 90 day “Buy & Try” guarantee that allows a buyer to test the tire and return it within the first 90 days for a refund if they are not satisfied.

How noisy is this tire?

They call it the QuietTrack for a reason. This is arguably the most noise free tire that money can buy with almost zero sound production. All rides are smooth and silent.

Yokohama AVID Ascend GT - Best Touring

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The Yokohama AVID Ascend GT is a technological grand touring tire utilizing newer features to be the best touring tire available. Yokohama has used Orange Oil to improve the wear of the tire, provide more secure traction, and the best possible range efficiency. Orange oil is oil straight from orange peels designed to improve the bond between rubbers.

The versatile AVID Ascend also provides all season traction performance. The TriBlend compound gives a more firm grip in snow and ice. This compound and the asymmetric pattern assist with more reliable short distance braking.

The Multi-Pitch Tread absorbs road vibrations well for a quieter ride. The outer shoulder gives better stability as well for more accurate handling and steering.

Wet surface performance is supported by 3D sipes and a pair of notched blocks. Both features work to eliminate slush and water from sensitive contact areas for a more secure grip.

Expect long distance riding with lower wear levels. This tire is built to last longer than competitors and provide the ultimate touring experience.

Specifications

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

• Warranty: 65,000 miles
• Max Load Capacity: 1,653 lbs
• Max Inflation Pressure: 51 PSI
• Tread Depth: 12/32’’
• Tire Weight: 28 lbs
• UTQG Treadwear: 740
• UTQG Traction: A
• UTQG Temperature: A

FAQ

What sizes does this tire come in?

This tire comes available for any interested buyers in a rim diameter ranging between 15” and 20”. Tesla Model S drivers are well covered.

What is the warranty on this tire?

The warranty available on this tire is a 5 year / 65,000 mile warranty to protect the tread life. Yokohama also offers a 30 day test drive guarantee. If you are unsatisfied with the tire, it can be returned for a full refund within 30 days.

How does this tire handle the snow?

This is an all season tire. It can handle the snow well but it does not perform like a winter tire. It is better designed for long tread life, highway driving, and extra comfort for drivers looking to capitalize on a smooth driving tire.

Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 - Best Summer

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When the high heat and sunshine comes in, it is important to be equipped with the perfect tire to accommodate you. The Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 is a max performance summer tire designed for elite handling and high speed stability in the summertime.

The Pilot Sport PS2 is built with a multi-tread compound mixing both silica and carbon black to form a powerful asymmetric design. This mixed compound is meant for better high temperature performance with outer shoulder blocks for cornering stability.

A strong sporty summer tire relies on internal support. Michelin built this tire with two high-tensile cord belts to reinforce the tire walls. This maintains steering responsiveness at highway speeds while maintaining durability.

The double tread compound is also a perfect fit for wet surfaces. The mixed treads provide better traction and short distance braking. With circumferential grooves, water is removed from critical areas for optimal hydroplaning resistance.

Specifications

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

• Warranty: Up to 20,000 miles
• Max Load Capacity: 1,565 lbs
• Max Inflation Pressure: 51 PSI
• Tread Depth: 8.5/32’’
• Tire Weight: 26 lbs
• UTQG Treadwear: 220
• UTQG Traction: AA
• UTQG Temperature: A

FAQ

What sizes does this tire come in?

Sizes available for this tire range between 15” and 21” in rim diameter. There are numerous OEM size options at each rim diameter size for a long list of available choices.

What is the warranty on this tire?

The warranty on this seasonal tire is quite low at 6 years / 20,000 miles. Because it is a summer tire, the warranty tends to be lower because it is vulnerable to colder temperatures.

There is also a 60 day satisfaction guarantee for those who did not enjoy using the tire. Other key offerings by Michelin is a 3 year flat changing guarantee too.  

What happens to this tire in the cold?

This tire will begin to wear quickly in the cold. It is a summer tire so cold temperatures, ice, and snow will see the treads lose their traction quickly. The internal side walls would also be highly susceptible to cracking, with a bigger possibility to experience a flat or blow out.

Michelin X-Ice Snow - Best Winter

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The Michelin X-Ice Snow is a studless winter tire designed to combat both ice and snow in difficult conditions. This tire was built for sedans and sporty vehicles to be better equipped to handle wintry weather. Drivers can expect top notch winter traction and support.

Included in the design is a FleX-Ice 2.0 compound. This technology creates a roughness on the tire surface to provide more surefire grip on both snow and ice. It is made with silica for better cold temperature pliability.

The v-shape tread pattern creates wider grooves to better cut through snow and slush. These extended grooves reduce the risk of hydroplaning and provide better traction directly on the surface.

With a multi-layered pair of sipes, there are tons of biting edges to add even more wet surface traction. The sipes vary in thickness to cover different weather severities too.

Specifications

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

• Warranty: 40,000 miles
• Max Load Capacity: 1,565 lbs
• Max Inflation Pressure: 50 PSI
• Tread Depth: 10.5/32’’
• 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 tire is available in many sizes as one of the most popular and reliable winter tires on the market. Drivers can purchase it in sizes ranging between 14” and 21” in rim diameter for their vehicles.

What is the warranty on this tire?

Michelin provides a treadwear warranty on this winter tire. Across the winter tire market, this is extremely rare and one of the many pros it has to offer.

The warranty is a 6 year / 40,000 mile warranty for drivers to protect their seasonal tire better than other competitors.

What happens to this tire in the summer?

This tire specifically states in the warranty that it cannot be driven during the summer. It will see wear much quicker in high temperatures and your Tesla Model S will see performance dip quite a bit when relying on it during summer months.

Pirelli Cinturato P7 All Season Plus - Best Performance Street

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Pirelli is one of the most reliable tire manufacturers when creating optimal street performance tires. The Cinturato P7 all season plus is just another example of their excellent work. Not only does it provide all season versatility, but it has best in case cornering and handling stability.

This tire provides everyday comfort with a low oil, high silica tread compound. This helps improve the braking distances to stop short when needed. The asymmetric tread design pattern also gives off better handling on wet roads and during wintry conditions.

The internal structure is built to handle high speeds for performance street driving with twin steel belt support. The flexible sidewall becomes unbreakable on cornering situations because of the extended shoulder blocks too.

Rain, snow, and slush is handled by the longitudinal grooves. Not only do these grooves help improve performance in difficult conditions, but they absorb road noise too.

Specifications

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

• Warranty: 70,000 miles
• Max Load Capacity: 1,565 lbs
• Max Inflation Pressure: 50 PSI
• Tread Depth: 10/32’’
• Tire Weight: 24 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” to accommodate interested Tesla Model S drivers.

What is the warranty on this tire?

One of the benefits of this performance street warrior is the all season warranty. Pirelli offers an unlimited time / 70,000 mile warranty and a 30 day trial on the tire.

Michelin Super Sport - Best Performance Track

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Performance track driving requires a tire that can handle high speeds with extreme stability and endurance. The Michelin Super Sport can do exactly that. It was initially built as the OEM tire on some of the world’s best sports cars like the Ferrari 599 GTO.

This is a summer tire and should be treated the same as other tires. It should not be driven in ice, snow, or near freezing temperatures. There is a major risk of the tire failing in those conditions.

Some features include a pair of twin steel belts for better support at higher speeds, cornering, and longer treadwear life. This internal structure is a bit different than competitors due to the Twaron cord for extra strength.

The Michelin FAZ Technology creates stronger tension between the belts to improve the overall strength of the tire.

Specifications

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

• Warranty: 30,000 miles
• Max Load Capacity: 1,565 lbs
• Max Inflation Pressure: 50 PSI
• Tread Depth: 10/32’’
• Tire Weight: 25 lbs
• UTQG Treadwear: 300
• UTQG Traction: AA
• UTQG Temperature: A

FAQ

What sizes does this tire come in?

The Pilot Super Sport is built for a long list of sporty vehicles. The sizes available range between 17” and 23”.

What is the warranty on this tire?

Michelin is quite generous compared to industry competitors with their seasonal tire warranties. The Pilot Super Sport has a 6 year / 30,000 mile warranty.

There is also a 60 day satisfaction guarantee for drivers to return the tire for a full refund. Another off by Michelin is a 3 year flat changing guarantee.

Can this tire drive on ice?

This tire should avoid ice and cold temperatures. The tread will wear quickly and performance will significantly drop in wintry conditions.

Vredestein Quatrac Pro - Best Highway

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Highway driving is best done quietly and comfortable with a tire that can handle the conditions properly. The Vredestein Quatrac Pro is an ultra high performance grand touring tire that combines the perfect amount of comfort and treadwear efficiency.

The high-resin, high-silica tread is designed in an asymmetric pattern for increased grip on surfaces, improved cornering, and long lasting tread life. Three are outer shoulder blocks built to widen the road grip to reduce hydroplaning and provide better short distance braking.

On the interior of the tire, the inner shoulders are built with circumferential grooves to expel water from contact areas to improve wet grip, handling, and traction. The zigzag sipes provide better snow performance with additional biting edges.

Most importantly for a strong highway tire is the internal structure. On the Quatrac Pro, a pair of steel belts and polyester casing supports the sidewalls for high speed performance and extended durability.

Specifications

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

• Warranty: 40,000 miles
• Max Load Capacity: 1,709 lbs
• Max Inflation Pressure: 51 PSI
• Tread Depth: 10/32’’
• Tire Weight: 24 lbs
• UTQG Treadwear: 400
• UTQG Traction: A
• UTQG Temperature: A

FAQ

What sizes does this tire come in?

This tire doesn't get as much attention as some of the other big name brands but sizes are offered between 17” and 21”.

What is the warranty on this tire?

The warranty is a bit different than a traditional offering. Instead of a time period from the purchase date, the warranty is 8 years from the production date for 40,000 miles.

There is also a 30 day trial period to test out the tire to make sure it is the right choice.

Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06 - Best All-Purpose

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Continental has created a reliable tire that can handle most situations it is put in. The ExtremeContact DWS 06 is our top pick for all purpose tire choices because of dry, wet, and snow capabilities.

Continental uses a SPORT PLUS+ Technology to improve handling, traction, and wet surface gripping. The technology uses a silica tread with +Saline additives to help both performance and durability.

The asymmetric design uses Chamfered Edges designed by Continental to expand the rubber to road contact area. This adds even more grip to the tire when driving. The traction grooves enhanced the snow performance too.

This tire is the best all purpose choice because of the excellent technological features to enhance snow performance, quick braking in rainy conditions, long last treadwear, and overall comfort.

Specifications

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

• Warranty: 50,000 miles
• Max Load Capacity: 1,356 lbs
• Max Inflation Pressure: 51 PSI
• Tread Depth: 10/32’’
• Tire Weight: 22 lbs
• UTQG Treadwear: 560
• UTQG Traction: AA
• UTQG Temperature: A

FAQ

What sizes does this tire come in?

This tire is available in sizes ranging between 16” and 22” for a variety of different vehicle options, including the Tesla Model S.

What is the warranty on this tire?

The warranty on this tire is a 6 year / 50,000 mile warranty.

There is also a 60 day special warranty trial and 3 year flat changing guarantee offered.

Continental SContact Temporary Spare - Best Temporary Spare

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In the event of an emergency, it is always a safe option to have a temporary spare in the trunk for quick temporary mobility. The Continental SContact temporary spare is the perfect option to make it happen.

This spare gives a thinner tread depth, lighter weight, and ease of use for any driver to make a quick change to get back on the road.  

Specifications

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

• Warranty: None
• Max Load Capacity: 1,764 lbs
• Max Inflation Pressure: 60 PSI
• Tread Depth: 5/32’’
• Tire Weight: 11 lbs
• UTQG Treadwear: N/A
• UTQG Traction: N/A
• UTQG Temperature: N/A

FAQ

How many miles can this last?

This temporary spare is designed to last about 70 miles until there is a risk of overusing the spare. When you overuse a spare, it can cause car damages or a potential tire blow out.

What is the top speed I can drive?

The top speed to drive this temporary spare is 50MPH. It is not meant to be driven faster and we recommend avoiding highways when using this temporary spare.

Goodyear Eagle Touring - Factory Tire

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Tesla Model S owners will typically see the Goodyear Eagle Touring tire as the factory OEM option with their new vehicle purchase. This is an all season tire that provides good traction and durability in light winter conditions.

We do not rank this tire above any all season tires on our recommended list and the tire tends to wear quicker than other competitive all season tires in its class.

This grand touring tire provides extremely smooth rides with low highway and road noise thanks to Goodyear technology to absorb road bumps.

Wet traction is below average and does not offer the same higher technology styled treads as some competitors.

Specifications

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

• Warranty: None
• Max Load Capacity: 1,565 lbs
• Max Inflation Pressure: 50 PSI
• Tread Depth: 8/32’’
• Tire Weight: 25 lbs
• UTQG Treadwear: 500
• UTQG Traction: A
• UTQG Temperature: A

FAQ

What sizes does this tire come in?

This tire is available in sizes ranging between 18” and 22” for interested drivers.

What is the warranty on this tire?

There is no treadwear warranty offered on this tire. This is a negative as well for a grand touring tire that promises long lasting treadwear.

How to Understand the Tesla Model S Tire Specifications

When shopping for a new tire, there may come a time when reading the tire sidewall will occur. It may seem like a foreign language at first with a lot of numbers and letters. If you don’t know what they mean, this chart was designed to help.

This chart breaks down in order the characters on a tire sidewall to make reading your future Tesla Model S tire easier.

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

Now that you can read a tire. We must find the tire size you need before we go shopping. The Tesla Model S only offers 4 different tire sizes as shown below.

• ‍245/45R19
• 245/35R21
• 245/35R21 (Front)
• 265/35R21 (Rear)

Since the initial release in 2012, the product line for the Model S has grown quite a bit but the tire sizes have remained consistent. The table below breaks down the different sizes offered for each vehicle. Once you know the size you are looking for, we can make our tire purchase.