Tesla Model 3: Seasonal Tire Types

Summer Tires

Your vehicle may be originally equipped with high performance summer tires or all season tires. Tesla recommends using winter tires if driving in cold temperatures or on roads where snow or ice may be present. Contact Tesla for winter tire recommendations.

Warning: In cold temperatures or on snow or ice, summer tires do not provide adequate traction. Selecting and installing the appropriate tires for winter conditions is important to ensure the safety and optimum performance of your Model 3.

All-Season Tires

Your Model 3 may be originally equipped with all-season tires. These tires are designed to provide adequate traction in most conditions year-round, but may not provide the same level of traction as winter tires in snowy or icy conditions. All-season tires can be identified by "ALL SEASON" and/or "M+S" (mud and snow) on the tire sidewall.

Winter Tires

Use winter tires to increase traction in snowy or icy conditions. When installing winter tires, always install a complete set of four tires at the same time. Winter tires must be the same diameter, brand, construction and tread pattern on all four wheels. Contact Tesla for winter tire recommendations.

Winter tires can be identified by
a mountain/snowflake symbol on the tire's sidewall.

When driving with winter tires, you may experience more road noise, shorter tread life, and less traction on dry roads.

Note: Installing winter tires with aggressive compound and tread design may result in temporarily-reduced regenerative braking power. However, your vehicle is designed to recalibrate itself to restore regenerative braking power after a short period of normal driving.

Driving in Low Temperatures

Tire performance is reduced in low ambient temperatures, resulting in reduced grip and an increased susceptibility to damage from impacts. Performance tires can temporarily harden when cold, causing you to hear rotational noise for the first few miles (kilometers) until the tires warm up.

Using Tire Chains

Tesla has tested and approved the following tire chains to increase traction in snowy conditions. Tire chains should only be installed on the rear tires.

Caution: If your Model 3 is equipped with aero covers, you must remove them before installing tire chains. Failure to do so can cause damage not covered by the warranty.

When installing tire chains, follow the instructions and warnings provided by the tire chain manufacturer. Mount them evenly and as tight as possible.

When using tire chains:

• Inspect the tire chains for loose fittings and damaged links before each use.
• Avoid heavily loading Model 3 (heavy loads can reduce the clearance between the tires and the body).
• Do not drive the vehicle without the chains properly installed.
• Drive slowly. Do not exceed 30 mph (48 km/h).
• Remove the tire chains as soon as conditions allow.

Note: Tire chains are prohibited in some jurisdictions. Check local laws before installing tire chains.

Caution: Using non-recommended tire chains, or using tire chains on other sized tires can damage the suspension, body wheels, and/or brake lines. Damage caused by using non-recommended tire chains, or incorrectly installing tire chains, is not covered by the warranty.

Caution: Do not use tire chains on the front tires.

Caution: Never deflate your tires to put on tire chains. When re-inflated, the chains might fit too tightly and cause tire damage.

Caution: Ensure that the tire chains cannot touch suspension components or brake lines. If you hear the chains making unusual noises that would indicate contact with Model 3, stop and investigate immediately.

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