Tire Care and Maintenance
WARNING: Do not drive Model Y if a tire is
damaged, excessively worn, or inflated to an
incorrect pressure. Check tires regularly for wear,
and ensure there are no cuts, bulges or exposure
of the ply/cord structure.
Punctured Tires
A puncture eventually causes the tire to lose pressure,
which is why it is important to check tire pressures
frequently. Permanently repair or replace punctured or
damaged tires as soon as possible.
Tire Wear
Your tubeless tires may not leak when penetrated,
provided the object remains in the tire. If, however, you
feel a sudden vibration or ride disturbance while driving,
or you suspect a tire is damaged, immediately reduce
your speed. Drive slowly, while avoiding heavy braking
or sharp steering and, when safe to do so, stop the
vehicle. Arrange to have Model Y transported to a Tesla
Service Center, or to a nearby tire repair center.
Adequate tread depth is important for proper tire
performance. Tires with a tread depth less than 4/32”
(3 mm) are more likely to hydroplane in wet conditions
and should not be used. Tires with a tread depth less
than 5/32” (4 mm) do not perform well in snow and
slush and should not be used when driving in winter
conditions.
NOTE: In some cases, you can temporarily repair small
tire punctures (under 1/4” (6 mm)) using an optional tire
repair kit available from Tesla. This allows you to slowly
drive Model Y to Tesla or to a nearby tire repair facility.
Model Y is originally fitted with tires that have wear
indicators molded into the tread pattern. When the
tread has been worn down to 4/32” (3 mm), the
indicators start to appear at the surface of the tread
pattern, producing the effect of a continuous band of
rubber across the width of the tire. For optimal
performance and safety, Tesla recommends replacing
tires before the wear indicators are visible.
WARNING: Do not drive with a punctured tire that
has not been repaired, even if the puncture has not
caused the tire to deflate. A punctured tire can
deflate suddenly at any time.
To improve vehicle handling characteristics and minimize
hydroplaning in wet conditions, put tires with the most
tread on the rear of the car.
Flat Spots
If Model Y is stationary for a long period, tires can form
flat spots. When Model Y is driven, these flat spots cause
a vibration which gradually disappears as the tires warm
up and regain their original shape.
Tire Rotation, Balance, and Wheel
Alignment
To minimize flat spots during storage, inflate tires to the
maximum pressure indicated on the tire wall. Then,
before driving, release air to adjust tire pressure to the
recommended levels.
Tesla recommends rotating the tires every 6,250 miles
(10,000 km) or if tread depth difference is 2/32 in (1.5
mm) or greater, whichever comes first.
Tire rotation is an essential part of tire maintenance. It
helps maintain an even treadwear pattern which
enhances the tire's overall wear quality, decreases road
noise and maximizes tire life.
Improving Tire Mileage
To improve the mileage you get from your tires, maintain
tires at the recommended tire pressures, observe speed
limits and advisory speeds, and avoid:
Vehicles with staggered wheels and non-directional tires
can be rotated side-to-side (left-to-right) but not front-
to-back as the front and rear tire size is different. Left-
to-right rotation can increase tread life by changing the
direction of rotation for each tire and balancing shoulder
wear.
• Pulling away quickly, or hard acceleration.
• Fast turns and heavy braking.
• Potholes and objects in the road.
• Hitting curbs when parking.
Unbalanced wheels (sometimes noticeable as vibration
through the steering wheel) affect vehicle handling and
tire life. Even with regular use, wheels can get out of
balance. Therefore, they should be balanced as required.
• Contaminating tires with fluids that can cause
damage.
If tire wear is uneven (on one side of the tire only) or
becomes abnormally excessive, check the wheel
alignment. If the tires need to be serviced, such as
rotated or replaced, reset the tire configuration (see Tire
experience.
Replacing Tires and Wheels
Tires degrade over time due to the effects of ultraviolet
light, extreme temperatures, high loads, and
environmental conditions. It is recommended that tires
are replaced every six years, or sooner if required, even if
tread depth is above the minimum.
Maintenance
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