Best Tires For Tesla Model 3 – Finding The Right Fit

By David Barlow
Last updated: Nov 17, 2022
best tires for tesla model 3

With the EV market’s consistent growth in recent years and Tesla being the leading company, the Tesla Model 3 is becoming the most recognizable electric vehicle on the streets. 

Each user will have their own preferences and priorities one single tire lineup won’t be enough to satisfy them. Hence, you’ll find our list of recommended tires for Tesla model 3 extremely useful. We’ll provide you with the best choices on the market when it comes to switching your tires on Tesla Model 3. 

Feel free to consider the different models, which were selected from the best in their own respective categories. Look for ones with qualities and values that match your preferences, so you can always make the most of your purchases.

Original Equipment Tesla Model 3 Tires

For those of you who are interested, the factory tires that come with the recent Tesla Model 3 are the Michelin Primacy MXM4, which isn’t exactly a bad combination. However, if you’re serious about optimizing your experiences, there is still room for improvement.

The original tires offer good dry and wet performances, thanks to the unique tread compound with added sunflower oil. 

Thanks to the increased traction in wet and light-snow conditions, you can make better use of the all-season tires. If you plan to use your tires mostly in winter and thick snow, then you’ll need to consider other alternatives.

With good comfort, the original equipment Tesla model 3 tires allow car owners to enjoy their smooth rides. However, the relatively noisy tires also kill off your experience, especially during long trips.

Not to mention that electric vehicles aren’t like normal vehicles, as they weigh a lot more, mostly because of the heavy battery. So, it’s always recommended that you go for sturdier tires with good load indexes.

How To Choose the Best Tires for Your Model 3?

If you’ve decided to replace your tires, there are a few key factors that you need to consider:

You should start by asking yourself what you’ll be using the vehicle for. These could be the type of terrains you’ll be mostly driving on, the weather conditions or seasons you’ll be going through, and a few other specific requirements. 

Make up your mind before scouting the market to avoid getting flooded with information about different types of tires and their varying attributes.

Also, make sure to decide between comfort, performance, and pricing when shopping for tires or anything else. 

Remember that you can only get two out of these three. So, decide which values matter the most to you. This will really come in handy if you’re still indecisive between a few options.

For electrical vehicles, there is another important factor for electrical vehicles, which is the load index. Make sure to always aim for models that offer a decent load index of 1500 lbs or more, so they can handle your extra-heavy Tesla Model 3.

Tesla Model 3 Tire Sizes By Year

YearTrimSize
2021Long Range235/45R18, 235/40R19, (front) 235/40R19, (rear) 265/35R19
2021Performance(front) 235/35R20, (rear) 275/30R20
2021Standard Range Plus235/45R18, 235/40R19, (front) 235/40R19, (rear) 265/35R19
2020Long Range AWD235/45R18, 235/40R19, (front) 235/40R19, (rear) 265/35R19
2020Performance(front) 235/35R20, (rear) 275/30R20
2020Standard Range Plus RWD235/45R18, 235/40R19, (front) 235/40R19, (rear) 265/35R19
2019Long-Range AWD235/45R18, 235/40R19, (front) 235/40R19, (rear) 265/35R19
2019Mid-Range RWD235/45R18, 235/40R19, (front) 235/40R19, (rear) 265/35R19
2019Performance(front) 235/35R20, (rear) 275/30R20
2018Base Model235/45R18, 235/40R19, (front) 235/40R19, (rear) 265/35R19
2018Performance(front) 235/35R20, (rear) 275/30R20
2017Base Model235/45R18, 235/40R19, (front) 235/40R19, (rear) 265/35R19
2017Performance(front) 235/35R20, (rear) 275/30R20

The 10 Best Tires for Tesla Model 3

Tires NameMain Feature
1. Michelin CrossClimate PlusBest for overall
2. Michelin Pilot Sport 4SBest For Summer
3. Goodyear Assurance MaxlifeBest For All Season
4. Vredestein Quatrac 5Best For Legitimate All-Weather
5. Firestone Firehawk indy 500Best Impressive Handling For Budget
6. Michelin Primacy Tour A/SBest For Touring
7. Goodyear Assurance WeatherBest All-Purpose
8. Falken Azenis Fk510Best For Budget
9. General Altimax arctic 12Best For Winter
10. Dunlop SP Winter Sport 3DBest For Winter

1. Michelin CrossClimate Plus – Best for overall

Michelin Crossclimate Plus
Specifications
Season: All-season
Size: 15″ to 18″
Construction: Radial
Speed Index: V
Mileage Warranty: 40,000 – 50,000 miles
Ratings
(5)
Read Full Review

For handling wet and dry summers or winter roads while maintaining other useful attributes, the Michelin CrossClimate Plus is one of the best overall tires that you can go for.

The tires come with the unique Silica-based tread compound from Michelin, together with the V-shaped tread pattern, which helps to improve flexibility and better grip in all weathers. Also, the rigid tread and bevel-edged blocks are designed to reduce tire wear and promote traction.

As if that’s not enough, you’re also given the 3-D full-depth sipes for better traction while riding in wet and snowy conditions. The proprietary groove designs also reduce aquaplaning and prevent snow from building on your tires, thus allowing the tires to perform well for extended amounts of time.

All of these give the Michelin CrossClimate a 3PMSF marking for severe snow traction from the Tire and Rubber Association of Canada (TRAC).

Pros
  • Excellent performance in snowy weather
  • Great for the dry and wet summer roads
  • Featured-packed for many uses
Cons
  • Can be quite expensive

2. Michelin Pilot Sport 4S – Best For Summer

Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S
Specifications
Category: Autocross
Warranty: 30,000 miles
Max Speed: 186 mph (Y Rated)
Load Range: XL
Load Index: 84 (1102 lbs)
Sizes Available: 17″, 18″, 19″, 20″, 21″, 22″, 23″
Ratings
(5)
Read Full Review

For tires to use in summer, the Michelin Pilot Sport 4S, which features the same designs and technologies as the famous Michelin Pilot Super Sport, will ensure that Tesla Model 3 owners won’t have any trouble working with their vehicles.

With premium materials and advanced tread compounds, Michelin Pilot Sport 4S is designed to offer high performance despite the scorching summer heat and extended pressures from your high-speed rides.

The sports tires will make a great complement to your Tesla Model 3 as it comes with the aesthetic full ring design and impressive street performances. With good wet and dry braking, together with high stability and control even at high speed, they would make great additions to electric vehicles.

Not to mention that if you are someone who cares about the environment, then the 75% of recycled materials being used on the tires is also another good reason for you to pick it up.

Pros
  • Great on highways and streets
  • Premium quality meets aesthetic designs
  • Good braking and stability in both wet and dry conditions
Cons
  • Not a run-flat tire

3. Goodyear Assurance Maxlife – Best For All Season

Goodyear Assurance MaxLife
Specifications
Category: All Season
Warranty: 85,000 miles
Max Speed: 130mph (H rated)
Load Range: SL
Load Index: 91 (1346 lbs)
Available Sizes: 15″, 16″, 17″, 18″, 19″,20″
Ratings
(7)
Read Full Review

On the other hand, the Goodyear Assurance Maxlife will make a more sensible choice for all-season uses. Featuring the universal fit, you will have no trouble installing the tires on your Tesla Model 3 and others sedans, minivans, or crossovers if you’re so interested.

With large shoulder blocks being featured on both sides, the tires can enhance surface contacts, thus improving your wet and dry handling experiences. Plus, the unique design also works to protect your tires from damaging objects.

Featuring the extra-wide grooves, the Goodyear Assurance Maxlife will prevent aquaplaning and snow from getting trapped on the wheel, so you can have safer rides. At the same time, the multiple biting edges are designed to boost traction in snowy conditions. So, car owners will have themselves a perfect option for all-season traction.

Pros
  • Good for all-season uses
  • Universal fit for easy installations on all your vehicles
  • Provide extra tractions and better handling experiences
Cons
  • · Tread wears a little bit fast

4. Vredestein Quatrac 5 – Best For Legitimate All-Weather

Vredestein Quatrac 5
Specifications
Category: All Weather
Warranty: No
Max Speed: 118 mph (T Rated)
Load Range: SL
Load Index: 79 (963 lbs)
Sizes Available: 19″
Ratings
No Review Yet

If you’re also considering other low-profile brands, then the Quatrac 5 from Vredestein is definitely a good choice. With the grand touring tires being designed for all-season uses and coming with a universal fit to all your coupes, sedans, and crossovers, you can always use them on your Tesla Model 3.

Thanks to the unique high-silica tread compound, together with interesting asymmetric and condition-focused tread patterns, the tires are designed to operate in all environments, from spring to summer, including light snow. Just keep in mind that it’s not going to be sufficient enough to operate in deep snow.

Featuring the proprietary outboard shoulder designed to protect the tread and unique grooves to reduce the effects of wet roads, the Vredestein Quatrac 5 can confidently handle difficult passages that others can’t.

Not to mention that with the tires being constructed using single-ply polyester castings, together with the polyamide reinforcement, you can expect good performance and improved durability from them.

Pros
  • Good wet and dry performances
  • Handle all-season routes minus thick winter snow
  • High-quality tread compound for improved performance and longevity
Cons
  • Average wet and ice performance

5. Firestone Firehawk indy 500 – Best Impressive Handling For Budget

firestone firehawk indy 500
Specifications
Category: Summer
Warranty: No
Max Speed: 168 mph (W Rated)
Load Range: SL
Load Index: 87 (1202 lbs)
Sizes Available: 16″, 17″, 18″, 19″, 20″
Ratings
(4)
Read Full Review

People who aren’t really confident in their driving skills will finally have good tire options that can help to boost their confidence while staying behind the wheel. With the new tread compound and advanced tread design from Firestone, Firehawk indy 500 users can have better handling and braking experiences even on wet roads.

Now, it’s possible to make your precise cornering without putting too many strains on the tires while also enjoying the smooth curves. This will improve your driving experiences and make your EVs even more reliable.

Car enthusiasts can use the advanced technology of the proprietary Pulse Groove from Firestone to significantly reduce hydroplaning and protect their vehicles during heavy rains. In addition, the aesthetic designs will make the Firehawk Indy 500 a great compliment to your sports cars.

Pros
  • A great upgrade for your sports cars
  • Amazing performance in wet conditions
  • Make your corners with comfort and confidence
Cons
  • Not a run-flat tire

6. Michelin Primacy Tour A/S – Best For Touring

Michelin Primacy Tour AS
Specifications
Category: All Season
Warranty: 55,000 miles
Max Speed: 168 mph (W Rated)
Load Range: SL
Load Index: 94 (1477 lbs)
Sizes Available: 17″, 18″, 19″, 20″, 21″, 22″
Ratings
(5)
Read Full Review

Boasting premium quality and high-performance features, the Michelin Primacy Tour A/S is considering a major upgrade from your original Tesla tires. With the luxury feels, quiet performances, and smooth rides, you can significantly improve the driving vehicles on your model 3.

Thanks to the frequency-canceling shoulder and ultra-smooth tread compounds, you won’t hear any noticeable noises while touring and cruising with your vehicles. And at the same time, the most advanced rubber compound from Micheline will allow the tires to remain flexible even in low temperatures. Thus, making it more suitable for all-season uses.

And to back up the premium design and high performance, Michelin also puts in the 55,000-mile or 6-year warranty for their products so that drivers can install their new tires with complete peace of mind.

Pros
  • Ultra-performances along with premium feels
  • Smooth and extra quiet thanks to the frequency-canceling tread
  • Good for all-season uses.
Cons
  • Limited size selections

7. Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady – Best All-Purpose

GoodYear Assurance WeatherReady
Specifications
Sizes Available: 16” to 20”
Speed Rating: Q, S, T, H, V
Mileage Warranty: 60000 mile
Rim Width Range: 5” to 9.5”
Overall Diameter: 24.4” to 30.5”
Revs Per Mile: 672 to 856
Max Load Capacity: 1,521 lbs
Tread Depth: 10/32”
Max Inflation Pressure: 51 psi
Ratings
(5)
Read Full Review

To stay safe and comfortable during all weather, you’ll need high-quality tires with innovative designs to cope with the varying conditions. And these are the exact features and qualities that come with the Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady.

Designed to withstand the most severe weather conditions, including thick snow, slippery roads, and extreme coldness.

Using the asymmetrical tread patterns on the unique Soybean oil rubber compound, the high-quality tires can counter different weather conditions and help the vehicle to remain stable and maintain good traction.

At the same time, with the Evolving Traction® Grooves transition, featuring deep and wide grooves, the tires can handle aquaplaning and thick snow quite effectively. All of which earn the model its Severe Snow Certification.

Pros
  • Improve traction with the innovative tread locks
  • Amazing all-weather performances even in severe snows
  • Flexible to all temperatures
Cons
  • Can be quite noisy

8. Falken Azenis Fk510 – Best For Budget

Falken Azenis Fk510
Specifications
Category: Summer
Warranty: No
Max Speed: 186 mph (Y Rated)
Load Range: XL
Load Index: 91 (1356 lbs)
Sizes Available: 17″, 18″, 19″, 20″, 21″, 22″
Ratings
(3)
Read Full Review

For budget users, it’s not easy finding a better option than the Falken Azenis Fk510, as it comes with decent performance and comfort while still maintaining a good price. Start upgrading your driving experiences with the new high-performance tread compounds created using 4D Nano Design so that you can have better traction with the vehicles.

Enjoy having more confidence when sitting behind the wheels, as Falken Azenis Fk510 enables much better grip and driving comfort, compared to your original Tesla 3 tires. Also, Nanotech also enables the experts at Falken to work on creating more reliable and durable tire compounds.

By featuring the unique hybrid under tread materials, the tires can offer better handling and stability compared to products from the same price range. Thus, allowing you to make the most of your budget.

With a variety of different size options ranging from 17 to 22 inches, Falken Azenis Fk510 users will have no trouble installing them on their vehicles.

Pros
  • Good price for the values
  • Great for wet conditions
  • Reliable and durable
Cons
  • Poor balance in the dry

9. General Altimax arctic 12 – Best For Winter

general altimax arctic 12
Specifications
Category: Winter
Warranty: No
Max Speed: 118 mph (T Rated)
Load Range: XL
Load Index: 86 (1168 lbs)
Sizes Available: 14″, 15″, 16″, 17″, 18″
Ratings
No Review Yet

If you mostly use your Tesla Model 3 in the near-arctic areas, then it’s always recommended to switch your tires using the winter. The General Altimax Arctic 12, with its exceptional performances in winter weather and extreme cold, will improve your driving experience by a mile.

Simply install the tires on your vehicle to have a better grip on snowy or icy roads, thanks to the unique winter sipes and proprietary tread patterns. At the same time, the extended central rib tread also offers better steering and handling while driving in the dry seasons.

With the deep and angled grooves, the tires can easily prevent aquaplaning and resist snow, so you can enjoy your safe rides. Plus, the snow ridges can boost traction in both light and heavy snow conditions.

Pros
  • Great for using in cold climates
  • Offer exceptional traction and comfort
  • Work on both wet and icy roads
Cons
  • Not good for more temperate climates

10. Dunlop SP Winter Sport 3D – Best For Winter

Dunlop SP Winter Sport 3D
Specifications
Category: Winter
Warranty: No
Max Speed: 130 mph (T Rated)
Load Range: XL
Load Index: 93 (1433 lbs)
Sizes Available: 17″, 19″, 20″, 21″
Ratings
No Review Yet

Last but not least, if you wish to have a more premium choice for the winter and aren’t afraid to spend your money a little more, then the Dunlop SP Winter Sport 3D will make a great choice for Tesla Model 3 owners.

With special handling and improved stability, the model is designed to handle nasty turns on the icy winter roads, as well as your standard dry conditions. 

The high-performance tire comes with its special silica compound, so the rubble can stay flexible even in low temperatures. This will result in more comfortable rides and enhanced stability during the winter weather.

At the same time, the V-shaped directional aquaplaning resistance will prevent water resistance while driving on wet roads. Using the new interlocking 3D sipes, the SP Winter Sport 3D also boasts your handling and stability while working on dry roads.

Pros
  • Offer both comfort and performances
  • Great on all roads and conditions
  • Secured and reliable on every road
Cons
  • Pricing is a little high

Tesla Model 3 Tires FAQs

best tires for tesla model 3-1

Do Tesla Model 3 Have Special Tires?

No, the standard Tesla Model 3 comes with the Michelin Primacy MXM4, which is a commercial-grade tire and can also be installed on other vehicles. As mentioned, it’s still a good tire, but for users with more demands or specific requirements, tire replacements are always recommended.

Does Tesla Model 3 Come with Run Flat Tires?

Yes, with your Tesla Model 3, consumers can enjoy the benefits of having a run-flat tire, which will allow you to travel a little while before your tires completely deflate. This is a great feature that all manufacturers should include in their many car models, so they can improve consumers’ experiences.

What brand of tires does Tesla use?

Most Tesla cars come with Micheline tires. Depending on your certain models, the types of tires and their quality may vary a little bit. All in all, Micheline is known to be a reliable brand and only provides good tires for consumers, so you’ll usually find yourself relatively happy with your choices.

Why do Tesla tires wear out so fast?

You might not be aware of the fact that EVs (electric vehicles) are usually significantly heavier compared to regular ones. The reason is that your electric car will need to include a massive battery that can easily weigh down the vehicle. This allows them to drive with better comfort but also puts a lot more pressure on the tires.

David Barlow

Automotive Experts at World Tire Review

Hi everyone, I’m David (Tireguy). I believe that finding tires can lead to a lot of confusion and frustration for almost every driver. That’s why I would like to bring my experiences and knowledges to develop World Tire Review blog, it will give people a deeper understanding of what choosing the right tire is really like!