Tesla gives you a specific tire size and performance rating for your vehicle
Tesla does not maintain a published list of "approved" tire brands. Instead, Tesla specifies the exact tire size, load index, and speed rating your vehicle needs — information printed on a sticker inside your driver's door jamb and in your owner's manual. Any tire meeting those specifications will work safely on your car, whether it comes from Michelin, Goodyear, Pirelli, Bridgestone, or another manufacturer.
What matters to Tesla is that your replacement tires match the original equipment specifications. Using the wrong size or rating can affect your vehicle's handling, battery range, speedometer accuracy, and safety systems. The tire size looks like this: 235/45R18 94W. Each number and letter means something specific about how that tire performs.
Tesla service centers will install tires that meet your vehicle's specifications, but you can also buy tires elsewhere and have them mounted at any tire shop. The key is knowing what your car actually needs before you shop.
Key Takeaways
- Your Tesla's required tire size and performance rating are printed on a sticker inside your driver's door and in your owner's manual — this is what you need to match when buying replacements.
- Tesla does not approve specific tire brands, only tire specifications; any brand meeting your vehicle's size and rating requirements will work safely.
- Using the wrong tire size or speed rating can reduce range, affect handling, and interfere with safety systems like regenerative braking.
- You can purchase tires from any retailer and have them installed at any tire shop, as long as they match your vehicle's specifications exactly.
How to find your vehicle's tire specifications
Open your driver's side door and look at the door jamb — the vertical edge where the door closes. You will see a white or silver sticker with vehicle information. This sticker lists the tire size, load index, and speed rating Tesla recommends for your specific model and year. Write down the entire tire size code (for example, 235/45R18 94W) before you shop.
If you cannot find the sticker or it is damaged, open your Tesla's touchscreen, go to Controls > Service > Tire Specifications. Your owner's manual also contains this information in the maintenance section. All three sources will show the same specification.
Do not assume your current tires are the correct size just because they fit. Previous owners may have installed the wrong size, and you need to match what Tesla originally specified for your model, not what is currently on the car.
What the tire size code actually means
A tire size like 235/45R18 94W breaks down into five pieces of information. The first number (235) is the tire width in millimeters. The second number (45) is the sidewall height as a percentage of width. The letter R means radial construction. The number after R (18) is the wheel diameter in inches. The final number and letter (94W) are the load index and speed rating.
The load index tells you how much weight each tire can safely carry. The speed rating tells you the maximum speed the tire is designed for. A W rating means the tire is rated for speeds up to 168 mph. A Y rating means 186 mph. These ratings matter because using a lower-rated tire can cause overheating and failure, especially during highway driving or in hot weather.
All four tires on your Tesla must be the same size and rating. Mixing sizes or ratings can damage your vehicle's all-wheel-drive system, confuse the regenerative braking system, and trigger warning lights on your dashboard.
Where to buy tires that meet Tesla's specifications
Once you know your tire size, you can shop at tire retailers, online marketplaces, warehouse clubs, or directly from manufacturers. Popular retailers include Discount Tire, Costco, Sam's Club, Tire Rack, and Amazon. Each retailer carries multiple brands at different price points, all meeting the same size and rating requirement.
When you search online or in a store, enter your exact tire size code. The retailer's system will show only tires that match. Do not select a tire based on brand alone — compare the load index and speed rating to make sure they match your door jamb sticker exactly.
Tesla service centers also sell tires and will install them, but their prices are typically higher than independent retailers. You save money by buying elsewhere and having the tires mounted at any tire shop, including Costco, Discount Tire, or a local mechanic.
Why tire size matters for Tesla vehicles specifically
Tesla's regenerative braking system uses wheel speed sensors to calculate how much energy to recover when you lift off the accelerator. If your tires are the wrong size, the car cannot accurately measure wheel speed, and regenerative braking becomes less efficient. You may notice reduced range or inconsistent braking feel.
Tire size also affects your speedometer and odometer accuracy. A larger tire rotates more slowly than a smaller one, so if your replacement tires are oversized, your speedometer will read lower than your actual speed. Undersized tires will make it read higher. This can affect navigation, range estimates, and safety.
All-wheel-drive Teslas are especially sensitive to tire size mismatch because the front and rear motors coordinate based on wheel speed. Using different sizes on different axles can cause the vehicle to fight itself, reducing efficiency and potentially damaging the drivetrain.
What to do when you have new tires installed
After new tires are mounted, ask the tire shop to perform a wheel alignment check. Even though you are not changing wheel size, the installation process can shift alignment slightly. A quick alignment check costs $50 to $100 and prevents uneven wear.
After installation, drive to a Tesla service center or use your vehicle's touchscreen to reset the tire pressure monitoring system. Go to Controls > Service > Tire Pressure Monitor. The system needs to relearn the new tires' baseline pressure and temperature. Until this is done, you may see tire pressure warnings even though your tires are properly inflated.
Check your tire pressure monthly and before long trips. Tesla recommends the pressure listed on your door jamb sticker, not the maximum pressure printed on the tire sidewall. Proper pressure improves range, handling, and tire lifespan.
Common mistakes when replacing Tesla tires
The most common error is buying a tire that is close to the right size instead of exact. A tire that is one size up or down may physically fit, but it will cause the problems described above — reduced range, speedometer error, and regenerative braking issues. "Close enough" does not work with Tesla tires.
Another mistake is ignoring the speed rating. Some people buy tires with a lower speed rating to save money, assuming they will never drive that fast. Tesla's regenerative braking and all-wheel-drive systems rely on the tire's thermal stability at highway speeds. A lower-rated tire can overheat and fail without warning, even if you are not driving at its rated maximum speed.
A third mistake is replacing only two tires instead of all four. If you have a flat or puncture, you may be tempted to replace just that one tire. For all-wheel-drive Teslas, this can damage the drivetrain. For rear-wheel-drive Teslas, it can cause handling problems. Replace all four tires at the same time whenever possible, or at minimum replace both tires on the same axle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different tire size if it fits on my wheel?
No. Just because a tire physically fits does not mean it is safe or correct for your vehicle. Using the wrong size will reduce your range, affect your speedometer accuracy, and interfere with regenerative braking and all-wheel-drive coordination. Always match the size and rating on your door jamb sticker exactly.
Do I have to buy tires from Tesla?
No. You can buy tires from any retailer — online, at tire shops, at warehouse clubs, or anywhere else — as long as they match your vehicle's specifications. You can also have them installed at any tire shop. Tesla service centers are one option, but usually not the cheapest.
What if my tires are a different size than what the sticker says?
Your next replacement should match the sticker, not your current tires. Previous owners may have installed the wrong size. Check your door jamb sticker and owner's manual to confirm what Tesla originally specified for your model year, then buy tires matching that specification.
Does tire brand matter as long as the size is correct?
Brand does not matter to Tesla or your vehicle's safety, as long as the size and speed rating match. Different brands offer different price points, tread designs, and wear warranties. Choose based on your budget and driving needs, but always verify the size and rating match your door jamb sticker first.
Will wrong-sized tires damage my Tesla?
Yes, over time. Wrong-sized tires can damage the all-wheel-drive system, reduce regenerative braking efficiency, cause uneven wear, and trigger warning lights. The damage may not be when ready, but it will eventually affect your vehicle's performance and safety. Always use the correct size.