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If you’ve switched from traditional car ownership to electric cars, including Teslas, one of the elements you must consider is what kind of tires you’ll need. Luckily, you have plenty of great options.
The best tires for Tesla vehicles are the Michelin Primacy Tour A/S Tires because they’re suitable for all seasons and weather conditions, quiet, safe, and well-designed.
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Here are some more specific scenarios that may require a different tire choice:
Image | Tire Model | Best for | Price |
---|---|---|---|
MICHELIN Pilot Sport 4 S Performance Radial Tire-325/25ZR21/XL 102Y |
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| Check Price On Amazon | ||
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Firestone Firehawk Indy 500 Ultra-High Summer Peformance Tire 225/40R18 92 W Extra Load |
| Check Price On Amazon | |
Pirelli PZero Race Trofeo Performance Radial Tire - 235/35ZR19XL 91Y |
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Goodyear Assurance MaxLife all_ Season Radial Tire-P235/45R19 95H |
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| Check Price On Amazon |
In this article, I’ll explain why the Michelin Primacy Tour A/S tires are the best for most people and discuss the alternatives you may prefer in other situations.
I’ll also take you through the various factors you must consider before purchasing new tires for your Tesla. Let’s get started!
Best Overall: Michelin Primacy Tour A/S
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The best choice for Tesla tires is the Michelin Primacy Tour A/S tires because they offer excellent performance in all seasons — no matter the weather, you’ll be able to enjoy a comfortable ride.
Tesla Model 3 vehicles are often considered the best Tesla model, and this model is typically the most popular.
The factory tires for these vehicles are the Michelin Primacy MXM4 tires, which are solid, but if you’re looking for a different tire, look no further than upgrading to the Primacy Tour A/S. As of 2022, Tesla Model 3 comes with Hankook Kinergy GT tires.
The Michelin Primacy Tour A/S is incredibly well-designed. An example of its pristine design is its asymmetric tread, which offers excellent traction and tread life without taking away from the overall comfort of the ride.
Additionally, there are outer shoulder blocks that improve stability and handling.
Michelin Primacy Tour A/S: Pros and Cons
Pros
Good wet and dry performance
Quiet ride
All season tires
Durable
Good traction
Safe
Cons
May be too expensive for some
Load capacity may be too low for some
Insufficient warranty
Not the best option for speed
The tires’ wet performance is impressive, especially since it’s not specifically designed for winter.
This is thanks to the circumferential grooves in the tires that help get rid of water and improve dry traction on the road, which decreases the risk of hydroplaning.
Another great aspect of these tires is how quiet they are. They are made of pure rubber, which is gentle and reduces road noise for a quieter and smoother ride.
Michelin Primacy Tour A/S: Product Specifications
Attribute | Description |
Season | All seasons |
Warranty | 55,000 miles (88,514 km) |
Maximum Speed | 168 mph (270 kph) |
Load Capacity | 1,653 pounds (750 kg) |
Rim Size | 18 inches (46 cm) |
Best for Speed: Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S Performance Radial Tire
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If speed is the priority with your Tesla, then these S tires from Michelin are a great choice.
They feature an asymmetrical tread pattern that improves road grip and durability, so you can whip around at high speeds without worrying about completely ruining your tires and tread life.
Additionally, they can come to a stop more quickly than other tires because of the hybrid rubber material, even from a short distance.
These tires have a Variable Contact Patch 3.0 feature, which distributes the contact area of the tire and the road more evenly and makes driving smoother, even at high speeds.
Another positive aspect is that they absorb road sounds and vibrations effectively, making for a quieter and more enjoyable ride, even if you’re going fast.
Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S: Pros and Cons
Pros
Perform well at high speeds
Excellent braking
Durable
Good in high temperatures
Quiet
Aesthetically pleasing
Cons
Insufficient warranty
Poor wet performance
Poor in cold temperatures
These features mean that the tires have great dry performance, but their wet performance isn’t as good. Therefore, I don’t recommend using these tires in wet conditions.
Furthermore, you should know that they have abysmal winter performance.
They’re built to reach high speeds in dry and hot conditions, and they struggle even in light snow, so choose accordingly.
Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S: Product Specifications
Attribute | Description |
Season | All seasons |
Warranty | 30,000 miles (48,280 km) |
Maximum Speed | 186 mph (299 kph) |
Load Capacity | 1,874 pounds (850 kg) |
Rim Size | 21 inches (53 cm) |
Best Tread Life: Continental ExtremeContact DWS
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The ExtremeContact DWS tires are designed for performance sedans and sports cars, and you can certainly use them for your Tesla, especially if you’re looking for the best tread life on the market.
The tires have a silica-enhanced tread compound with Silane additives, which extends the tread life and improves the wet performance and grip.
Furthermore, the tires have the Continental brand’s unique chamfered edges, which allow for maximum tread in dry conditions. However, if you think that all these features make these tires suitable for the summer only, think again!
The tires have ridges in the bottom of the criss-cross grooves, which improves snow traction too. Therefore, these tires are solid winter tires as well!
Continental ExtremeContact DWS: Pros and Cons
Pros
Great tread life
Great braking
Highly responsive
Quiet
Good performance in all seasons
Good load capacity
Capable of high speeds
Cons
High price
Insufficient warranty
The tread features and tread life on these tires are unmatched, but still, they’ll start to wear out eventually, as all tires do. Luckily, Continental designed a way to check your tread quality.
On the second rib from the outbound shoulder is a visible molded DWS that acts as an indicator of the tire’s tread health.
If you can read all three letters of the DWS, the tires have suitable tread depth for dry conditions, wet conditions, and snow. If the S is worn away, the tread depth is only suitable for dry conditions or barely wet conditions.
If you can only read the D, you should only use the tires in dry conditions, as the tread depth is no longer suitable for anything more challenging or high moisture levels.
Another great attribute of these tires is their braking capability. The macroblocks and chamfered edges help the tires come to a stop even at only a short braking distance.
Furthermore, they’re extremely responsive, so as soon as you turn the steering wheel, you’ll notice the tires change direction.
Continental ExtremeContact DWS: Product Specifications
Attribute | Description |
Season | All seasons |
Warranty | 50,000 miles (80,467 km) |
Maximum Speed | 186 mph (299 kph) |
Load Capacity | 1,929 pounds (875 kg) |
Rim Size | 28.66 inches (73 cm) |
Best Winter Tires: Dunlop SP Winter Sport
Dunlop SP Winter Sport 3D 275/45R19 108V XL
Active Traction Sipe System and central-block pulling sipes help provide superior performance, traction and braking in ice and snow
Directional tread design enhances wet handling and deep-water performance
Multi-Radius Tread Technology distributes pressure evenly to help provide maximum grip on snow and ice, shoulder stability and excellent handling
Jointless Band Technology helps maintain the tire’s shape and enables smooth performance at highway speeds
Tread low in compound aromatic oils thanks to an environmentally friendly compound
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You want a safe and reliable tire at any time of year, but especially during the winter. Winter driving conditions can be extremely treacherous, so you want a tire you can rely on.
There are many reasons why the Dunlop SP Winter Sport is capable of such impressive performance, even in colder weather and snowy conditions.
For one, the reactive silica mix tread can expand or contract depending on the temperature, so you won’t ever have to worry about freezing temperatures rendering your tires useless.
Furthermore, the tread design reduces the risk of hydroplaning, and the edges are solid and capable of working through heavy snow to achieve a secure and reliable grip, even in icy and slippery conditions.
Dunlop SP Winter Sport : Pros and Cons
Pros
Extremely safe and high-performing in winter conditions
Good traction
Good tread life
Good performance even in cold temperatures
Cons
Not capable of extremely high speeds
Insufficient load capacity for some
Expensive
No warranty
Not the best summertime performance
Noisy
The multi-radius tread technology evenly distributes pressure, so you’ll get the maximum grip and handling you can achieve in the winter.
A significant drawback to this tire is its price. Because it has so many advanced features to help you drive safely throughout the winter, it comes at a premium price.
Additionally, the tires don’t perform as well in summer conditions and are pretty noisy.
Dunlop SP Winter Sport : Product Specifications
Attribute | Description |
Season | Winter |
Warranty | None |
Maximum Speed | 130 mph (209 km) |
Load Capacity | 1,477 pounds (670 kg) |
Rim Size | 19 inches (48 cm) |
Best Summer Tires: Firestone Firehawk Indy 500 Ultra-High Summer Performance Tire
Firestone Firehawk Indy 500 Ultra-High Summer Peformance Tire 225/40R18 92 W Extra Load
Ultra-High Summer Performance at a Great Value
Improved water evacuation for more control on wet roads
Ultra-High Performance with Bold Design
Improved wet rubber compound and tread deisgn provides 20% shorter stopping distance on wet roads
Proprietary Pulse Groove Technology improves water evacuation and helps increase resistance to hydroplaning
CORNER WITH CONFIDENCE – The latest Firestone Fire hawk Indy 500 tire lets you corner with confidence featuring wide shoulders that increase the tire’s stiffness to provide dynamic cornering
20% SHORTER STOPPING DISTANCE ON WET ROADS – With an improved rubber compound and tread design, the new Indy 500 tire gives you a 20% shorter stopping distance on wet roads, as compared to the prior generation Fire hawk Wide Oval Indy 500 tire
THE PULSE GROOVE CHANNEL HELPS REDUCE THE RISK OF HYDROPLANING – The proprietary Pulse Groove channel in the tread pattern takes water evacuation to the next level helping to improve wet handling* and reduce the risk of hydroplaning
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Some people may not realize that seasonal tires aren’t just for the winter and that some tires perform better in summer conditions than others.
One of the best-performing summer tires is the Firestone Firehawk Indy 500 because of its advanced handling and braking, even in wet conditions.
Many places experience heavy rains during the summer, but this isn’t an issue with the hydroplaning resistance these tires have. They can also withstand extremely high temperatures.
Firestone Firehawk Indy 500: Pros and Cons
Pros
Good handling
Good braking
Great performance in wet conditions
Cons
Load capacity may be insufficient for some
Not good in winter conditions
Firestone Firehawk Indy 500: Product Specifications
Attribute | Description |
Season | Summer |
Warranty | None |
Maximum Speed | 168 mph (270 kph) |
Load Capacity | 1,389 pounds (630 kg) |
Rim Size | 18 inches (46 cm) |
Best for Racing: Pirelli PZero Race Trofeo Performance Radial Tire
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If you’re a street racer, these are the tires for you! They’re specifically designed to be competition tires, which means that they can reach higher speeds with some stability and solid response from the steering wheel.
Furthermore, the tread design allows you to make sharper turns, so you’ll be able to whip around corners at high speeds without any problem.
Racing can cause a lot of damage and strain to a tire, but these tires are durable, so you can continue using them for many years, even if you put them through the wringer.
Pirelli PZero Race Trofeo: Pros and Cons
Pros
Capable of high speeds
Good tread
Quick response
Solid longevity, especially for a racing tire
Decent performance in wet conditions
Trusted brand with many years of experience
Cons
Not suitable for use in winter or slippery conditions
Expensive
No warranty
While the Pirelli PZero Race is best in dry conditions, it has grooves that help flick water away from the tire’s surface to make it safer for use in wet conditions. However, it’s not a good tire for slippery conditions, including ice and snow, so you should avoid using it in winter.
These tires are far from the most expensive racing tires available on the market, but they still aren’t cheap. They’re a significant investment, and you should be prepared for a higher price tag.
Pirelli PZero Race Trofeo: Product Specifications
Attribute | Description |
Season | All-Season, but only suitable in light snow, not extreme winter conditions |
Warranty | None |
Maximum Speed | 186 mph (299 kph) |
Load Capacity | 1,521 pounds (690 kg) |
Rim Size | 18 inches (46 cm) |
Most Reliable: Goodyear Assurance MaxLife
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Sometimes you don’t want a fancy tire or one that can go super fast or has lots of bells and whistles; you just want a solid tire that can get you from point A to point B safely, no matter how wet or dry it is. Additionally, these tires are built to last, so you won’t have to fork out the money to replace them too often.
Goodyear Assurance MaxLife: Pros and Cons
Pros
Good warranty
Great value for the price
Good performance in wet and dry conditions
Visible wear gauge to track tread
Good longevity
Cons
Not capable of extremely high speeds
Load capacity may be insufficient for some
Part of the reason these tires are so reliable is their symmetric tread pattern, including a center rib, which allows for more contact between the tire and the road and enhances safety and stability even at highway speeds.
Additionally, the wear gauge feature allows drivers to keep track of how worn their tires are.
They also have great braking, handling, and hydroplaning resistance, so they’re a solid choice for anyone concerned about their safety, especially in wet conditions.
Goodyear Assurance MaxLife: Product Specifications
Attribute | Description |
Season | All-Season |
Warranty | 85,000 miles (136,794 km) |
Maximum Speed | 130 mph (209 kph) |
Load Capacity | 1,477 pounds (670 kg) |
Rim Size | 19 inches (48 cm) |
Best Bang for Your Buck: Yokohama Advan Sport A/S
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These Yokohama tires aren’t the absolute cheapest tires you can buy for your Tesla, but I think they’re the best tires available at a lower price point than average.
One of their best qualities is that they can perform at any temperature due to the silica blend tread compound, which helps provide a strong grip that’s unaffected by a change in temperature.
The tread pattern also has a large outboard shoulder zone, which helps absorb the road noises and makes for a more comfortable and quieter ride, making these tires a great choice for long highway trips.
Yokohama Advan Sport A/S: Pros and Cons
Pros
Performs well in all temperatures
Quiet
Good value
Good in wet conditions
Stable
Easy to control
Good response
Good braking
Cons
Not as advanced as other tires
Insufficient longevity
Furthermore, the wide, circumferential grooves maintain water flow, so your risk of hydroplaning is greatly reduced, and you won’t have to worry about hitting rough weather and your tires losing their functionality.
Finally, these tires feature a wide base, which allows the driver to have more control and stability.
Yokohama Advan Sport A/S: Product Specifications
Attribute | Description |
Season | All-Season |
Warranty | 50,000 miles (80,467 km) |
Maximum Speed | 118 mph (190 kph) |
Load Capacity | 1,653 pounds (750 kg) |
Rim Size | 15 inches (38 cm) |
If you are a Tesla Model Y owner, you may find my article on choosing between Tesla Gemini or Induction wheels worth a read.
Things To Consider When Buying Tesla Tires
Below are the factors you should consider before making a purchase:
- Size. Each Tesla model has different size tires that it’s compatible with. So, before purchasing your new tires, you’ll need to consult your model’s user manual to determine the tire size you need.
- Season. If you live in an area with intense winters, you’ll probably need to purchase tires that can handle those weather conditions.
- Price. Tires can be costly, so it’s important to be reasonable about how much you’ll be able to afford to spend on your tires. You’ve probably already invested a lot of money in the car itself, so you may need to consider saving when it comes to purchasing tires for it. For more information, check out my article on why electric cars are so expensive.
- Friction. Electric vehicles require low-friction tires because low rolling resistance increases electric range and efficiency.
Key Takeaways
If you’re looking for new tires for your Tesla, you have many great options. The best overall choice is the Michelin Primacy Tour A/S tires because they are safe, quiet, and suitable for use in all seasons. However, if you have specific wants for your tires, such as superior speed, tread life, winter capabilities, and more, you have plenty of other options for suitable tires.
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