Tesla cars are not cheap. Buyers of such cars praise them for their economy. On average, their maintenance costs are much cheaper compared to conventional cars. There is no need to pay for gasoline and change oil, also charging is cheaper. But what if the car needs repairs? Is it expensive to rotate tires, for example?
Why change tires on cars?
Tires are an important component of vehicles that provide safety while driving. Tire rotations from winter to summer tires and vice versa are important because of the differences in the tread pattern. Manufacturers, adapting to weather conditions, produce models that are very different from each other.
Tires for summer have deep longitudinal grooves designed to drain water and dirt from under the contact spot.
They effectively remove moisture, preventing aquaplaning.
Deep grooves are the feature of winter models, which have large blocks. With their help, a high-quality drainage system is forming that can cope with loose and rolled snow.
With the proper use of summer and winter models, drivers can improve vehicle handling, increase traction, and improve comfort. Timely Tesla tire rotation to account for climatic conditions allows tires to be used for several seasons.
Tire wear
You should rotate tires from winter to summer model and vice versa in the following cases:
- In case of tire wear. A tire is considered worn out whenthetread depth is less than 2/32″. Driving on such sets of wheels is unsafe and can lead to an accident. Recommended tire rotations from the Tesla owner’s manual:
- less than 4/32″ are not suitable for wet road conditions;
- less than 5/32″ are not suitable for winter conditions.
- In case of uneven abrasion of the tread pattern. This is more common on low-profile tires, which wear along the edges faster than the center. This has a negative effect on vehicle control.
- In case of mechanical damage. If you detect an impact break or bulge, a sidewall indentation, or a cut, it is necessary to rotate the tire set. The appearance of the cord is also an indication of a necessity for your Tesla tire rotation. The most common types of damage are:
- Punctured Tires. A puncture eventually leads to a loss of tire pressure, so it is important to check the tire pressure frequently. Repair or replace punctured or damaged tires as soon as possible.
- Flat Spots. If the car is stationary for a long time, flat spots may form on the tires. When driving, they cause vibration, which gradually disappears as the tires warm up.
- At the end of the service life. The warranty life of a tire is five years. It is not forbidden to drive on such tires longer, but by this time, they lose their qualities. Tire loses its elasticity due to the difference in average daily temperature, sunlight, and deterioration of bonds between molecules.
To prolong tire life, ensure optimal stability on the road, prevent premature wear, and increase fuel efficiency, you must change your tires in good time.
What’s the difference between rotating tires on a Tesla and replacing tires on regular cars?
As with any vehicle, tires on all Tesla models are subject to wear and tear. Regular tire rotations will ensure a safe ride on the road.
An inexperienced driver might think that Tesla tire rotation is not much different from the same process on classic cars. However, a deeper study of the issue reveals some crucial details:
- The Tesla is much heavier than conventional cars. This means that not every car lifter will be able to hoist this car. Trying to do so on a car lifter that is not designed for this weight can lead to serious injuries and huge losses.
- Tesla cars have special lift points. You cannot lift these vehicles at random lift points. The car has a battery underneath, and an inexperienced mechanic can damage it.
How often should I rotate the Tesla tire?
Manufacturers of Tesla recommend tire rotation every 6,250 miles (10,000 km). You should also pay attention to the tire wear. Some Tesla owners disregard this rule and drive many more miles, while others prefer to change their tires ahead of time. We would recommend that you stick to your Tesla model owner’s manual.
Nevertheless, unforeseen circumstances happen in life, so you should keep a close eye on the condition of your car.
What may indicate a problem with the tires:
- Low tire pressure. Your Tesla vehicle’s touchscreen displays the current and recommended tire pressures to make it easier for you to see the problem.
- The steering wheel shakes. The source of the vibration during fast driving is, in the vast majority of cases, the wheels.
- Handling troubles. Tire wear and tread changes have a big impact on your driving comfort as well as your safety.
Front tires and rear tires wear
Many car owners prefer to replace only the front tires instead of buying four tires. First – almost every modern car use four wheels for steering, and second – steering creates increased loads on the front wheels.
As a result, there is a tread depth difference between the front tires and the rear. This implies the need to replace only the front tires and not all four tires.
Some drivers put off rotating rear tires until later because they are less prone to wear and tear. They manage to save money on replacing a full set of tires.
However, the best choice would be to rotate all the tires completely to keep the balance.
All-wheel drive
Four-wheel drive cars use four wheels for steering and wear out all the tires accordingly. Owners of these vehicles need to change four tires at once because they are wearing out at the same time.
Where can I replace the tires on my Tesla?
For all vehicles, there are several ways to replace tires:
- going to brand specialty services;
- using the services of third-party service centers or mechanics;
- replacing tires yourself.
Below, we describe the advantages and disadvantages of each of these methods.
Tesla Service Center
The best solution for a simple tire rotation is to contact a Tesla service center. At this place, professionals are perfectly familiar with all the nuances of working with electric cars and will not damage your vehicle.
However, it is worth noting that there are very few Tesla service centers.
You will be very lucky if you need an urgent tire replacement just 45 kilometers from the nearest service center. After all, according to Tesla’s warranty, free towing of the car can only take place within a radius of 80 kilometers from the nearest service center.
A standard Tesla tire rotation will cost you about $150.
Note: installing winter tires with an aggressive compound and tread pattern may temporarily reduce regenerative braking performance.
Local garage
Mechanics working in third-party service centers can save you about half the money of the service cost.
However, it is important to note that not all mechanics are familiar with the structure of electric cars and will be able to provide you with qualified assistance.
If you decide to go to a local garage, we strongly recommend that you take your Tesla model owner’s manual with you.
Tesla tire rotations costs range from $25 to $75 per axle, depending on service pricing.
But there is an option of rotating tires for free if you buy all the tires at that center. Note that not all services follow this policy.
Tesla tire rotation by yourself
Before you begin replacing the tires yourself, read the owner’s manual carefully and make sure you have the necessary tools and skills.
Then you can move on to the replacement process:
- Determine and purchase the model of Tesla tires that are right for your vehicle.
- Remove the aero covers to gain access to the lug nuts:
- firmly grasp the aero cover with both hands;
- pull the cover toward you to release the retaining clips;
- Remove a lug nut cover to gain access to the lug nuts using the lug nut cover tool.
- Install new tires.
- Install the lug nut cover:
- align the lug nut cover in the right position;
- press down firmly on the lug nut cover until it clicks into place completely.
- Install an aero cover.
- Balance the wheel and tire.
- Update your car’s wheel configuration:
- Controls
- Service
- Wheel & Tire Configuration
- Wheels
- Consult a professional tire dealer and installer for further instructions.
While it is possible to replace Tesla tires yourself, we do not advise you to do it yourself so as not to damage your expensive car. It is better to entrust this task to professionals.
Frequently Asked Questions
In this article, we have tried to collect the most complete and detailed description of ways to replace the tires on Tesla cars. However, if you still have questions, we suggest you read the most common questions from drivers.
Does Tesla need tire rotation?
Like any other vehicle, Tesla’s tires seek tire rotation.
The most common causes of tire rotations are:
- punctured tires
- flat spots
If you notice these or other damage to your tires, contact a service center for tire rotation.
Tire problems may also be indicated by:
- vehicle vibration at high speeds
- tire pressure is low
- steering problems
Regular tire rotation will ensure a safe ride on the road.
How much does it cost to rotate Tesla tires?
The cost of tire rotations depends on the method you choose for this procedure:
- Tire rotation at a Tesla service center is about $150. This is the safest, but also the most expensive, way of tire rotation. Professional mechanics who are familiar with the construction of all Tesla vehicles will not damage your car and will quickly take care of tire rotation.
- Tire rotation at the local garage is $25 to $75. The cost of tire rotations depends on the pricing policy of the particular service. There is a chance of a free tire rotation if you purchase the entire set from that service center. Note: not all mechanics are familiar with the construction of Tesla and can cause damage to the car during wheel rotation.
- Rotating tires yourself is free of charge. This is the most difficult and responsible way of tire rotation. You definitely need to carefully study the owner’s manual, determine the appropriate tire model and follow the instructions on tire rotation exactly.
Can Tesla tires be rotated anywhere?
There are several options for carrying out the tire rotation:
- Tesla Service Center. This is the safest, but also the most expensive way of tire rotation. Professional mechanics familiar with the design of all Tesla cars will not damage your vehicle and will quickly fix the problem.
- Local garage. The cost of tire rotation depends on the pricing policy of a particular service. There is a possibility of a free tire rotation if you bought tires at this service center. Note: not all mechanics are familiar with the Tesla design and may damage the car during tire rotation.
- Self-rotation of tires. This is the most difficult and responsible way of tire rotation. You definitely need to carefully study the user manual, determine the appropriate tire model and follow the instructions on tire rotation exactly.
Can I rotate my own tires on a Tesla?
If you want to rotate the tires on your Tesla car, you need to consider several factors:
- You should only use Tesla-approved tires that are designed specifically for your car.
- Note that the Tesla tires are asymmetrical.
- Determine which tires you need: summer, winter, or all-season.
It is best to contact the service center for detailed advice on this issue.
Conclusion
As practice shows, after 5 years of tire operation, when the tread is still large enough, many drivers continue to operate them further.
But there are nuances: temperature changes, ultraviolet light, and chemicals that are used to wash the car or treat the road. This leads to the deterioration of the bonds between the molecules in the rubber and, as a result, loss of elasticity, which leads to destruction. This greatly affects the tires.
Numerous studies show that tire rupture at speed is due to age. Wherever you drive, on a highway or gravel road with low and high speeds, remember that you can poorly control such tires.
So be careful, and better get rid of these tires. You can determine the date of production by marking on the side of the tire – these are four digits indicating the week and year of manufacture.
Pay more attention to the condition of your car’s tires. Carefully monitor their wear and appearance. Maintain the correct pressure and observe the storage conditions. Remember about your safety and the safety of your passengers. And then, the tires will last you a long time and safely.