Understanding Tesla Model 3 tire size: A complete guide
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Car enthusiasts know the importance of tire size. Being an automotive owner, it is requisite to learn about every part of the vehicle.
A car enthusiast never misses checking the size and the quality of the tire installed on his vehicle. But as a beginner, understanding those numbers and digits can be a bit confusing.
Understanding different tire sizes and their meaning is not a big science project. Anybody with one hour of research on the subject can easily dig out the meaning lying behind all those digits and numbers that represent the tire size.
In this particular article, I am about to define the different sizes of tires that come with a Tesla Model 3 and how you can decipher the meaning that your Model 3’s tire represents.
If you have clicked on this article for the same purpose, let’s begin the discussion-
Engraved tire numbers and their meaning
All the numbers that are engraved on the tire surface have individual meanings. First, you have to get the knowledge of the importance of these letters and digits.
To understand the meaning of the carved digits and letters, take a tire’s number for instance,
‘P215/65R15’
Here, the letter ‘P’ stands for the vehicle type, whether it's a cargo vehicle or a passenger one. 'P' means a P-Metric tire, and the tire is compatible with passenger vehicles only.
The digits 215 give the information of the tire’s width. 215 means the tire is 215 millimeters wide. The width is measured with millimeters from sidewall to sidewall.
The digits next to the slash let us know about the aspect ratio of the tire. With 65, it is meant that the tire’s height is 65% of the tire’s width.
The second next letter refers to the construction formula. ‘R’ means a radial constructed tire.
The last two digits indicate the diameter of the wheel. Here, 15 means the tire is made to fit a 15” diameter wheel.
These are all the primary conceptions you needed to know related to tire sizing.
The tire size of the Tesla Model 3
Tesla Model 3 has relatively different aspects to choose the tire size. Since the tire size depends on some particular characteristics like,
- The rim size
- Loading capacity
- Speed
- Engine etc.
Here, we are giving you the tire sizes compatible with the Tesla Model 3 following the regulations it needs.
Generation | Power | Engine | Rim | Tire size |
2017-22 Long Range | 456 HP | Electric | 8.5Jx20 ET35 9Jx20 ET34 | 235/35ZR20 235/35ZR20 |
2017-22 Long Range | 346 HP | Electric | 8.5Jx18 ET40 9Jx20 ET40 | 235/45R18 235/35ZR20 |
2017-22 Standard Range Plus | 283 HP | Electric | 8.5Jx18 ET40 9Jx20 ET40 | 235/45R18 235/35ZR20 |
(Source: wheel-size.com)
All electric-engine run Tesla Model 3 cars come with different powered engine module that seeks different tire size. Though Model 3 can run several tires, it is important to remember that the tire size should not exceed 27.5” to keep it from crushing the front upper control arm.
Tires are mostly pneumatic, and the rim should fit the tire with the most air ventricular position. In different tracks, the car requires different sizes of tires. Choose the tire according to the original and accurate fitment.
Following the base models and the performance, the Tesla Model 3 has many tire sizes. We are including the base and the performance tire sizes for your Tesla Model 3 in this article.
Tesla Model 3 (2017) | Tire size |
Base | Front: 235/40R19 Rear: 265/35R19 |
Performance | Front: 235/35R20 Rear: 275/30R20 |
Tesla Model 3 (2018) | Tire size |
Base | Front: 235/40R19 Rear: 265/35R19 |
Performance | Front: 235/35R20 Rear: 275/30R20 |
Tesla Model 3 (2019) | Tire size |
Long Range AWD | Front: 235/40R19 Rear: 265/35R19 |
Mid Range RWD | Front: 235/40R19 Rear: 265/35R19 |
Performance | Front: 235/35R20 Rear: 275/30R20 |
Tesla Model 3 (2020) | Tire size |
Long Range AWD | Front: 235/40R19 Rear: 265/35R19 |
Performance | Front: 235/35R20 Rear: 275/30R20 |
Standard Range Plus RWD | Front: 235/40R19 Rear: 265/35R19 |
Tesla Model 3 (2021) | Tire size |
Long Range | Front: 235/40R19 Rear: 265/35R19 |
Performance | Front: 235/35R20 Rear: 275/30R20 |
Standard Range Plus | Front: 235/40R19 Rear: 265/35R19 |
(Source: tiresize.com)
So, here we are with the all latest tire sizes for your Tesla Model 3 cars.
We have collected the information considering the wheelbase and rim size in the first table. And the second and last table consists of tire sizes for front and rear wheels for all-season cars (2017-2021).
Things to keep in mind
Not just Tesla, for any vehicle model, tire size selection follows some regulations. There are things to consider before buying tires for your car. We have mentioned some of the ethics that need to keep in mind.
All tires can run with limited weight and at limited speed. And if the tire does not go with the standards, there is the possibility that you might fall in danger.
Consider all the points including the vehicle's speed and the engine power. The type of vehicle is important to follow. Passenger and cargo both the vehicle type support differently constructed tires. They go with the loading capacity of the vehicle.
And the most important point to note is the rim size. A perfect fit of the rim makes the most comfortable journey.
FAQ
Does model 3 require only factory-made tires?
Ans. No, some third-party manufacturers provide good quality tires for Tesla model 3 cars.
What is the advantage of pneumatic tires?
Ans. Pneumatic tires can run smoothly on uneven terrain and absorb weight pressure.
What can be the original fit for my model 3 (2018) performance?
Ans. In our 2nd table, we have mentioned the best-fit tires for both front and rear. Check them out.
Conclusion
Tesla Model 3 is a popular electric vehicle across the world. This is an automotive vehicle that powers the economic zone without wasting any energy. All the parts, including tires, have important rules and traffic to maintain.
Tesla remains the most favorable of all with its innovation. The tire size surely needs attention while purchasing. With the remaining words of the conclusion, we will try to tell you, put the regular and good performing tires on your Tesla’s rim. Whether it’s a Model 3/Y or X, good maintenance of parts will keep the car well-performing in the long run.