WHEELS MATTER AERODYNAMICS
Drag slows vehicles by disrupting airflow. Drag requires more energy to move the automobile, reducing range. Tesla’s Gemini and Tempest wheels and several aftermarket coverings feature aero covers. The closer to a flat surface and less airflow, the less drag and better aerodynamics. Simple disc wheels would reduce drag greatest, but brake cooling requires airflow.
The Model Y has Induction wheels, while the Model 3 has Sport Wheels. This blog shows them all afterwards. Some good-looking wheels aim to balance efficiency with beauty.
WEIGHT
Range increases with lighter wheels! We’re repeating. Heavy EVs need bigger wheels. Some are heavier. For EV performance, energy efficiency, safety, and driving enjoyment, the wheel weight must be evenly distributed.
SIZE
Smaller wheels are lighter, therefore this goes with weight. Smaller and lighter is more efficient. Its larger diameter and breadth increase drag.
TYRES MATTER
Teslas usually have Continental, Michelin, or Pirelli. Tesla tyres are meant to improve handling, range, and ride quality. Foam makes them quieter. Everything else—wind and road noise—is louder without engine noise. Foam construction is why.
If you’re wondering about tyres and what’s ideal for you, check out this chart.
Tyre number reading:
WEIGHT & SIZE EV tyres are heavier, stiffer, and flatter for uniform ground contact. Your range is heavy, which adds weight. Like wheels, larger tyres reduce range and aerodynamics.
Rolling resistance
Tyre deformation, air resistance, and road friction all oppose a vehicle’s tyres. Rolling resistance is the energy lost as the tyre deforms under load.
Low-rolling-resistance tyres enhance fuel economy. Tyre rolling resistance is low for many reasons:
- Tread Design: Optimised tread patterns and compound formulas minimise road friction and rolling resistance.
- Tyre Construction: Lighter materials and less internal friction may minimise rolling resistance.
- Tyre pressure is essential. Underinflated tyres increase rolling resistance and decrease fuel economy.
- Tyre compound: Tyre compounds impact rolling resistance. Silica-based additives minimise rolling resistance and improve traction.
- Tyre size and shape affect rolling resistance. Narrower tyres offer reduced rolling resistance but less handling.
- Environmental concerns and fuel economy rules have increased tyre rolling resistance reduction efforts. EVs and hybrids employ low-rolling resistance tyres to save up to 10% on energy. Bigger tyres increase rolling resistance, lowering range.
Key takeaway: Assess your driving habits and lifestyle before choosing tyres and wheels. Range or style? Do you use your Tesla mostly for short commutes or road trips? Wheels and tyres may reduce range by 3-10%. It depends on your needs.
- Tesla’s May 2023 tyres:
- Model 3 18″ Aero Wheels
- Model 3 19″ Sport Wheels
- 19″ Gemini Wheels (Included)
- Model Y 20″ Induction Wheels
- Model S 19′′ Tempest Wheels (Included)
- Model S 21″ Arachnid Wheels
- Model X (20″ Cyberstream Wheels)
22″ Turbine Wheels
The New Aero, which we installed on our red Model 3, is one of several aftermarket options:
Tyre care
Teslas need less upkeep, which is wonderful! Tyres are essential. Discuss the essentials. Contact us for details about Tesla accessories in North Sydney.
Tyre wear
In bad weather or before a road trip, check your tread depth regularly. Tesla advises against using “Tires with a tread depth less than 4/32” (3 mm), which are more prone to hydroplane in rainy situations. Winter tyres should not have a tread depth less than 5/32″ (4 mm).
Penny Test
Put a coin head-first in the grooves to assess tread depth. Lincoln’s hair may indicate tyre replacement. Check all grooves within the tyre, including the innermost. Model X tyres often wear on the inside.
LEAKS
Tesla’s service settings display tyre PSI for all four tyres. It will inform you if one or more drops below a certain level, but you should still monitor them. Your driver door has your PSI levels.
Find the leak first. Grab a light and move the tyre. If you can’t locate it, listen for air exiting. Alternatively, spray the tyre with soapy water. Air escapes will bubble.
Don’t remove the thing until you’ve fixed it. Carry a tyre inflator. Air up your tyre and drive to a repair shop. Tow it if you can’t air it up. If you choose, you may purchase a spare tyre for your Tesla. I like a tyre inflate and plug kit in my trunk, but others may not.
Wheel alignment, balance, and rotation
Tyre rotation evens tread wear, reduces road noise, and extends tyre life. Tesla advises replacing tyres every 6,250 miles (10,000 km) or when tread depth difference exceeds 2/32 in (1.5 mm). The Model X only rotates left to right because to its larger rear tyres and smaller front tyres. Some tyres only spin one direction, while others are fixed and don’t rotate. Consider this while choosing tyres.
I alter one of my “trips” to “Rotation” so I know to rotate at 6,250.
Discount Tyre provides free rotation and balancing with purchase. So shop around. Rotation may be done at home, but balancing and aligning need heavy equipment.
Unbalanced tyres might cause steering wheel vibrations or vehicle control issues. Check and balance anything suspicious immediately. Check alignment if your tyres wear unevenly or excessively. Reset tyre settings after servicing.
Jack pads are needed to properly raise all Teslas without destroying the battery. If you need to jack up your automobile, jack pads are handy.
Kerb rashes don’t affect driving, but they’re ugly. Shops may sand and refinish these. It should appear fresh afterwards.
Tesla suggests replacing tyres every six years, however we recommend using tyre rating and tread level instead. If tyres need to be changed early, such as due to a flat tyre, we suggest changing them in pairs (such as the rear or front) unless they are fresh or have little wear. After installing new tyres, use your touchscreen to reset the TPMS sensors.
- Tips for tyre longevity
- Maintain proper tyre pressure. Low PSI reduces range. Underinflation softens it and releases heat when driving. Traction and steering are difficult.
- Speed restriction.
- 0-60 takeoffs are enjoyable, but restrict strong acceleration!
- Limit hard twists and braking.
- Avoid potholes and kerbs.
