Tesla Model 3 winter wheels let you switch from summer to winter in an hour, without touching your original rims. A complete kit includes rims, winter tyres and fitting, ready to go as soon as the cold weather sets in. Here’s how to choose the right diameter, check compatibility between the 2017–2023 Model 3, Highland and Performance variants, and work out the right budget.
Tesla Model 3 winter wheels: the benefits of the complete kit
Simply changing the tyres twice a year means you have to remove, refit and balance them every season, with the risk of scratching the rims. Complete Tesla Model 3 winter wheels eliminate this hassle: five nuts per wheel, a torque wrench, and you’re done. Your summer rims, which are often larger and more delicate, are thus protected from road salt, frozen kerbs and grit. Over three or four winters, the savings on fitting costs really add up.
Tesla Model 3 winter wheels: 18 or 19 inches?
On a Model 3, the 18-inch option remains the winter standard: higher sidewalls, better shock absorption, and less expensive tyres. The PL06 18-inch complete winter wheel set (€669.90) is the most affordable entry-level option, whilst the Borbet 18-inch wheels (€839.90) offer a more premium look. The 19-inch option, such as the P122 kit at €912.90, maintains a sportier style whilst still offering a decent level of comfort. Our Model 3 wheel guide provides the relevant specifications.
Model 3 2017–2023, Highland and Performance
Not all Tesla Model 3 winter wheels are suitable for every generation. The facelifted 2024 Model 3, known as the Highland, shares most of the dimensions of its predecessor, but the Performance Highland version features larger brakes which require specific wheels: this is the case with the Uberturbine (€2,604.90) or Arachnid (€2,724.90) kits designed for it. Always check the list of compatible versions on the product page before ordering.
Winter tyres: what to look for
A high-quality kit is judged first and foremost by its tyres. Look for the 3PMSF symbol, which has been mandatory since November 2024 for tyres to be recognised as winter tyres in areas covered by the Mountain Law. Also check the load index, as a Tesla is heavy, and opt for tyres with moderate rolling noise: in a quiet cabin, every decibel counts. The product details for each kit specify the exact make and model of the fitted tyre. Our Tesla winter tyre comparison sets out the criteria in detail.
Checklist before ordering
- exact year and version: 2017–2023, Highland, Performance;
- target diameter and compatibility with the brake calipers;
- tyres marked 3PMSF and with the correct load index;
- TPMS pressure sensors included or to be provided;
- nuts and hub caps suitable for the new wheels.
When to fit winter tyres on a Tesla Model 3
The standard guideline is when morning temperatures consistently drop below 7 °C, generally between late October and mid-November depending on the region. In mountainous areas, winter tyres are compulsory from 1 November to 31 March. Before setting off on a skiing trip, check the road conditions at bison-fute.gouv.fr. Allow an hour at the garage; it will take a little longer at home if you have a jack, wheel chocks, suitable lifting stands and a torque wrench set to the recommended torque. When removing the tyres in spring, wash and dry the wheels before storing them either flat or suspended.
Frequently asked questions
Do the Tesla Model 3 winter wheels arrive ready to fit? Yes, the rims and tyres are delivered fitted and balanced.
Will a kit for the 2021 Model 3 fit a Highland? Often, but not on the Performance Highland; the product page lists the compatible versions.
Are TPMS sensors required? They are strongly recommended to keep the tyre pressure warning active throughout the winter.
Do 18-inch wheels reduce range? On the contrary, they actually help; it’s the cold that reduces range.
Green Drive’s verdict
For a Model 3 driven throughout the winter, the 18-inch kit offers the best balance between comfort, safety and value for money. All kits can be found in the Model 3 complete winter wheels section.
