Choosing winter tyres for your Tesla Model 3 starts with a simple question: what size tyres are actually fitted to your car? Between the Model 3s produced from 2017 to 2023 and the restyled 2024 Highland, the wheel rims and part numbers have changed. Here’s how to read your tyre sidewall, which tyres to choose and how much they cost.
Tesla Model 3 winter tyres: finding the correct size
The tyre size is printed on the sidewall of each tyre, in the format width/height R diameter, followed by the load and speed ratings. On the Model 3, the most common tyre sizes are 235/45 R18 (Aero or Photon rims), the 235/40 R19 (Sport or Nova wheels) and the 20-inch tyres on Performance versions, sometimes with different widths for the front and rear. Check your tyre specifications before placing any order: two cars from the same model year may be fitted with different rims, and the vehicle registration document is not sufficient to determine this.
2017–2023 or Highland: two sets of specifications
GreenDrive separates the sets by generation, as the original alloys and approved part numbers differ. For a pre-2024 Model 3, the set of four Hankook 2017–2023 tyres is available for €570.00. For the Highland, the Nokian Highland set (€712.40) is aimed at drivers facing truly cold conditions. On each product page, check that the version you’ve chosen bears the 3PMSF marking: since November 2024, it is this marking – and not simply the letters ‘M S’ – that classifies a tyre as a winter tyre under the Montagne Act.
Which brand for which driver?
There is no such thing as the ‘best’ Tesla Model 3 winter tyres in absolute terms; there are only tyres suited to your winter conditions. Hankook offers the best value for money and versatility for flat country and suburban areas, where you mainly drive on cold, wet roads. Nokian, the Finnish specialist in extreme cold, offers peace of mind in the Jura, the East or the Alps, where snow lies. Michelin appeals to frequent motorway drivers for its durability and braking performance on cold, dry roads. Details of the Alpine symbol are explained in our article on Tesla 3PMSF tyres.
What the Model 3 demands of its winter tyres
A Model 3 weighs around 1.8 tonnes depending on the version and delivers its torque instantly: low-end Tesla Model 3 winter tyres will spin as soon as you accelerate properly for the first time. In the Rear-Wheel Drive version, traction relies solely on the rear wheels, which also handle the regenerative braking when you lift off the accelerator. You should therefore choose a tyre renowned for its grip, activate Chill mode on snow and ensure the load index is at least equal to the original one, as shown on the label on the door pillar.
Checklist before ordering your Tesla Model 3 winter tyres
- exact size as shown on the sidewall, front and rear;
- identified generation: 2017–2023 or Highland 2024;
- 3PMSF marking (three-peaked mountain and snowflake);
- load and speed ratings at least equal to the original specifications;
- pressure sensors to be retained during fitting;
- fitting appointment booked before the first frosts.
Tyres only or complete wheels for your Model 3?
Fitting Tesla Model 3 winter tyres onto your original rims means having to remove them twice a year and exposes the rims to road salt. If you keep the car for several winters, complete wheel sets quickly become cost-effective: the Model 3 winter complete wheel set in 18-inch PL06 rims (€669.90) costs less than some sets of premium tyres on their own. You can swap them yourself in half an hour, without needing to book an appointment. For help choosing rims, our Model 3 rim guide details compatibility options.
Frequently asked questions
Do you need four Tesla Model 3 winter tyres, or are two enough? Always four: having two winter tyres on a single axle throws the car off balance when braking and cornering.
Can you fit 18-inch wheels on a Model 3 that came with 19-inch ones? Yes, on most versions, provided the rim clears the brake calipers; Performance models have specific restrictions.
Do winter tyres increase fuel consumption? Slightly, by a few per cent – a small price to pay for the added safety.
Where can I find the official requirements? The details of the Montagne Act are set out on securite-routiere.gouv.fr.
Green Drive’s advice
For a Model 3, the correct size and the 3PMSF marking are more important than the brand: start with your tyre size, then choose the compound suited to your region. All options are available in the Model 3 tyres section.
