Choosing winter tyres for a Tesla Model S requires more care than for an ordinary saloon car: high kerb weight, instant torque and, depending on the model year, different front and rear tyre sizes. A mistake in the tyre size or load index will result in increased wear, noise and poorer handling. Here’s how to read your tyre specifications and choose the right part number.
Tesla Model S winter tyres: identifying your generation
There are two distinct model families. Model S cars produced between 2012 and 2021 are most commonly fitted with 19-inch wheels of the same size on all four corners, which simplifies the purchasing process and allows tyres to be swapped between the front and rear. Since the 2021 redesign (Long Range and Plaid), the tyre fitment is generally offset, with wider tyres at the rear. Before ordering, note down the specifications marked on the sidewall of each tyre and compare them with the label on the driver’s door pillar.
Load index and XL marking: non-negotiable
A Model S weighs around two tonnes, with the weight concentrated at the very bottom due to the battery. The tyre must therefore have a load index at least equal to the original, often with XL (Extra Load) reinforcement. A lower rating causes the tyres to overheat, wear out more quickly and may cause problems during a post-accident assessment. The speed rating of winter tyres is sometimes one level lower than the original: adhere to this, and if necessary, activate the speed limit option available in the car’s settings.
Tyres only or complete wheels?
Buying winter tyres only means you’ll have to remove the summer tyres from your original rims twice a year: this involves labour costs, the risk of scratches and fiddling with the sensors. On the Model S, the complete kit often becomes the more sensible option after three winters. Our set of tyres for the Tesla Model S (€959.90) is available in summer, winter and all-season versions; our guide to Tesla Model S winter wheels details the turnkey option, and the Tesla winter tyres guide compares the two approaches.
Why stick with 19-inch wheels in winter
In the colder months, 19-inch wheels offer the best compromise for the Model S: a taller sidewall that withstands potholes caused by thawing snow, a narrower tread that cuts through snow more effectively, and Tesla Model S winter tyres that are significantly cheaper than those for 21-inch wheels. The original 21-inch rims, whilst superb in dry conditions, remain highly vulnerable to road salt and impacts. Never go below the minimum diameter compatible with your model’s brakes: this is something you should check before placing any order.
Air suspension, noise and fuel consumption
Many Model S cars are fitted with air suspension. On snow-covered roads, maintain the standard ride height: the lowered mode reduces ground clearance and the space within the wheel arches. In terms of comfort, lamellated winter tyres are slightly noisier and consume a little more fuel – in the region of a few per cent, depending on the specific tyre model. This is the price you pay for significantly better grip below 7 °C, where summer tyres harden and lose traction.
Tesla Model S winter tyres: the checklist before ordering
- exact front and rear dimensions as shown on the sidewall;
- load index equal to or higher than the original, in XL if required;
- 3PMSF marking (three-peaked mountain and snowflake);
- compatible pressure sensors – see our guide to Tesla TPMS sensors;
- recent date of manufacture (DOT code).
Since November 2024, only the 3PMSF marking qualifies a tyre as a ‘winter tyre’ under the Montagne Act; the rules are summarised on service-public.fr.
Which tyre specification is suitable for a Plaid or Long Range?
On a recent Plaid or Long Range, the available power requires ‘alpine’-type Tesla Model S winter tyres, which are stable at motorway speeds, rather than very soft Nordic tyres designed for ice. The set of Michelin tyres for the 2022 Model S Long Range and Plaid (€1,149.90) serves as a starting point: check the product details for the available season ratings and sizes for your vehicle.
Frequently asked questions
Can I change the tyre size in winter? Yes, provided you stick to the sizes approved for your model; if in doubt, stick to the original specification.
Should I fit four Tesla Model S winter tyres? Always four: mixing summer and winter tyres throws off the braking balance.
What tyre pressure should I use? The pressure shown on the door label, checked monthly when the tyres are cold; our article on winter tyre pressure explains the method in detail.
When should you fit them? As soon as temperatures consistently drop below 7 °C, and before 1 November if you’re driving in mountainous areas.
Green Drive’s advice
On a Model S, choosing the right winter tyre is first and foremost a question of the exact size and load index, rather than the brand. All the models suitable for your version can be found in our Model S tyre section.
