Tesla all-season tyres are winning over more and more owners: a single set of tyres all year round, with no need to change them in spring or autumn. But on a heavy, powerful electric car, this compromise comes at a price. Here’s when this choice makes sense, when it becomes a false economy, and how to choose the right tyres without making a mistake.
Tesla all-season tyres: the principle of compromise
An all-season tyre combines a compound that remains supple in cold weather with a tread pattern capable of dispersing water and slush, whilst maintaining grip in the summer. It is neither as good as a summer tyre on hot, dry surfaces, nor as effective as a winter tyre on compacted snow. For Tesla all-season tyres, this compromise must be assessed with two constraints in mind: the car’s weight and the instantaneous torque of the electric motors.
Mountain Law: the 3PMSF symbol is the benchmark
Since 1 November 2024, only tyres bearing the 3PMSF symbol – a mountain with three peaks and a snowflake – are recognised as winter tyres. An all-season tyre bearing this symbol is therefore permitted in areas covered by the Mountain Law, from 1 November to 31 March. Without this symbol – even if marked ‘M S’ – you will need to carry snow chains or tyre socks. Check the tyre sidewall before making a purchase, and consult the regulations at securite-routiere.gouv.fr.
The real benefits for a Tesla
The main advantage of Tesla all-season tyres is their simplicity: no need to buy, store or fit a second set of wheels twice a year. In regions with a mild climate, where snow is rare, they provide reassuring grip on cold and wet roads, where a summer tyre becomes stiff below 7 °C. For an urban driver who doesn’t drive much and never heads up to the mountains, this is often the most sensible choice.
The drawbacks: wear, noise and snow
A Tesla is heavy and delivers its torque instantly: the tyres wear out faster than on an equivalent combustion-engine car. An all-season compound, which is softer than a summer tyre, exacerbates this phenomenon during hot summers. On compacted snow or black ice, they’re not quite as effective as proper winter tyres, especially when climbing hills. Some models also generate more road noise, which is noticeable in such a quiet cabin.
Tesla all-season tyres or two sets: the checklist
- you drive up to a ski resort several times each winter: two sets;
- you live in the lowlands with a mild climate: all-season 3PMSF tyres;
- you drive a lot or in Performance mode: two sets;
- you don’t have enough space to store spare wheels: all-season tyres;
- In all cases: a load index suitable for a Tesla.
The real-world cost analysis
The ‘single set’ argument needs to be qualified. With two sets, each set is only in use for half the year and therefore lasts longer. Over several years, the cost difference narrows, particularly as complete winter wheels such as the 19-inch PL06 kit for the Model Y (€849.90) eliminate the cost of wheel changes. As for tyres only, our Model Y range extends from the Hankook set (€819.90) to the Michelin set (€1,171.20); the season for each product is specified on its product page. Our Tesla winter tyre guide complements this calculation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Tesla all-season tyres reduce range? Slightly, depending on the model, due to slightly higher rolling resistance compared to an efficient summer tyre.
Do they comply with the Mountain Law? Yes, provided they bear the 3PMSF symbol on the sidewall.
Are they suitable for a Model 3 Performance? They’re not the best choice: the power quickly wears down a softer compound.
Do you still need snow chains? Not to comply with the law if you have 3PMSF tyres, but a road sign may require them on occasion in the event of heavy snowfall.
Green Drive’s opinion
Tesla all-season tyres are a good solution on the flat, but as soon as you’re planning a trip to the mountains, two sets of tyres are safer and often no more expensive in the long run. Compare the sets in the Model Y tyres section.
