Tesla Model S snow chains, locking wheel nuts and wheel accessories

Tesla Model S snow chains: what the manual says

Tesla recommends König-type chains, for example the K-Summit XL K55 Max for the Model S’s 19- and 21-inch wheels; the chains in this category work on the same principle. The instructions in the Model S Owner’s Manual:

• always on the rear tyres, never at the front;
• never on summer tyres;
• on 21-inch wheels, on All-Season tyres and no others;
• air suspension set to Medium, with ‘Default Ride Height to Low’ turned off;
• 48 km/h (30 mph) at most, and some jurisdictions ban chains.

Our chains clip onto the front face of the wheel: nothing touches the damper, the pressure sensor or the wheel arch liner. They tension and centre themselves and go on with the wheel on the ground, without moving the car; certified EN 16662-1, TÜV and ÖNORM 5117 according to the product page.

For the whole winter, Tesla Model S winter wheels remain more practical. The 19-inch Tesla Model S winter wheel package avoids the All-Season constraint of 21 inches and cuts energy use: around 5% less per inch of wheel diameter dropped, in GreenDrive’s experience; the 2025 Model S Plaid is rated at 348 miles of range on 19-inch wheels against 312 miles on 21-inch (fueleconomy.gov). TPMS sensors are included on most of these packages, otherwise offered as an option on the product page.

Wheel equipment for the Tesla Model S

Locking wheel nuts and titanium wheel nuts

Locking wheel nuts for the Tesla Model S replace one nut per wheel and only come off with their unique key (M14x1.5, 60° conical seat, Model S 2013–2020 and 2021+). Titanium wheel nuts reduce unsprung weight: around 15 to 16 g each against 46 g for the originals, with locking nuts and key included in the set.

Tyre pressure and punctures

A set of winter wheels needs its own TPMS sensors, supplied pre-programmed for Tesla: 433 MHz on early Model S, Bluetooth on recent ones, and they are not interchangeable (the cut-off year is on each product page).

With no spare wheel, the tyre repair kit with its 12 V compressor seals a hole of up to 6 mm so you can drive about 200 km (125 miles), without damaging the sensors. Its sealant bottle covers wheels up to 20 inches: on 21 inches, add the refill.

Protecting and styling your alloy wheels

Against kerbs: a strip bonded to the wheel edge with a replaceable insert (18 to 22 inches), or aero wheel covers for the Model S, chosen according to your factory wheel. Plastic nut covers dress the wheel nuts.

Brakes, track and care

• heat-resistant brake caliper paint, which does not hinder cooling the way a clip-on cover can;
• master cylinder brace for the Model S 2021+, for a firmer brake pedal;
• forged aluminium wheel spacers, 25 or 30 mm, not TÜV-certified according to the product page;
• touch-up pen for bodywork and factory wheels, matched to the paint code on the door pillar;
• tyre sidewall restorer against road salt, frost and UV.

To change wheels or tyres, see our alloy wheels for the Tesla Model S, our tyres for the Tesla Model S or the whole wheels, tyres, snow chains and accessories for the Model S range.

Winter rules: UK, Ireland and ski trips

In the UK and Ireland, winter tyres and chains are recommended, not a legal requirement (Highway Code); on a ski trip to France, the Loi Montagne (mountain law) requires four 3PMSF winter tyres or at least two snow chains or snow socks on board in signed mountain areas from 1 November to 31 March (Préfecture de la Savoie), as detailed on our Tesla Model S winter wheels page.

Tesla Model S snow chains and equipment: frequently asked questions

Which snow chains for a Tesla Model S?

Front-fitting chains, because the wheel arch is tight. Tesla recommends König-type chains (for example the K-Summit XL K55 Max); our chains work on the same principle. Fit them at the rear.

Can you fit chains to a Model S on 21-inch wheels?

Yes, on All-Season tyres according to the manual. For the mountains, 19-inch winter wheels leave you more freedom.

Which locking wheel nuts for a Tesla Model S?

M14x1.5 nuts with a 60° conical seat, like ours: one per wheel, with the key kept in the car.

Which TPMS sensors for my Model S?

433 MHz for early Model S, Bluetooth for recent ones: check the year on the product page.