Tesla winter wheels: winter tyres fitted on alloy wheels for the Model 3, Y, S and X

Choosing Tesla winter wheels for your model

Your model sets the sizes; year and version narrow them.

Worth checking: on a Model 3 Highland 2024+, pick a product page that names the Highland; some 21-inch wheels exclude the Model Y Standard Rear-Wheel Drive 2025+; wheels for the Model S 2012–2021 do not fit the refreshed Model S.

Winter tyres for your Tesla: UK, Ireland and ski trips abroad

In the UK and Ireland, winter tyres are recommended, not a legal requirement: the Highway Code only advises caution in snow and ice (GOV.UK).

For ski trips: France’s Loi Montagne (mountain law) requires, from 1 November to 31 March in signed mountain areas, four winter tyres or chains or snow socks on board (Préfecture de la Savoie). Germany requires winter tyres in snow, ice or slush (§ 2 StVO), Austria from 1 November to 15 April in wintry conditions, with at least 4 mm of tread (Austrian transport ministry), and Italy on signed roads from 15 November to 15 April.

Only the 3PMSF (mountain and snowflake) symbol makes a tyre a winter tyre in France and Germany; M+S alone is no longer enough. Our winter tyres carry it; for an all-season option, check the product page.

What a Tesla winter wheel and tyre package includes

• 4 alloy wheels and 4 winter tyres, fitted and balanced; on some Model S packages, the tyre and fitting are selected as add-ons;
• the tyre: a choice of several brands or a set fitment, depending on the product page;
• the wheel’s type approval, shown on the product page (Swiss certificate optional on some pages);
• TPMS sensors, depending on the model:
  • Model 3: programmed for Tesla and included (optional on some pages), 433 MHz for cars built before 2021, Bluetooth after that, chosen on the product page;
  • Model Y 2021–2024, Long Range Juniper 2025+ and Performance Juniper 2025+: 4 Bluetooth sensors programmed for Tesla included, optional on some pages;
  • Model Y Standard Rear-Wheel Drive 2025+: with sensors if built before September 2026, without sensors if built since (no factory-fitted sensors any more);
  • Model S: included on most packages, otherwise offered as an option;
  • Model X: included.

Wheel size and range: smaller wins in winter

Generally, each inch of wheel diameter you drop cuts energy use by around 5%: that is GreenDrive’s experience, and Tesla’s official ratings point the same way. For example, two identical Model Y Performance cars on the same route used 158 Wh/km on 19-inch wheels against 178 Wh/km on 21-inch wheels (teslamag). The real gap also depends on tyre, speed and temperature.

In winter, an electric car uses 25 to 31% more energy in everyday driving (ADAC), mostly due to heating and the cold: a smaller wheel helps limit the loss.

Snow chains on a Tesla: what the manual says

The Tesla manual allows chains on the rear tyres only, never on summer tyres, and limits speed to 48 km/h (30 mph); remove the wheel covers before fitting them (Model 3 Owner’s Manual). On the Model S and Model X, set the suspension to Medium; on the Model X, never fit chains to the front tyres.

Tesla recommends König-type chains, for example the CG-9 size 102 for the Model 3 on 18 inches or the CG-9 size 105 for the Model Y on 18 inches. Our chains work on the same principle: Model 3, Model Y, Model S, Model X.

Tesla winter wheels and tyres: frequently asked questions

Which winter tyres fit a Tesla Model 3?

A 3PMSF tyre in 235/45 R18, 235/40 R19 or 235/35 R20, depending on the wheel; the Model 3 Highland 2024+ Performance runs a staggered fitment on 19 or 20 inches. See our Tesla Model 3 winter wheels.

How do I know which size fits my Tesla?

Start with model, year and version, then read the product page’s compatibility table. For a 2016–2020 Model X, the 19-inch size must appear on your COC.

Are tyre pressure sensors included?

Yes on the Model 3, Model X and Model Y, except the Model Y Standard Rear-Wheel Drive 2025+ built since September 2026 (package without sensors). On the Model S: included on most packages, otherwise optional.

Do I need to tell the car about the winter tyres?

Yes, under Service > Wheel & Tire > Tires: this setting speeds up recalibration (Model Y Owner’s Manual).

When should I fit winter wheels on a Tesla?

Before 1 November if you are heading to the French Alps; elsewhere, once mornings drop below 5 °C, when summer tyres lose grip according to Tesla.