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The Tesla Model Y is an electric vehicle built to disrupt the CUV space for the better. With such a high performance vehicle, what tires suit it best?

This Tesla Model Y tire guide examines the top tires available to fit this vehicle. Drivers will learn about the different options on the market, the core features they all offer, and the best option to upgrade their current tire. This will be the only required resource to find the next best tire for your vehicle.

The Model Y does something a bit different with the factory tire selection. New owners have the option to choose a package type. These packages include a winter tire or a summer tire. The two tires are the Pirelli Winter Sottozero and the Pirelli P Zero. We will examine both of these tires as well and compare them to tires recommended throughout the guide. Maybe you are happy with what you have and don’t feel an upgrade is necessary, we can help.

Every tire discussed here has been road tested and researched carefully. Our team of experts has plenty of experience in the industry and nothing can qualify for recommendation without a rigorous set of tests.  

Table of Contents

9 Best Tires For Tesla Model Y

The Tesla Model Y is a brand new release with only 1 year of history. The initial release happened in March 2020. This is another vehicle built by Tesla to try and model after the Model 3 sedan. The Model Y and Model 3 share 75% of the same parts.

With a Model Y release, Tesla wanted to extend the capacity of the vehicle with a third row for additional seating and cargo space. The CUV is an underserved space that Tesla planned to target with this new vehicle and they hope the Model Y can be the new solution.

Unlike other Tesla models, the tire sizes offered are non-staggered. Many prior generation models are a mix of staggered and non-staggered tires offering many different sizes and combinations for drivers to choose from. Keep in mind the list is small to choose from in terms of model types and sizes for the Tesla Y.

This list contains the 9 best tire picks for the Tesla Model Y along with factory tire analysis and comparisons to consider. We want to make you a more informed purchaser who understands the entire scope of what a specific tire has to offer.

All tires receive a grade and get placed as the top option in a specific category like best touring tire. This is done to give a wide range of tires to choose from that serve different purposes.  

If you are unsure about upgrading, keep reading and all of your questions will be answered. These are the top 9 tires recommended for the Tesla Model Y:

Tire Type Tire
All Season Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3+
Touring Kumho Crugen HP71
Summer Atturo AZ800
Winter Continental VikingContact7
Performance Street Goodyear EfficientGrip ROF
Performance Track Michelin Latitude Sport 3
Highway Michelin Premier LTX
All-Purpose Kumho Ecsta 4X II
Temporary Spare Continental SContact Spare Tire
Factory Tire Pirelli Winter Sottozero / Pirelli P Zero

Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3+ - Best All Season

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The Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3+ is an ultra high all season tire graded as a top performance option on the market. This tire is designed for sport cars looking to increase total performance as a four season vehicle.

The Michelin Helio+ technology uses sunflower oil and silica mixed into the tread for more optimal traction in colder temperatures. This is a unique all season design to keep the tire pliable at near freezing temperatures.

The Pilot Sport A/S 3+ also has 4, 5, or 6 rib designs for better traction on outward shoulder blocks. These blocks help improve lateral grip and better dry cornering capabilities.

Wet traction is improved due to four circumferential grooves to remove water from the tire to resist hydroplaning.

Variable Contact Patch 3.0 technology is a new development in the tire to help increase the contact area for the tire and road to meet. This creates more secure grip for the tire on slippery surfaces.

Specifications

Some specifications may vary based on the exact tire size selected.

  • Warranty: 45,000 miles
  • Max Load Capacity: 1,819 lbs
  • Max Inflation Pressure: 50 PSI
  • Tread Depth: 10/32’’
  • Tire Weight: 29 lbs
  • UTQG Treadwear: 500
  • UTQG Traction: AA
  • UTQG Temperature: A

FAQ

What sizes does this tire come in?

This tire is available in sizes between 17” and 22” in rim diameter.

What is the warranty on this tire?

The warranty offered for this tire is a 6 year / 45,000 mile warranty for tread wear protection. There is also a 60 day satisfaction guarantee and a 3 year flat changing policy offered by Michelin.

Kumho Crugen HP71 - Best Touring

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The Kumho Crugen HP71 touring tire is built for crossover vehicles to provide a quiet and comfortable driving experience. It is also an all season tire with light snow and ice capabilities.

The five rib symmetric tread design creates a perfect tire for comfort and durability. The Variable Pitch Technology was developed by Kumho as a way to create easier pattern rotations for better tread wear life and longevity.

Tire stability comes from a center rib and outer shoulders that provide a smoother tire feel and direct road contact. The shoulders provide more responsive steering for tight cornering and handling.

The grooves and notches on each rib is an outward flow for water to improve wet traction and performance. There are four circumferential grooves, sipes, and independent tread blocks. All three features are crucial to creating biting edges for better snow performance.

Specifications

Some specifications may vary based on the exact tire size selected.

  • Warranty: 65,000 miles
  • Max Load Capacity: 1,819 lbs
  • Max Inflation Pressure: 51 PSI
  • Tread Depth: 10.5/32’’
  • Tire Weight: 32 lbs
  • UTQG Treadwear: 640
  • UTQG Traction: A
  • UTQG Temperature: A

FAQ

What sizes does this tire come in?

This tire is a popular touring tire option. It can be purchased in sizes ranging between 16” and 22”.

What is the warranty on this tire?

The warranty on this tire offered by Kumho is a 6 year / 65,000 mile warranty for treadwear protection.

How does this tire handle the snow?

This is an all season tire with plenty of ability to drive comfortably in the snow. It won’t perform like a winter tire, but in light snow and ice it holds up great.

Atturo AZ800 - Best Summer

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A summer tire is important for drivers in warmer climates because winter tires won’t provide the same type of performance as a summer option. The Atturo AZ800 grades as an all season tire but it is technically an ultra-high performance tire. The strength of this tire is dry handling and summer performance.

Designed with a silica based tread compound, there are mixed amounts of carbon black into the tread too. This creates a directional tread pattern for improved precision handling and stability. The multi-tread pattern also provides more reliable stability for drivers.

To handle wet roads, there are sipes added into the treads to reduce the risks of hydroplaning and maintain short distance braking ability.

At high speeds, tires tend to be tested and this is where a pair of twin steel belts comes into place to maintain the tire stability and durability. It also helps to keep the temperature low enough to not overheat.  

Specifications

Some specifications may vary based on the exact tire size selected.

  • Warranty: None
  • Max Load Capacity: 2,039 lbs
  • Max Inflation Pressure: 50 PSI
  • Tread Depth: 11/32’’
  • Tire Weight: 26 lbs
  • UTQG Treadwear: 420
  • UTQG Traction: A
  • UTQG Temperature: A

FAQ

What sizes does this tire come in?

Atturo produces this popular tire in sizes ranging from 15” all the way up to 24” in rim diameter.

What is the warranty on this tire?

There is no treadwear mileage warranty offered on this tire. Atturo does provide a warranty on the first 1/32” of wear though.

What happens to this tire in the cold?

This tire can handle the cold. As mentioned, it is not a traditional summer only tire but we graded the hot temperature and dry surface performance higher than competing summer tires. It does not provide great stability in either the snow or on ice.

Continental VikingContact7 - Best Winter

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Continental has created the VikingContact7 to be a top performing winter tire, providing crossover vehicles with more security and stability in wintry conditions. Through advanced technology, Continental has built a tire that lasts long and handles both dry and wet roads with ease.

The VikingContact7 uses canola oil as a substance to maintain flexibility throughout the cold temperatures. This activates the silica tread for better braking, handling, and performance.

To handle snow, rain, and ice there is a set of grooves to cut through difficult liquids like slush and allow the tires to continue moving with traction.

Interlocked bridges help stabilize the tread pattern while the 3D sipes scatter biting edges for better traction. Tread blocks are also equipped with grip edges that sit on the outside and bite into snow to make the contact area on the tire bigger. This enhances the overall traction of the tire.

With all this technology, it's easy to defend the VikingContact7 as our top winter tire pick for the Tesla Model Y.

Specifications

Some specifications may vary based on the exact tire size selected.

  • Warranty: None
  • Max Load Capacity: 2,149 lbs
  • Max Inflation Pressure: 51 PSI
  • Tread Depth: 10/32’’
  • Tire Weight: 34 lbs
  • UTQG Treadwear: N/A
  • UTQG Traction: N/A
  • UTQG Temperature: N/A
  • Winter tires are not UTQG Rated

FAQ

What sizes does this tire come in?

This tire comes in sizes between 15” and 22” in rim diameter for Tesla Model Y drivers to choose from.

What is the warranty on this tire?

Continental does not offer a limited treadwear warranty on this winter tire. This is standard on the winter tire market. There is a special warranty offered for a 60 day trial and a 3 year flat changing guarantee.

What happens to this tire in the summer?

This tire will crack in the summer. The treads will wear much quicker, road noise will be louder, and vehicle performance will go down significantly. This tire should not be driven past the winter months.

Goodyear EfficientGrip ROF - Best Performance Street

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The Goodyear EfficientGrip ROF is a performance street tire for drivers searching for better handlings, cornering, and short distance braking capabilities. On the Tesla Model Y, this tire increases overall performance.

The read compound is silica based and meant to be a summer only tire. This tire also offers some features of a grand touring tire with smooth riding and extreme comfort. The asymmetric design creates a more responsive handling feature and better wet traction.

This tire is also a run on flat tire. This means that if the tire were to get damaged like a traditional flat tire, it can still drive for a short distance and serve as a temporary spare.

To make this possible, the sidewall is equipped with extra strength rubber and a pair of twin steel belts to hold us despite damages.

Wet performance also uses circumferential grooves to remove water and resist against hydroplaning.

Specifications

Some specifications may vary based on the exact tire size selected.

  • Warranty: None
  • Max Load Capacity: 1,764 lbs
  • Max Inflation Pressure: 50 PSI
  • Tread Depth: 10/32’’
  • Tire Weight: 31 lbs
  • UTQG Treadwear: 340
  • UTQG Traction: A
  • UTQG Temperature: A

FAQ

What sizes does this tire come in?

This tire comes in sizes ranging between 16” and 20”. There are different sizes to accommodate vehicles and Tesla Model Y drivers will find the right sizes to fit their vehicle.

What is the warranty on this tire?

There is no warranty offered by Goodyear on this tire. Drivers often get left with no protection on seasonal tires.

Can this tire drive on ice?

This is a summer tire and it cannot drive on ice. If it gets exposed to near freezing temperatures, it will break down.

Michelin Latitude Sport 3 - Best Performance Track

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The Michelin Latitude Sport 3 is a sport truck tire for performance track driving. This tire was originally developed as the original factory tire on some of the top sport SUV and crossover vehicles like the Macan Turbo.

Michelin developed this tire through their Green X branding initiative to provide a more eco-friendly tire. The Latitude Sport 3 gives drivers better range efficiency, low rolling resistance, and top notch wet and dry road traction.

Michelin Acoustic Technology provides an additional layer on the exterior of the tire to absorb road vibrations to eliminate tire noise. It also helps to eliminate cabin noise inside the vehicle for a smother and quiet ride.

This summer tire is not intended to be driven in near freezing temperatures and could see performance decline and wear to accelerate if exposed to these conditions.

Specifications

Some specifications may vary based on the exact tire size selected.

  • Warranty: 20,000 miles
  • Max Load Capacity: 1,929 lbs
  • Max Inflation Pressure: 51 PSI
  • Tread Depth: 8.5/32’’
  • Tire Weight: 33 lbs
  • UTQG Treadwear: 220
  • UTQG Traction: AA
  • UTQG Temperature: A

FAQ

What sizes does this tire come in?

This tire is available in sizes between 17” and 21” for interested buyers.

What is the warranty on this tire?

The warranty offered on this tire by Michelin is a 6 year / 20,000 mile warranty. There is also a 60 day satisfaction guarantee and a 3 year flat changing protection.

Michelin Premier LTX - Best Highway

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A top of the market highway tire provides extreme comfort, long lasting treadwear, and a noise free cabin during driving. The Michelin Premier LTX is the perfect example of all these key features.

It is a grand touring all season tire giving drives a lot of flexibility about the tire capabilities. The Helio compound increases the traction at lower, near freezing temperatures to keep optimal plaibilty.

Circumferential grooves and 3D variable thickness ipe technology protect this tire and the driver in snow, ice, and rainy conditions. These features create more optimal cornering on slippery roads too.

The Michelin Comfort Control Technology is a way that Michelin designs the tires to be more optimized with both design and precision on the road. It decreases the amount of vibration and noise from the road.

For highway speeds, the twin steel belts and polyester cord provide an added level of stability to maintain responsive steering. It also provides added comfort to eliminate noises at these higher speeds. The more secure the ride is, the smoother and quieter it will be.

Specifications

Some specifications may vary based on the exact tire size selected.

  • Warranty: 55,000 miles
  • Max Load Capacity: 1,764 lbs
  • Max Inflation Pressure: 44 PSI
  • Tread Depth: 10/32’’
  • Tire Weight: 30 lbs
  • UTQG Treadwear: 500
  • UTQG Traction: A
  • UTQG Temperature: A

FAQ

What sizes does this tire come in?

This tire is available in sizes ranging between 17” and 20” as a popular highway driving choice, especially for Tesla Model Y drivers.

What is the warranty on this tire?

The warranty on this tire starts as a 6 year / 55,000 mile warranty for H and V speed rated tires. The warranty falls to a 6 year / 45,000 mile warranty for W, Y, and Z speed rated tires.

The special warranty available is a 60 day satisfaction guarantee. Michelin also offers a 3 year flat tire changing policy.

How does this tire drive in the winter?

This is an all season tire and provides strong and reliable performance in the winter weather.  

Kumho Ecsta 4X II - Best All-Purpose

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The Kumho Ecsta 4x II is the top all purpose tire pick because of long lasting treadwear, extreme comfort, year round traction, and handling. This tire provides one of the smoothest and quietest rides too.

The noise canceling technology created by Kumho eliminates road vibrations from bumps and potholes and absorbs the sound to keep the ride quiet for the driver.

The asymmetric tread design helps to maintain steady riding with larger shoulder blocks to improve cornering, handling, and short distance braking. There is also a polymer blend built into the tread to make it even better at gripping slippery surfaces.

Other compounds in the tread like silica and resin make it more durable in the winter when handling snow, ice, and cold temperatures.

Specifications

Some specifications may vary based on the exact tire size selected.

  • Warranty: 60,000 miles
  • Max Load Capacity: 1,764 lbs
  • Max Inflation Pressure: 51 PSI
  • Tread Depth: 10/32’’
  • Tire Weight: 23 lbs
  • UTQG Treadwear: 420
  • UTQG Traction: A
  • UTQG Temperature: A

FAQ

What sizes does this tire come in?

The tire size ranges between 15” and 20” for interested buyers.

What is the warranty on this tire?

The warranty available for this trie is a 5 year / 60,000 mile warranty.

Continental SContact Spare Tire - Best Temporary Spare

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A spare tire is the perfect tool to have in your trunk in the event your car experiences an emergency. Flat tires can cause headaches to drivers. Tow trucks can be expensive. Buying a reliable spare is the best option to keep yourself protected.

A temporary spare can give you quick access to road mobility again. This Continental spare is compact and lightweight for optimal trunk space without adding additional weight to the vehicle.

Remember that a temporary spare should only be used for a short length of time.

Specifications

Some specifications may vary based on the exact tire size selected.

  • Warranty: None
  • Max Load Capacity: 2,149 lbs
  • Max Inflation Pressure: 60 PSI
  • Tread Depth: 3/32’’
  • Tire Weight: 12 lbs
  • UTQG Treadwear: N/A
  • UTQG Traction: N/A
  • UTQG Temperature: N/A

FAQ

How many miles can this last?

This temporary spare is built to last up to a maximum of 70 miles. After 70 miles, the car can be put at risk because of too long driving on the spare. It is best to change the spare out as soon as you can.

What is the top speed I can drive?

The max speed to drive this spare is 50 MPH. Avoid highways when possible and never speed past 50 MPH or you put yourself at great risk for further damage.

Pirelli Winter Sottozero - Factory Tire

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The winter package for the Tesla Model Y includes a vehicle equipped with the Pirelli Winter Sottozero. This winter tire is considered a dual-season tire meaning it can last through winter into spring. It is recommended to change the tire before actual summertime gets here though.

The cap and base tread compound uses two different elements - an upper and sub strata. This design uses a variety of compounds like silane, silica, and polymer to provide a more direct contact between tire and road for optimal handling and traction.

There is also a nano-composite that gets scattered throughout the polymer compound to give more stiffness to the rubber. This provides the rubber tire with more strength, stability, and precision.

All of these compounds are brought together to form one asymmetric tread pattern design. Within the design, there are outboard shoulder blocks meant to give a wider base to the vehicle for better cornering stability.

This tire can also handle rain, ice, and snow. The inboard and outboard elements use grooves and high density sipes to create channels to keep high contact areas more dry. This gives the tire a better chance to make direct road contact for better grip.

The high density sipes also give off biting edges on snow and ice to improve traction and short distance braking while reducing hydroplaning risks.

This ultra performance winter tire is one of the more versatile winter tire options available for crossover and SUV vehicles.

Specifications

Some specifications may vary based on the exact tire size selected.

  • Warranty: None
  • Max Load Capacity: 1,764 lbs
  • Max Inflation Pressure: 50 PSI
  • Tread Depth: 11/32’’
  • Tire Weight: 28 lbs
  • UTQG Treadwear: N/A
  • UTQG Traction: N/A
  • UTQG Temperature: N/A
  • Winter tires are not UTQG rated

FAQ

What sizes does this tire come in?

This tire is available in sizes ranging between 16” and 21” in rim diameter. There are dozens of factory sizes to choose from.

What is the warranty on this tire?

There is no treadwear warranty offered on this tire. Pirelli does provide a uniformity warranty to protect drivers for 1 year and the first 2/32” of wear on the tire.

Pirelli P Zero - Factory Tire

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The Tesla Model Y offers a factory tire option as a summer or winter option. The Pirelli P Zero is the max performance summer option providing drivers in warm climates with one of the most reliable handling tires on the market.

The special tread is designed with silica and carbon black to produce a pliable compound. It gives the tread a consistent feel to last longer through the lifespan of the tire too.

Pirelli also built this tire with an S-treme asymmetric design. This means that the circumferential grooves are wider than usual along with the lateral grooves in an effort to maintain better responsive handling without sacrificing resistance to hydroplaning.

This sporty summer tire relies on a strong interior structure too. The twin steel belts and polyester cord hold the tire together tightly for more stable high speed steering.

The special nono-composites that exist in this tire’s tread protect it from deterioration. This is why the treadwear tends to last longer. Pirelli uses a unique combination in their treads with different compounds to create a more durable tire.  

Remember this is a summer tire. It should not be used past the summer and into colder temperatures or the risk of damage and faster wear can happen.

Specifications

Some specifications may vary based on the exact tire size selected.

  • Warranty: None
  • Max Load Capacity: 1,102 lbs
  • Max Inflation Pressure: 44 PSI
  • Tread Depth: 9/32’’
  • Tire Weight: 18 lbs
  • UTQG Treadwear: 320
  • UTQG Traction: A
  • UTQG Temperature: B

FAQ

What sizes does this tire come in?

This tire has nearly 100 different factory sizes available ranging between the rim diameter of 17” and 22” in size.

What is the warranty on this tire?

There is no limited treadwear warranty available for this tire. The uniformity warranty provides coverage for 1 year on the first 2/32” of wear.

How does this tire handle the snow?

This tire cannot handle the snow. It is a summer tire and specifically designed for hotter temperatures as a summertime tire.

Tesla Model Y Tire Specifications

The search for a new tire begins with the understanding on how to read a tire correctly. The tire sidewall contains a string of letters and numbers that indicates key information about the tire. This chart explains all characters that are written on the tire for a Tesla Model Y.

Symbol Example
Tire Type P or LT "P" means Passenger vehicle
Tire Width 3 Digits Tire measured in millimeters
Aspect Ratio 2 Digits Tire height to width ratio
Construction R, D, or B "R" means Radial construction
Wheel Diameter 2 Digits Tire measured end to end in inches
Load Index 2 Digits The max. weight the tire can hold
Speed Rating M, N, P, Q, R, S, T, H, V, W, Y, or Z The max speed the tire can drive

Tesla Model Y Tire Sizes & Models Available

Now that you can understand how to read a tire, we can find the tire size for your Tesla Model Y. Here are the two different sizes a Tesla Model Y tire can be.

  • 255/45R19
  • 255/40R20

The Tesla Model Y is a newer version vehicle with only 1 year and 2 different styles released since early 2020.

Best Tires For Tesla Model Y: Complete Guide

About The Author

Charles Redding

Charles Redding

I've spent many years selling cars, working with auto detailers, mechanics, dealership service teams, quoting and researching car insurance, modding my own cars, and much more.

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