Tesla Tires
WHAT ACTUALLY MATTERS AND THE MISTAKES WE SEE MOST OFTEN
There’s a common misconception that Tesla tires require dealership service. In reality, what matters isn’t where the tires are installed, it’s whether the shop understands the specific demands electric vehicles place on tires, alignment, and suspension.
Tesla tires aren’t just “regular tires on an electric car.” And the problems we see most often come from shops treating them that way. At Milito’s Auto Repair, we service Tesla vehicles regularly, and there are a few consistent patterns that show up when EV-specific details are overlooked.
Why Tesla Tires Are Different: Beyond the Basics
Most people know Tesla vehicles are heavier than comparable gas-powered cars and produce instant torque. That’s true, but those facts alone don’t explain why Tesla tire wear behaves differently.
What actually matters is the combination of:
• Vehicle weight distribution
• Instant torque delivery
• Regenerative braking
• Alignment sensitivity
• Tire construction choices, including foam inserts
Together, these factors create wear patterns and handling characteristics that don’t behave like traditional sedans or SUVs.
Do Teslas Come With All-Season Tires?
Many Tesla owners are surprised to learn that not all Teslas come equipped with all-season tires.
Most base Tesla models ship with all-season tires, designed for moderate, year-round driving. However, performance models and larger wheel packages (typically 20” or larger) are often delivered with summer-only tires, which prioritize warm-weather grip and handling.
Why this matters in Chicago:
Summer tires are made with rubber compounds that harden in cold temperatures. Once temperatures drop below 45°F, these tires:
• Lose flexibility
• Reduce braking performance
• Provide less traction – even on dry pavement
That’s why summer tires should never be used in winter conditions, and why Chicago drivers should use dedicated winter tires rather than relying solely on all-season or summer tires.
What We See in the Shop + and Where Problems Usually Start
One of the most common issues we see with Tesla tires is premature or uneven wear, often on vehicles with relatively low mileage. In many cases, the tires themselves aren’t defective, the issue traces back to alignment settings or shops that didn’t account for EV-specific tolerances.
Another frequent pattern involves road noise complaints after tire replacement. Tesla owners are often told this is unavoidable or that they need dealership-only tires. In reality, noise issues often stem from mismatched tire construction, incorrect foam compatibility, or improper balancing – not from the vehicle itself.
We also regularly see confusion around load ratings. Tesla vehicles require tires that can safely handle higher curb weights, but not all tire options marketed as “compatible” actually meet those requirements. Installing tires without the correct load rating can accelerate wear and compromise handling.
These aren’t theoretical concerns – they’re issues we see repeatedly when Tesla tires are treated like standard passenger-car replacements.
Why Foam Inserts and Load Ratings Matter More Than People Realize
Many Tesla tires use internal foam inserts designed to reduce road noise. While these inserts can be beneficial, they also change how tires are balanced, repaired, and replaced.
Improper handling of foam-lined tires can lead to:
• Persistent vibration
• Noise that worsens over time
• Premature tire replacement
Load rating is just as critical. Tires that fall short may appear fine initially but wear faster and behave unpredictably under acceleration and braking. Understanding these details is what separates EV-capable tire service from generic tire installation.
Why Some Shops Struggle With Tesla Tire Service
Tesla tire service requires more than the right equipment, it requires familiarity.
In practice, some shops:
• Use default alignment specs instead of Tesla-specific tolerances
• Don’t account for regenerative braking wear patterns
• Treat foam-lined tires like standard constructions
• Focus on tread depth alone instead of wear distribution
These oversights aren’t malicious, but they can lead to faster wear, noise complaints, and repeat visits that could have been avoided.
What Tesla Tire Service at Milito’s Focuses On
Whether you drive a Tesla Model 3, Model Y, Model S, or Model X, our team understands the unique tire requirements of electric vehicles — from weight distribution to torque and seasonal safety. Rather than treating Tesla tires as a specialty novelty or a dealership-only task, our approach focuses on the fundamentals that actually affect outcomes:
• Verifying proper load ratings for each model
• Accounting for EV torque and braking behavior
• Ensuring alignment settings support even tire wear
• Balancing and handling foam-lined tires correctly
• Helping drivers understand wear expectations and options
The goal isn’t just installation, it’s longevity, ride quality, and predictable performance. If you’re unsure what tires are on your Tesla or whether they’re safe for the season, we’re here to help.
Why Tesla Tire Knowledge Matters More Now Than Ever
As electric vehicles become more common, tire service hasn’t always kept pace. Many drivers assume accelerated tire wear is simply “the cost of owning an EV,” when in reality, proper alignment, tire selection, and installation technique make a measurable difference.
Understanding how Tesla vehicles stress tires differently helps prevent unnecessary replacements and frustration.
