With such a big purchase, you would expect your new Tesla Model Y to come with a spare tire. But surprisingly, they don’t! The main reason for this is that Tesla is simply following a recent trend in the automotive space.
Electric cars are also very different from traditional gas cars, and one of those differences is that simple things like tire changes can become dangerous and complicated. So, why Teslas Don’t Come With a Spare Tire
Your Tesla has a giant battery pack under the floorboards. This battery pack is what gives your Tesla its power. And because the battery pack is so big, the slightest damage can result in a fire. If you get a flat tire and try to change it yourself, you could accidentally puncture the battery pack and cause an explosion.
So, even though it may seem strange that your Tesla doesn’t come with a spare tire, it’s actually for your safety. The last thing you want is to be stranded on the side of the road with a flat tire, then end up with fire! Read on to find out more about this interesting topic.
Your Options: Solving the Spare Tire Issue on Your Tesla
Tesla does offer two solutions for those who are worried about getting a flat tire. One is designed as a temporary and easy fix, while the other is a more permanent solution.
The Tesla Repair Kit
This means you don’t need to jack your car up or remove the wheel. You can pump the sealant into the tire, fill it with air, and go your way.
The kit also comes with an air compressor. This is important because you’ll need to use this specific air compressor to inflate the tires on your Tesla. You can connect the appliance to your Tesla cigarette lighter port to power it.
Check out this related article that I wrote about the Best Tire Repair Kit for Every Tesla Model. This is somewhat related to this post.
I’ve used this method before, and it works well. It’s even more convenient than having a spare tire. You don’t have to worry about jacking your Tesla or anything like that.
The only downside is that the sealant doesn’t work forever. It’s only a temporary fix. If you solve a flat tire while using this method, you’ll need to get it patched as soon as possible.
Still, it’s an excellent option for those who want a simple and easy solution.
Here’s a helpful video on how to use an after-market tire-repair kit:
Road Assistance: Tesla’s Permanent Solution to Tire Changes
If you get a flat tire in your Tesla, you can’t just change it yourself. You have to call roadside assistance, and this service can be expensive depending on your location. In some cases, it can cost up to $300!
This, however, depends on whose fault it is that you have a flat tire and how bad it is. If it’s due to premature wear and tear, you’re probably covered by your Tesla warranty. But if it’s due to something you did, like running over a nail, you’ll have to pay for the service yourself.
Once you’ve requested help, a tow truck will be dispatched to your location. These trucks come with all the equipment needed to change your tire safely.
The only complaint I have about the service is that it can take up to an hour for the tow truck to arrive. If you have a flat tire in the middle of rush hour, you could be waiting for quite a while!
Fun Fact:
Did you know you can fit 13 spare tires on your Tesla Model Y with a folded back seat? While you may not need all 13, it’s good to know you have the option!
The Cost of Using Tesla Road Assistance
Let’s say you get a flat tire and have to call for roadside assistance. The service will cost you a little over $75 if you only need to patch up the tire. If you need a tire replacement, the cost can go up to $325.
One look at these numbers, and you can see that it can be pretty expensive to change a Tesla tire. But there’s more to the story. If you take your car to a traditional gas station, they may not know how to change a tire on an electric vehicle. This means you’d pay for their time while they try to figure it out.
I’ve also seen tire centers turn people away because they don’t know how to change a Tesla tire. So, you may have to drive around town looking for someone who can do it. I’ve also used an electric pump to fix a slow leak on my Tesla, but this is a temporary fix that will only last for a few days.
The moral of the story is that changing a Tesla tire can be expensive and complicated, but it’s worth it to have a car that reduces your carbon footprint.
DIY Tesla Tire Changes: Everything You Need To Know
Now that you know why Teslas don’t come with a spare tire, you may be wondering if there’s any way to change your tire at home. The answer is yes! There are a few ways to do it, but it’s important to remember that it can be hazardous and should only be done by experienced people.
Best Tesla Spare Tire To Buy
The Modern Spare is the closest you can get to having a donut spare for your Tesla. It’s a smaller, lighter-weight tire that can get you to safety in the event of a flat.
It was designed specifically for Teslas and can be used on any model. And the best part is that you get a ton of extras with the spare tire. They include:
- A spare wheel that will fit on all Model 3s
- Padded case
- Scissor jack
- Telescoping lug wrench
- Gloves
- Plastic bag for the spare tire
- Double-sided sockets
Everything on this list fits nicely into the padded case, which can be easily stored in your trunk. And the whole kit weighs less than 30 pounds, so it won’t add too much weight to your car.
The tire is also the same size as the ones on your car, which means you won’t have any problems driving on it. In fact, you can drive at speeds of 80mph (128.7kph) on this tire if you really needed to. But I recommend getting it replaced as soon as possible.
Overall, the modern spare is the best option for those who want a Tesla spare tire. It’s lightweight, comes with everything you need, and can be used on all model threes.
Did You Know?
Tesla tows your car for up to 500 miles (804.7 kilometers) under warranty, but this service is only available in states with Tesla Stores and service centers.
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You can use this online Tesla tire calculator to find how long any Tesla Model tire will last. You can also estimate the number of miles left on your current set and how many days you have until they need to be swapped out for new ones. If that is the case, you can also find the price for any set of Tesla tires by selecting the appropriate tires. Have fun!
Cost of Getting an Aftermarket Spare Tire
Like most car manufacturers, Tesla doesn’t include a spare tire in the trunk. So, if you get a flat tire, you’ll have to call for roadside assistance. This can be expensive and time-consuming.
To avoid these problems, you can buy an aftermarket spare tire. A few companies make them, but I recommend Modern Spare tires. It’s the closest you can get to having a functional donut spare for your Tesla.
The kit comes with everything you need to change your tire. And it’s relatively inexpensive, costing less than $200. It’s an excellent option for those who want to save money on their Tesla tire changes.
Here’s a table with prices for spare tires from different manufacturers:
| Tire | Price |
| Modern Spare | from $340 |
| Bridgestone Turanza Quitetrack | $70 |
| Yokohama Avid Ascend GT | from $108 |
| Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 | from $195 |
| Michelin X-Ice Snow | from $106 |
| Pirelli Centurato P7 | from $107 |
How To Change a Tesla Tire
If you do get a flat tire, there are a few things you need to know before changing it yourself:
- The first thing you need to do is find a safe place to park. Once you’re parked, turn on your hazard lights and set the parking brake.
- Insert your aftermarket jack in the right spot. This is usually located behind the front passenger’s seat or in the trunk.
- Use your jack to lift the car until the flat tire is off the ground.
- Remove the bolts that are holding the wheel in place. These are usually located on the inside of the wheel well.
- Take off the flat tire and put on the spare tire.
- Tighten the bolts that are holding the wheel in place.
- Lower the car back down to the ground.
- Remove the jack from under the car.
- Put all your tools away and drive to the nearest Tesla Service Center. They will need to inspect your car to ensure everything is working correctly.
Is DIYing a Tesla Tire Change Worth It?
Tesla tire change is not for the faint of heart. It’s important to remember that you’re dealing with an expensive car, and one wrong move could cause severe damage.
If you’re not confident in your ability to change the tire, I would recommend calling for roadside assistance. It may be expensive, but knowing that your car is in good hands is worth it.
Statistic
Tesla tires last up to 30,000 miles (48,230.3 kilometers) on average, but this depends on the driving conditions and how well you maintain your tires.
A Word on Tire Rotation and Wheel Balance
It’s important to rotate your tires every 6,000 miles (9,656.1 kilometers). This will help them last longer and keep your car running smoothly. Tesla recommends having a professional service center do this for you, but it’s not required.
I use the jack from my Modern Spare kit to lift the car when I rotate the tires. This has allowed me to save money and rotate tires more often than required. This enables me to squeeze more miles on my tires, and Teslas have a reputation for eating them up.
However, it’s important to get your wheels balanced every time you rotate your tires. This is something that you should have done at a professional service center. Tesla offers this service for free, but it’s only available at their service centers.
If you’re not in a state with a Tesla store or service center, you can still get your car towed to the nearest one. Tesla has a generous towing policy, so you will only have to pay for the repair cost, not the entire trip.
Recommended Tesla Tire Replacement Intervals
If you live in a state with harsh winters, you will have to replace your tires more often. Tesla recommends replacing your tires every 30,000 miles (48,230.3 kilometers) or so. However, if you live in a mild climate, you can probably get away with replacing them every 40,000 miles (64,373.8 kilometers).
It’s also important to keep an eye on your tread depth. If it’s below 4mm (0.16 inch), it’s time to replace your tires. This is especially important if you live in an area with a lot of rain or snow.
The issue with wet conditions is that they decrease the amount of traction your tires have. This can lead to hydroplaning, which can be dangerous. I have found that my car tends to slip and slide more in the rain with worn-out tires.
If you’re not sure when to replace your tires, I recommend taking your vehicle to a professional service center. They can inspect your car and tell you if your tires need to be replaced.
A Word on Foam Tires on Your Tesla
Foam tires can provide a much smoother ride in a Tesla. They can also help to reduce road noise and improve fuel efficiency. However, they are not without their drawbacks.
Another downside to foam tires is that they may not provide as much traction in the snow. So, if you live in an area where it snows frequently, you may want to stick with regular tires.
Price is another factor to consider when deciding between foam and regular tires. Foam tires can be more expensive than standard tires, so you’ll need to determine if the benefits are worth the extra cost.
Ultimately, whether or not to use foam tires in your Tesla is up to you. Just make sure to weigh the pros and cons before making a decision.
