Inspecting and Maintaining TiresRegularly inspect the tread and side walls for
any sign of distortion (bulges), cuts or wear.Warning: Do not drive Model S if a tire is
damaged, excessively worn, or inflated to
an incorrect pressure. Check tires
regularly for wear, and ensure there are
no cuts, bulges or exposure of the ply/
cord structure.
Tire Wear
Adequate tread depth is important for proper
tire performance. Tires with a tread depth less
than 4/32” (3 mm) are more likely to
hydroplane in wet conditions and should not
be used. Tires with a tread depth less than
5/32” (4 mm) do not perform well in snow and
slush and should not be used when driving in
winter conditions.
Model S is originally
fitted with tires that have
wear indicators molded into the tread pattern. When the tread has been worn down to 4/32”(3 mm), the indicators start to appear at thesurface of the tread pattern, producing the
effect of a continuous band of rubber across
the width of the tire. For optimal performance
and safety, Tesla recommends replacing tires
before the wear indicators are visible.
Tire Rotation, Balance, and Wheel Alignment
Tesla recommends rotating the tires every
6250 miles (10,000 km).
Unbalanced wheels (sometimes noticeable as
vibration through the steering wheel)
affectvehicle handling and tire life. Even with regular
use, wheels can get out of balance. Therefore,
they should be balanced as required.
If tire wear is uneven (on one side of the tire
only) or becomes abnormally excessive, check
the alignment of wheels.
Note: When replacing only two tires, always
install the new tires on the rear.
Punctured Tires
A puncture eventually causes the tire to lose pressure, which is why it is important to check
tire pressures frequently. Permanently repair
or replace punctured or damaged tires as
soon as possible.
Your tubeless tires may not leak when
penetrated, provided the object remains in the tire. If, however, you feel a sudden vibration or
ride disturbance while driving, or you suspect a tire is damaged, immediately reduce yourspeed. Drive slowly, while avoiding heavy
braking or sharp steering and, when safe to do so, stop the vehicle. Arrange to have Model S
transported to a Tesla service center, or to a
nearby tire repair center.
Note: In some cases, you can temporarily
repair small tire punctures (under 1/4” (6
mm)) using an optional tire repair kit available from Tesla. This allows you to slowly drive
Model S to Tesla or to a nearby tire repair
facility (see Temporary Tire Repair on page
144).Warning: Do not drive with a punctured
tire, even if the puncture has not causedthe tire to
deflate. A punctured tire candeflate suddenly at any time.
Flat Spots
If Model S is stationary for a long period in
high temperatures, tires can form
flat spots.
When Model S is driven, these flat spots cause
a vibration which gradually disappears as the
tires warm up and regain their original shape.
To minimize
flat spots during storage, inflatetires to the maximum pressure indicated on the tire wall. Then, before driving, release airto adjust tire pressure to the recommendedlevels.
Improving Tire Mileage
To improve the mileage you get from your
tires, maintain tires at the recommended tire
pressures, observe speed limits and advisory
speeds, and avoid:
Exterior DimensionsAOverall Length196 in4,979 mmBOverall Width (including mirrors)Overall Width (excluding mirrors)86.2 in 77.3 in2,189 mm
1,964 mmCOverall Height56.9 in*1,445 mm*DWheel Base116.5 in2,960 mmEOverhang - Front36.9 in937 mmFOverhang - Rear42.55 in1,081 mmGGround Clearance - Coil
Suspension (single motor vehicle)5.5 in*139.7 mm*GGround Clearance - Coil
Suspension (dual motor vehicle)5.3 in*134.6 mm*GGround Clearance - Air Suspension4.6 - 6.3 in116.8 - 160 mmHTrack - Front
Track - Rear65.4 in
66.9 in1,662 mm
1,700 mm*Values are approximate. The dimensions can vary depending on vehicle configuration and
various other factors.
Interior Dimensions
Head RoomFront
Rear38.8 in35.3 in986 mm 897 mmLeg RoomFront Rear42.7 in
35.4 in1085 mm 899 mmShoulder RoomFront Rear57.7 in 55 in1466 mm1397 mmHip RoomFront Rear55 in
54.7 in1397 mm
1389 mm
Dimensions and Weights
Specifications161
Wheel SpecificationsWheel TypeLocationSizeOffset
19"
Front8.0J x 191.575"
40 mmRear8.0J x 191.575"
40 mm21" - Silver (standard)Front8.5J x 211.575"
40 mm21" - Grey (standard)Rear8.5J x 211.575"
40 mm21" - Silver and Grey (optional) Performance
Plus vehiclesRear9.0J x 211.575"
40 mmRoad Wheel Nut Torque129 lb. ft (175 Nm)Note: For instructions on how to jack/lift Model S, see Jacking and Lifting on page 156.
Tire Specifications
Tire TypeLocationSize19" wheelsAllP245/45R1921" wheelsFront
RearP245/35R21
P265/35R21**On a P85D and P90D Model S, the width of the rear tires may vary depending on date of
manufacture. Some vehicles may be equipped with P245/35R21 tires on both front and rear.Tire pressures vary depending on the type of tires fitted. Refer to the tire pressures printed on
the Tire and Loading Information label. This label is located on the center door pillar and is
visible when the driver
1Tire category. P indicates that the tire is for passenger vehicles.2Tire width. This 3-digit number is the width (in millimeters) of the tire from sidewall
edge to sidewall edge.3Aspect ratio. This 2-digit number is the sidewall height as a percentage of the tread
width. So, if the tread width is 205 mm, and the aspect ratio is 50, the sidewall height is 102 mm.4Tire construction. R indicates that the tire is of Radial ply construction.5Wheel diameter. This 2-digit number is the diameter of the wheel rim in inches.6Load index. This 2 or 3-digit number is the weight each tire can support. This number is
not always shown.7Speed rating. When stated, indicates the maximum speed (in mph) at which the tire can be used for extended periods. Q=99 mph (160 km/h), R=106 mph (170 km/h), S=112 mph (180 km/h), T=118 mph (190 km/h), U=124 mph (200 km/h), H=130 mph(210 km/h), V=149 mph (240 km/h), W=168 mph (270 km/h), Y=186 mph (300 km/h).8Tire composition and materials. The number of plies in both the tread area and thesidewall area indicates how many layers of rubber coated material make up the structure of the tire. Information is also provided on the type of materials used.9Maximum tire load. The maximum load which can be carried by the tire.10Maximum permissible inflation pressure. This pressure should not be used for normal
driving.11U.S. DOT Tire Identification Number (TIN). Begins with the letters DOT and indicates
that the tire meets all federal standards. The next 2 digits/letters represent the plant
code where it was manufactured, and the last 4 digits represent the week and year of
manufacture. For example, the number 1712 is used to represent the 17th week of 2012. The other numbers are marketing codes used at the manufacturer
