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8.
Open one of the vehicle
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Displaying Tire Pressures
Tire pressures display on the touchscreen in the cards
area on the car status display, or by touching Controls >
Service. The pressure of each tire displays in the
visualization of your
Model 3, in addition to what time
your tire pressures were last measured. You can choose
whether you want to display tire pressures using Bar or PSI by touching
Controls > Display > Tire Pressure. The
touchscreen also displays your vehicle
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WARNING: Do not drive Model 3 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 3 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 the surface 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.
To improve vehicle handling characteristics and minimize
hydroplaning in wet conditions, put tires with the most tread on the rear of the car.
Tire Rotation, Balance, and Wheel
Alignment
Tesla recommends rotating the tires every 6,250 miles
(10,000 km) or if tread depth difference is 2/32 in (1.5
mm) or greater, whichever comes first.
Tire rotation is an essential part of tire maintenance. It helps maintain an even treadwear pattern which enhances the tire
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If tires need to be replaced early, for example due to a
flat tire, we recommend replacing the tires in pairs
unless the other tires are within
2/32 in (1.5 mm) of tread
depth of the new tire. When replacing tires, it is important to match the brand and model of the older
tires. Always place a pair of new tires on the rear if all four tires are the same size. Always balance the wheel and tire after replacing a tire. Consult with a professional tire retailer and installer for further guidance.
If you
replace your tires or install different ones, reset the tire
configuration (see Tire Configuration on page 179). This
resets the learned tire settings and improves the driving
experience on your new tires.
NOTE: Regardless of the number of tires replaced, a
complete set of matching tires is recommended for optimum performance.
If tires other than those specified are used, ensure that
the load and speed ratings marked on the tire
(see
Understanding Tire Markings on page 214) equal or
exceed those of the original
specification.
For the specification of the original wheels and tires
installed on
Model 3, see Wheels and Tires on page 213.
If you replace a wheel, the TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) sensors need to be reset to ensure they provide accurate warnings when tires are under-
or
over-inflated (see Automatic Reset of TPMS Sensors on
page 180).
NOTE: Installing winter tires with aggressive compound
and tread design may result in temporarily-reduced regenerative braking power. However, your vehicle is
designed to continuously recalibrate itself, and after changing tires it will increasingly restore regenerative
braking power after some moderate-torque straight-line accelerations. For most drivers this occurs after a short period of normal driving, but drivers who normally
accelerate lightly may need to use slightly harder accelerations while the recalibration is in progress. Go to
Service > Wheel & Tire Configuration > Tires to select
winter tires and quicken this process.
WARNING: For your safety, use only tires and
wheels that match the original specification. Tires
that do not match the original specification can
affect the operation of the TPMS.
WARNING: Never exceed the speed rating of your
vehicle
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For Gemini wheels, press on the perimeter of the cover until it aligns with the wheel surface. Press on the Tesla “T” in the center until the cap snaps into place. See
Parts and Accessories on page 190 for
more information.
CAUTION: To prevent the aero cover from
falling off, ensure that it is fully secured before
driving.
Removing and Installing Lug Nut Covers
If your Model 3 is equipped with lug nut covers, you
must remove them to access the lug nuts.
To remove a lug nut cover:
1.
Insert the curved part of the lug nut cover tool, if equipped (located in the glovebox in some vehicles, or you can use a small allen wrench) into the hole at the base of the Tesla "T".
NOTE: The lug nut cover tool can also be purchased
at an auto parts store or through online retailers.
2.
Maneuver the lug nut cover tool so that it is fully inserted into the hole in the lug nut cover.
3.
Twist the lug nut cover tool so that the curved part is
touching the middle of the lug nut cover.
4.
Firmly pull the lug nut tool away from the wheel until the lug nut cover is released.
To install the lug nut cover:
1.
Align the lug nut cover into position.
2.
Push firmly on the lug nut cover until it fully snaps
into place.
CAUTION: Make sure the lug nut cover is fully
secure before driving to prevent it from falling
off.
Wheel Configuration
If you are installing new wheels or swapping them for
different ones, update your vehicle
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Ensure you are aware if your vehicle is equipped with
winter tires. Winter tires can be
identified by a mountain
and
snowflake icon on the tires
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Seasonal Tire Types
Understand Your Tire Type
The type of tires that your vehicle is originally equipped with depends on vehicle model and market region. It is important to understand the capabilities of your vehicle
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NOTE: Tire chains are prohibited in some jurisdictions.
Check local laws before installing tire chains.CAUTION: Using non-recommended tire chains, or
using tire chains on other sized tires can damage
the suspension, body, wheels, and/or brake lines.
Damage caused by using non-recommended tire
chains, or incorrectly installing tire chains, is not
covered by the warranty.
CAUTION: Do not use tire chains on the front tires.CAUTION: Never deflate your tires to put on tire
chains. When re-inflated, the chains might fit too
tightly and cause tire damage.
CAUTION: Ensure that the tire chains cannot touch
suspension components or brake lines. If you hear
the chains making unusual noises that would
indicate contact with Model 3, stop and investigate
immediately.Tire Care and Maintenance
182MODEL 3 Owner