Top 10 Best Tires for Tesla Model S: Latest Options

The Tesla Model S changed the automotive landscape when it launched almost a decade ago. It was the first electric vehicle that showed to the world these types of cars are viable but also shattered the notion that they can't be fast. It's actually the quickest-accelerating sedan in the world right now, beat only by hypercars like the Rimac Nevera – also an EV.

But while electric powertrains can provide some amazing instant torque and power, other components of EVs must be able to keep up. And the Model S is notorious for putting too much strain on the suspension and brakes, both not on the level of the powertrain, especially on the more powerful models.

You can mitigate some of those issues by installing high-quality tires designed for more grip and traction. The problem is that most tires sold today aren't really designed for EVs, meaning you'll probably need to sacrifice some range for better performance due to the higher rolling resistance.

There are some tires that can give you the best of both worlds, though, and I carefully selected and listed them in my list of top 10 best tires for Tesla Model S.

For this list, I chose tires that I've tried on various vehicles, all of which showed to have enough grip to keep up with the Model S. Most of the models below will elevate the acceleration, braking, and lateral grip of your Model S, but I also included durable and efficient tires for those that just want to extract the longest range.

What you choose is entirely up to you – just read the short reviews and see whether that particular tire suits your driving needs. There is no tire that's best for everyone – I want summer performance tires on my car because I want to be engaged while driving, but you might want a year-round solution that won't break the bank. Either way, you'll find your tire in this list.

So, without further ado, let's have a closer look at the best tires for Tesla Model S!

In-Depth Reviews of the Best Tesla Model S Tires Available in 2024

Best Performance Summer Tires for Tesla Model S

1. Bridgestone Potenza Sport

The Bridgestone Potenza Sport is currently my favorite max-performance summer tire. Although not very comfortable or quiet, Bridgestone's latest performance tire can put a big smile on your face each time you accelerate, brake, or turn the steering wheel. It's a tire that communicates with the driver unlike any of its competitors, elevating the driving experience to a new level.

It all starts with the steering, which is very fast and linear, and always tells you what the front wheels are doing. The lateral grip is also outstanding – you can attack corners at exhilarating speeds with the Potenza Sport. Furthermore, the longitudinal traction is among the best in the category, which translates into strong acceleration and braking.

The best thing about the Potenza Sport is that it continues to grip the road well when it rains. The lateral grip is again excellent, but crucially, the tire is easy to control at the limit, and the handling is very balanced. You can also rely on the excellent braking and acceleration traction, both very important on a fast car like the Tesla Model S.

Bridgestone doesn't give a treadwear warranty on the Potenza Sport, unlike Michelin with the Pilot Sport 4S, which is perhaps the only big downside of the tire. Still, it shouldn't wear faster than its rivals and last you at least 20,000 miles.

Pros:

• Quick and natural steering
• Best-in-class lateral grip on dry tarmac, almost like a dedicated track tire
• Outstanding braking and acceleration traction in dry conditions
• Exceptional braking and lateral grip on wet tarmac
• Surefooted and balanced cornering in dry and wet conditions

Cons:

• Unsettled ride over broken tarmac
• Noisy on the highway

2. Michelin Pilot Sport 4S

The Michelin Pilot Sport 4S is an excellent choice for drivers that don't want to sacrifice comfort to get more grip. It's a tire that rides better than the Potenza Sport, and it is quieter as well. However, that took the edge of the steering, which feels much less precise and direct than Bridgestone's rival.

However, the Pilot Sport 4S offers comparable grip levels in dry and wet conditions. Regardless if it rains or not, it will give you balanced handling with exceptional lateral grip, strong braking, and good acceleration. It's an easy tire to drive fast, which is a huge reason why Tesla Model S owners like it so much.

It's also the only tire in the category that comes with a treadwear warranty (30,000 miles), and numerous tests have shown that it also lasts longer than its rivals.

Pros:

• Outstanding cornering and braking in dry conditions
• Balanced handling in rainy conditions
• Exceptional wet grip and braking
• Very comfortable and quiet for a max-performance summer tire
• Best-in-class treadlife
• The only max-performance summer tire that comes with a treadwear warranty

Cons:

• The steering isn't as sharp or communicative as its rivals'
• Expensive

3. Pirelli P Zero (PZ4)

The P Zero (PZ4) is Pirelli's latest max-performance summer tire and a very strong competitor in the segment. In my testing, it turned out to be the best performer in wet conditions, with the shortest stopping distances and highest lateral Gs. The handling is also very balanced, even at the limit.

In dry conditions, the steering feels a bit dull initially but gets more linear as you turn the wheel. Crucially, the PZ4 provides outstandingly high levels of lateral grip and longitudinal traction on the level of its premium competitors.

After many days of experiencing with this tire on my Tesla Model S, I noticed that PZ4 is also very comfortable and quiet for a max-performance tire – a great advantage for those that want to keep their Model S serene. Pirelli doesn't offer any treadwear warranty on the P Zero (PZ4), though.

Pros:

• Exceptional lateral grip and longitudinal traction in rainy conditions
• Balanced handling in dry and wet conditions
• Outstanding lateral grip and braking on dry tarmac
• Very smooth ride, even over repetitive impacts
• It doesn't get noisy on the highway

Cons:

• Dull initial steering response

Best Performance All-Season Tires for Tesla Model S

4. Continental ExtremeContact DWS06 Plus

If you want a year-round tire that will still work with your powerful Model S, look no further than the ExtremeContact DWS06 Plus. Continental's latest UHP all-season tire gets really close to a summer tire in terms of grip while also providing you with longer treadlife and usable light snow traction. You'll be impressed at how well the ExtremeContact DWS06 Plus handles light snow – it's a real game-changer.

It's also very capable in dry and wet conditions. It's currently the best rain tire in its category, with excellent braking and strong lateral grip, and very balanced handling.

I was also impressed with the dry grip, though I wished the steering was more responsive. Still, the ExtremeContact DWS06 Plus is at least comfortable over bumps and doesn't get very loud, unlike most of its rivals.

Continental provides an excellent 50,000-mile treadwear warranty on the ExtremeContact DWS06 Plus.

Pros:

• Best-in-class traction in rainy conditions
• Surefooted cornering on wet tarmac
• Agile and grippy on dry tarmac
• Very good traction on light snow for the category
• Smooth and refined ride
• Long treadwear warranty

Cons:

• The steering could be a tad more responsive

5. Bridgestone Potenza RE980AS+

Bridgestone obviously knows a thing or two about making its tire good to drive, as just like the Potenza Sport, the Potenza RE980AS+ is a joy to drive. It's quick to react to your inputs yet remains linear and communicative.

Moreover, the dry grip it provides gets really close to its summer counterpart, and the same can be said for the acceleration and braking.

The Potenza RE980AS+ also performs well on wet tarmac, though it's not as good as its rivals, primarily the ExtremeContact DWS06 Plus.

Put simply, the Potenza RE980AS+ will need a few more feet to stop and won't be as agile in the corners. Still, you probably won't be able to feel its shortcomings on the road, as the Potenza RE980AS+ is plenty good enough in day-to-day driving situations.

Like the ExtremeContact DWS06 Plus, light-snow traction with about 3 inches that I experienced this past winter is impressive for a UHP all-season tire, especially the balanced handling.

The Potenza RE980AS+ is also pretty comfortable and quiet for the category and comes with an excellent 50,000-mile treadwear warranty.

Pros:

• Best-in-class steering
• Exceptional longitudinal traction and lateral grip in dry conditions
• Very agile handling with natural behavior at the limit
• Predictable handling in rainy conditions
• Exceptional light snow traction for a UHP all-season tire
• Balanced handling on snow
• Reasonably quiet and comfortable for the category

Cons:

• Slightly lower wet traction than its closest premium rivals

6. Vredestein Hypertrac All Season

Vredestein has just arrived on the North American market, and you might be doubting if it's a quality brand. But let me tell you – I owned numerous Vredestein tires (I'm based in Europe), and all of them were exceptional.

The Hypertrac All Season, Vredestein's UHP all-season tire specifically designed for North America, is a testament to that. It's a tire that competes with the class-leading UHP all-season models in almost every category. It's especially good in the rain, where it provides exceptional traction and balanced handling, along with excellent hydroplaning.

Dry traction is also very strong for the category, and the handling is balanced. In my testing, I found that the Hypertrac All Season isn't as agile as its rivals at the limit, and the steering is a bit dull, but this is nitpicking, really. Light-snow traction is excellent, though, and the handling is very controlled and easy to gauge.

The Hypertrac All Season is also very comfortable and quiet, which is important for Model S drivers that want to be isolated from the road. It also comes with a 50,000-mile treadwear warranty, which is excellent for the price.

Pros:

• Strong grip and braking on a dry tarmac for the price
• Solid rain traction and balanced handling
• Easy to drive on snow-covered roads with good traction
• Very smooth and quiet ride for a performance tire
• Reasonable price
• Long treadwear warranty for the category

Cons:

• It could be more balanced at the limit in dry conditions
• The steering could've been more responsive

Best Grand-Touring All-Season Tires for Tesla Model S

7. Continental PureContact LS

If you aren't interested in the highest lateral grip and just want a comfortable and durable tire, the PureContact LS is one of the best available for the Tesla Model S.

Continental's latest grand-touring all-season tire will still provide you with safe year-round traction, as it works well in all climate conditions. It's easy to drive on dry, wet, and snow-covered tarmac, predictable, and generally inoffensive. Sure, the steering might be lifeless, but I think many Model S owners will be happy with the fact that it's quick.

And although a bit firm for a grand-touring tire, the PureContact LS is much smoother than any performance tire and much quieter as well. It even comes with a 70,000-mile treadwear warranty and should last you for years before you need a replacement.

Pros:

• Best-in-class lateral grip and braking in the rain
• Good overall performance in dry conditions
• Balanced handling and excellent traction on light snow
• Outstanding treadlife and long treadwear warranty

Cons:

• The ride is firm for a grand-touring tire
• The steering is quick but not very natural

8. Bridgestone Turanza QuietTrack

Want the most serene driving experience with your Tesla Model S? Then, look no further than the Turanza QuietTrack.

Bridgestone's latest grand-touring all-season tire might not be fit for the Model S Plaid, but it's plenty good enough for the long-range models. It will provide you with safe and balanced handling in dry and wet conditions, accompanied by a strong lateral grip and good braking for the category.

It also performs well on snow, where it feels balanced in the corners and provides short stopping distances, though it falls short of its rivals in lateral grip.

But the biggest advantage, if you opt for the Turanza QuietTrack, is the super-smooth and quiet ride, which plays very well with the Model S' silent powertrain. Oh, and let's not forget Bridgestone offers an 80,000-mile treadwear warranty, which is the highest in its category.

Pros:

• Surefooted handling and strong braking in rainy conditions
• Balanced handling and good braking on light snow
• Very good grip on dry pavement
• Best-in-class durability and treadwear warranty
• Supremely quiet and comfortable over bumps

Cons:

• It can't match the class-leading tires on snow (lateral grip)

9. Vredestein Quatrac Pro

Vredestein again surprised me with the Quatrac Pro, a grand-touring all-season tire that works excellently in all climate conditions. What particularly impressed me was the snow traction, which was among the best in the category. The tires also worked well in the corners, giving you plenty of time to react when they lost grip on snow.

But the Quatrac Pro is also good in dry and wet conditions, where it competes with the premium tires for class honors. Notably, the braking distances are very short, and the lateral grip is excellent. As for comfort, the Quatrac Pro is both comfortable and quiet – great news for Model S owners.

However, while the 50,000-mile treadwear warranty seems fine in isolation, it's much shorter than what its rivals (PureContact LS and Turanza QuietTrack) are offering at the moment.

Pros:

• Excellent dry grip and braking for the category
• Balanced handling and excellent traction in rainy conditions
• Easy to drive on snow-covered roads with very good traction
• Very smooth ride on broken pavement
• Quiet on the highway

Cons:

• Low treadwear warranty for the category

Best Winter Tires for Tesla Model S

10. Vredestein Wintrac Pro

The Vredestein Wintrac Pro is one of the few winter tires that are available in Tesla Model S tire dimensions. Fortunately, it's an exceptional winter tire that works excellently in harsh wintry conditions.

With the Wintrac Pro, you'll be covered even during a winter storm, as the tire works well on packed and unpacked snow, as well as ice. It not only provides exceptional traction, but it's also easy to drive and handle at the limit.

Unlike some cheaper winter tires, the Wintrac Pro also handles its duties on dry and wet roads well, with excellent traction and balanced handling. Still, while the ride is very smooth, even on broken pavement, the Wintrac Pro is noisy on the highway.

Pros:

• Excellent braking and handling on dry roads
• Outstanding grip and handling on wet tarmac
• Exceptional traction on packed and unpacked snow
• Easy to drive at the limit (snow)
• Works well on ice, too
• Smooth ride

Cons:

• Noisy at higher speeds
• Lifeless steering

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• Are EV tires different from regular tires?

When it comes to electric vehicle (EV) tires, there is no shortage of questions and debates. Some drivers wonder whether they should opt for EV-specific tires or stick with regular ones. While some tire manufacturers have started producing tires specifically designed for EVs, many people are still unsure about the differences and advantages of these specialized tires.

One of the main differences between EV tires and regular tires is that EV tires are designed to support the added weight of the vehicle's batteries. To achieve this, EV tires often have reinforced sidewalls that can cope with the extra weight. These sidewalls help to prevent the tires from wearing out too quickly and ensure a safe and comfortable ride.

In addition, EV tires are often designed with lower rolling resistance to maximize the vehicle's range. By reducing the friction between the tire and the road, the tires require less energy to move the vehicle forward, resulting in better efficiency and longer range. This is a crucial factor for many EV owners who prioritize maximizing the vehicle's range.

However, there is a trade-off between rolling resistance and grip. In general, the higher the grip, the lower the rolling resistance. This means that EV tires with high grip will likely reduce the vehicle's range. Therefore, it is important to find the right balance between grip and rolling resistance for your particular driving needs.

Another benefit of EV-specific tires is their ability to handle the added torque generated by the vehicle's electric motors. The high torque output of electric motors can put a strain on tires, leading to excessive wear and tear. EV tires are designed to cope with this added stress and provide better traction and stability under acceleration.

However, it is worth noting that high-quality regular tires can also provide sufficient grip and durability for EVs. The choice between regular and EV-specific tires ultimately depends on your driving needs and preferences. If you prioritize maximizing your vehicle's range, EV tires may be a good choice. But if you value high performance or prefer a more affordable option, regular tires may be a better fit.

In conclusion, EV-specific tires are designed to handle the unique characteristics of electric vehicles, such as their weight, torque, and range. While they may offer some advantages, they are not always necessary for optimal performance. Choosing the right tire for your EV ultimately depends on your driving needs, budget, and preferences.

From what I found out driving various regular and EV-specific tires, purchasing a set from a reputable manufacturer with a load rating that can carry the maximum weight (with passengers and cargo) of your EV should give you good overall performance.

Besides, EV-specific tires are expensive, so you can probably save some cash if you opt for a set of regular tires.

• How often should I replace my Tesla Model S tires?

When it comes to tire maintenance for your Tesla Model S, there are several factors to consider, including the weight of the vehicle, the type of tire, and the driving habits of the owner. Due to the massive batteries and high torque output of EVs, they tend to put more stress on their tires than traditional gasoline-powered cars, which can result in shorter tread life.

The weight of the Model S alone can put a significant amount of pressure on its tires, particularly during acceleration and cornering. This is compounded by the instant torque output of electric motors, which can further exacerbate tire wear. On average, you can expect to get around 20-30% less tread life on your Model S than on a traditional vehicle.

However, the tread life of your tires also depends on the type of tire you choose. Touring and grand-touring all-season tires are generally the most durable and can last up to 50,000 miles before needing to be replaced.

Performance all-season tires, on the other hand, will typically last around 30,000 to 35,000 miles on the Model S, while summer performance or winter performance tires may only last 20,000 miles.

It's important to note that even if you don't drive your Model S very often, you should still replace your tires after eight years. Over time, the rubber compound in your tires will lose its elasticity due to temperature changes, humidity, and UV rays, even if the tires still have enough tread depth. And old tires can be very dangerous, as they won't grip the road well and can cause a potential blowout.

To maximize the life of your tires, it's important to regularly check their pressure and rotate them every 5,000-8,000 miles to ensure even wear. You should also avoid overloading your vehicle, which can put extra stress on your tires. Finally, be sure to inspect your tires regularly for signs of damage or wear and replace them if necessary.

• What's the correct tire pressure on my Tesla Model S?

Tesla recommends a minimum pressure of 40 psi (2.8 bar) when the Model S is unloaded with passengers or cargo. However, models with larger 19-inch wheels should be inflated to 45 psi (3.1 bar) front and 42 psi (2.9 bar) rear, while the 21-inch wheels should be inflated to 42 psi (2.9 bar) front and 40 psi (2.8 bar) rear.

You'll notice that these pressures are higher than on a regular vehicle, and for a good reason. Since the Model S is heavier and quicker than comparable gas sedans, it will deform the tire more easily. The added pressure here will help the tire preserve its shape under load, providing you with a more stable ride.

Hence, just like in a regular vehicle, it's crucial to maintain the optimal inflation pressure on your Tesla Model S tires. That way, you'll ensure your safety but also minimize tread wear – underinflated tires will wear faster, and overinflated tires can lead to uneven wear. Besides, an underinflated-overinflated tire poses a bigger risk of a blowout, which is a big safety concern.

• How to check the tire pressure on Tesla Model S?

Unlike most gas or diesel vehicles, the Tesla Model S has a built-in tire pressure gauge. You can access it via the Service menu and see the correct pressure on each tire. Each time you check the pressure, make sure you do that when the tires are cold, like, for example, in the morning. The hotter the tires get, the higher the pressure, and the other way around.

Conclusion

Choosing tires for your EV can be daunting since the tire manufacturers still haven't caught up with the automotive industry, and EV-specific tires aren't exactly accessible.

With that said, I hope that this list helped you find a set of regular tires that will fit your Model S and give your EV the grip it deserves!

You might notice that the models I included on this list all come from reputable manufacturers, but that's because cheap tires simply can't provide enough grip for the Model S and won't be as durable. Although initially expensive, premium tires will pay off as you drive them, meaning they are a good investment, and they are also safer than cheap tires.