Explaining Tesla Tire Pressure - ElectricVehiclesFAQs.com

A flat tire is the last thing you need when driving down the road. The benefits of checking for over- and under-inflation outweigh the inconvenience of spending time and effort.

As a rule, Tesla recommends keeping the tires at a pressure of 40-45 PSI. Allow for an additional 3 to 5 PSI for winter conditions. Tesla’s tire pressure monitoring system warns you when the tire pressure falls out of the recommended range. Here are the details.

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What Makes 40 PSI Good for Model Y Cars?

Tesla Model Y Tire Pressure should be around the 40 to 45 PSI range. This is a good specification for most vehicles, and Tesla electric cars are no exception.

40 PSI is ideal for both passenger and sports electric cars in California. However, it is too high for smaller cars with a recommended pressure of under 35 PSI.

Meanwhile, 40 PSI is very high for larger trucks. The specific pressure for Tesla cars depends on the model and ambient air temperature.

You must recheck the tire pressure and make necessary adjustments before going on a long trip.

Why Does Tire Pressure Change?

It is known that the tire pressure drops by about 1 to 2 PSI due to regular wear and tear. There are many reasons why the pressure may drop.

The biggest reason for the pressure drop is the weather and climate. The pressure increases in the summer, and the tires expand.

The pressure decreases in the cold, and the tires shrink. In this case, the tire pressure is reduced. Data shows two trends in tire pressure: under-inflation of the tire on the front axle and over-inflation on the rear axle.

It is strongly suggested to check the tire pressure once every month. This will ensure that your tire pressure is under control and at the correct levels, as outlined by Tesla.

Tire pressure can also change quickly due to unexpected events. Perhaps you drove over a pothole or your tires passed over sharp, jaggedy obstacles. You should pay attention to these signs when driving your electric car in California.

What Happens if Tesla Model Y Tire Pressure is Too Low or High?

Tire pressure that falls outside the manufacturer’s recommended range will create unsafe driving conditions on the road.

This can cause the car to swerve, lose control, not drive in a straight line, and ultimately crash. Underinflation and overinflation are dangerous not just for you but also for other drivers on the road.

Moreover, many safety features of your Tesla Model Y, such as anti-lock braking, are designed to work when the tires are at the correct range. Some of your Model Y’s driver assistance functions may not work correctly if the tires are at the optimal pressure.

Read: How to Get a Tesla for Cheap

Low Tire Pressure

At low tire pressure, the sidewalls of the tires sink. This leads to wear and tear of the treading and sidewall.

The low pressure also rapidly increases resistance with the road and leads to a dramatic temperature rise. This can lead to a sharp decline of your tires. In the worst-case scenario, your tires might explode.

In the case of low pressure, the treading is prone to warping. This can lead to increased rolling resistance and premature wear and wear. Low pressure also makes it challenging to drive in a straight line.

You can store your Tesla in a climate-controlled facility. If this is impossible, try increasing the tire pressure by 3 to 5 psi.

High Tire Pressure

High tire pressure conditions are also hazardous for your Tesla. Overinflated tires are more likely to blow out than underinflated tires.

In a blowout, you could lose control over your vehicle. High tire pressure also reduces your vehicle’s braking power. This can endanger you and other drivers on the road.

Why You Should Have a Tire Pressure Gauge for Your Model Y

Your Tesla Model Y is equipped with state-of-the-art pressure sensors. They will detect the correct pressure and alert you if the pressure falls above or below the recommended settings.

However, buying a tire pressure gauge for your Tesla Model Y. is a good idea because your car’s sensors may fail.

For instance, driving over obstacles and potholes can damage the tire and its sensors. Moreover, the tire’s sensor could be giving you false alarms.

The sensor doesn’t always pick up on these changes. This is why it’s better to have a third-party pressure gauge that can validate Tesla’s sensors.

How Tire Pressure Affects Range

Studies show that keeping control of tire pressure loss can improve driving range.

Most EV makers use low rolling resistance tires for their electric cars in California. This is done to increase the car’s range, but it often comes at the cost of handling.

However, underinflated tires can dramatically reduce your car’s driving range. Properly inflating the tires reduces the energy it takes to push the car down the road.

As the pressure falls below the optimum pressure, the tire flattens. And as the sidewalls sink, it becomes more difficult for the tire to roll on the pavement.

This is why it requires more energy to move the vehicle. You can find the tire pressure requirements on the tire’s sidewall.

Electric cars are more efficient than ICE cars. This also means that the rolling resistance for electric cars in California is of more importance to their range.

Any gains or losses in rolling resistance can significantly impact the car’s range. While it is easy to overlook your electric car’s tires, choosing the right pressure for them is worth the effort.

How to Check Tire Pressure

Tesla released software update 4.2, which introduces tire pressure monitoring. This means you can keep track of the tire pressure on the screen.

The pressure of each tire is displayed in the visualization of your Model Y. You can choose whether to display the tire pressure by configuring the settings on the touchscreen.

Here’s how: Visit Controls > Display > Tire Pressure

Manual Method for Checking Air Pressure

Another alternative is to check tire pressure using an air pressure gauge. These items are readily available at various auto parts stores. You can also find them at gas stations.

This is an excellent excuse to take your electric car to a gas station! To check the air pressure, remove the cap from the valve stem and plug it over the stem.

Ensure a good seal between the air pressure gauge and the stem. This will provide you with correct readings.

Now check the readings on the touchscreen to see if you are getting consistent readings. Repeat the procedure a few times for more accuracy.

If the tire pressure reading on the sensor is inaccurate, it may be time to take your Tesla to a certified service center.

How Often Should I Check Tesla Model Y Tire Pressure?

It is recommended to check tire pressure at least once every month. Checking tire pressure should be a part of routine maintenance. This is because tires lose approximately 1 to 2 SP every month.

Quick Maintenance Tips for Longer Lasting Tesla Model Y Tires

Vehicle maintenance for Tesla electric cars in California is super cheap. However, once problems arise, they can be expensive to fix.

This is why staying on top of regular maintenance for longer-lasting tires is recommended. Here are a few tips that are easy to follow:

Monitor the Tire Pressure

It is highly recommended to monitor your car’s tire pressure before leaving for a long trip. This rule is also applicable if you are carrying a lot of cargo.

Don’t wait for the tire pressure warning to remind you that it’s time to fill up! Sometimes, routine maintenance is all it takes to make your tires go a long way.

Tread Depth of Tires

Healthy tires have a tread depth of more than 2/32″. You can check this for yourself with the help of a tread depth gauge.

Alternatively, you can insert a Lincoln cent into the tread grooves. Keep the head upside down and see if you can see the top of Lincoln’s head.

The tread is above 2/32″ if you can see the head. If you can see the entire head, it’s time to immediately replace the tire because they have been worn out beyond repair!

You should also keep an eye out for uneven wear and tear. Look for bulges, bruises, splits, cracks, and bumps on the tires.

If you notice that the tires are in bad condition, you should take your Tesla to the nearest certified repair center. You don’t want your Tesla failing while you’re in the middle of a freeway!

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Never Exceed the Maximum Weight Recommendation

Like gasoline-powered cars, Tesla electric cars in California also have maximum weight recommendations.

You can find the specific cargo limit of your Tesla by consulting the owner’s manual. Note that the tires also have a maximum load rating. You can see this on the sidewall of the tire.

Note these limits and avoid exceeding them. Heavy loads are bad for your Tesla’s tires and will wear them out quickly. Moreover, heavy loads will also make it difficult to control the ride.

For obvious reasons, carrying too much load will reduce your Tesla’s total range per charge.

Rotate the Tires

A tire rotation is when you move the car’s tires from one location to another. This rotation of tires can prevent uneven tire wear, which often occurs because one side of the car is heavier than the other.

You can look at your owner’s manual to determine how often your tires should be rotated. In general, most manufacturers recommend rotating the tires after 5000 miles.

Rotating tires is a relatively inexpensive procedure that comes with many benefits, including:

Smoother ride: Evenly worn-out tires result in a smooth and comfortable ride.
Improved safety: Tire rotation can improve your Tesla’s grip on the road. This will improve control of your car when making sharp and quick turns.
Better range: Tires that are unevenly worn will not be able to maintain uniform contact with the surface. This can result in increased friction. The motor will have to work harder and use more energy from the battery to move the car. A tire rotation can help improve your car’s range.

Improve Handling and Control of Your Tesla

We know electric cars in California boast massive acceleration, but this can cause undue stress on the tires.

Ease up on the accelerator and slowly increase your speed. Here are a few tips to improve the handling of your Tesla (which, in turn, can increase the lifespan of your tires):

Don’t press too hard on your Tesla’s brakes
Don’t make sharp turns
Don’t go over potholes and other big obstacles on the streets
Try not to hit curbs when parking or when making turns
Don’t allow fluids to rest on your tires for too long because they can cause damage
Don’t exceed the speed rating of your tire (this can be found on the sidewall of the tire)

Finally, only use tires that are recommended for use by Tesla. Tires that don’t conform with your car’s specifications will lead to a loss in pressure and poor control.

What Happens if the Tire Pressure Goes too Low?

Tesla cars are outfitted with a Tire Pressure Monitoring System. The exact technology used depends on your Tesla Model. The TPMS malfunction indicator indicates when the tires are not at the correct pressure.

If your Tesla does not have a TPMS or your existing one has been worn out, you can buy an aftermarket TPMS.

Wrapping Up

Monitoring your Tesla Model Y Tire pressure is extremely important and important in road safety.

You should inspect the tire pressure at least once a month. Finally, you should have a tire gauge to validate Tesla’s tire pressure sensors and confirm if they are in good working condition.