It is no secret that
Tesla has really taken off in popularity over the past 10 years or so, with the company being one of the top selling
car brands in the world.
Tesla car models such as the
Model X,
Model Y, and the
Model 3 will have different tyre models that are popular for each of the respective cars.
Given that
winter tyres are a popular choice for motorists, particularly in the UK, it is important to understand what winter tyres are best suited to Tesla vehicles.
So, what are the best winter tyres for Tesla cars? We answer that question today based on our own data here at Blackcircles.com.
Continental are no strangers to innovative tyre development, with the German tyre brand being at forefront of the winter tyre movement.
One of their top-selling winter tyres is the
WinterContact TS870 P, a premium winter tyre model that was released in 2021.
The Continental winter tyre replaced the
WinterContact TS850 P upon release, with the WinterContact TS870 P having less fuel consumption than its predecessor. The fuel consumption of the newer WinterContact model is improved by the tyre having less rolling resistance.
Continental’s CoolChili compound gives the winter tyre model heightened performance levels in wet conditions, as well as featuring sustainable ingredients that makes the tyre more eco-friendly.
In terms of tyre label ratings, the Continental WinterContact TS870 P has average fuel efficiency ratings of C (varying between different tyre sizes).
The winter tyre has wet grip ratings of B across all tyre sizes, with most sizes having a tyre noise level of 71B.
Bridgestone are another
tyre brand that have specialised in winter tyre production over the years, with the Blizzak LM005 being their flagship winter tyre model.
The Blizzak LM005 has enhanced levels of performance through its zigzag tread pattern grooves, making the tyre efficient throughout winter driving surfaces.
Enhancement of performance levels in winter conditions is furthered by the blend of 2D and 3D sipes throughout different areas of the tread pattern.
Labels ratings read well for the Blizzak model, with the tyre having fuel efficiency ratings of either B or C across different tyre sizes, along with wet grip ratings of an A across all sizes.
Tyre noise levels of the Blizzak LM005 ranges from 70B to 73B.
The Hankook iON Winter Sound Absorber is a premium winter tyre model that has become popular amongst Tesla drivers in recent times.
The iON model offers
Hankook’s special winter tyre compound, giving smoother driving capabilities in low temperatures. This makes the tyre have more grip, better braking, and precise handling in winter conditions.
Fuel efficiency label ratings are either C or D depending on tyre size, with wet grip ratings of B across all tyre sizes.
Tyre noise levels are 69A on all available tyre sizes apart from
285/40 R20 sized tyres, which have a noise rating of 72B.
Another Continental winter tyre that is popular amongst Tesla drivers is the
WinterContact TS860 S.
The Continental WinterContact TS860 S was released in 2017 and was eventually replaced by the aforementioned WinterContact TS870 P.
Featuring the ContiSeal technology developed by Continental, the WinterContact TS860 S protects the tyre from damaged tyre tread, sealing 80% of all tyre punctures and reducing the risk of flat tyres.
This tyre has been trusted by globally recognised car brands such as
Maserati and
Audi to be an OE (originally equipped) tyre of various of their vehicles.
For WinterContact TS860 S tyre label ratings, the tyre has fuel efficiency ratings of either B or C depending on tyre size.
Wet grip ratings are predominantly C across available tyre sizes for the Continental winter tyre, with
265/40 R21 and
295/35 R21 sized tyres featuring a B rating.
Tyre noise levels range from 72B to 75B for the tyre model.
The WinterCraft WP51 has good traction through winter conditions, giving customers that want a cheaper option to premium tyres an optimal alternative to premium tyre models.
The
Kumho winter tyre has a uniform block design, giving the tyre model stable cornering and solid grip when driving in winter conditions.
Kumho's honeycomb 3-dimentional sipes also helps to maximise traction on snowy and icy roads.
After reviewing the consensus popular winter tyres for Tesla models (as of the time of writing), we hope you now have a better understanding of what tyre models you should be considering.
If you are deciding to look further for those perfect winter tyres for your Tesla car, enter your vehicle registration number on the Blackcircles.com website today.
FAQs:
Do winter tyres affect the range of a Tesla?
Yes, switching to winter tyres can reduce the range of a Tesla to some degree. Winter tyres are designed with a softer compound and deeper tread patterns that increase rolling resistance compared to summer tyres. However, the benefits of greatly increased traction in the winter far outweigh this nominal range impact.
Are winter tyres a legal requirement in the UK?
No, winter tyres are not a legal requirement in the UK, unlike in several European countries where they are mandatory during certain months. However, they are strongly recommended for drivers in areas that regularly experience snow, ice, or temperatures consistently below 7°C, as they provide significantly better grip and braking performance than standard summer tyres in those conditions.
When should I switch back from winter tyres to summer tyres on my Tesla?
The general guidance is to swap back to summer tyres once temperatures consistently rise above 7°C, typically around March or April in the UK. Running winter tyres in warmer conditions causes them to wear more quickly and can reduce handling performance, so making the switch at the right time helps preserve the tyres and maintain the best driving performance from your Tesla.
Can I fit winter tyres to my Tesla myself?
While it is technically possible to change tyres yourself with the right equipment, it is recommended to have winter tyres professionally fitted by a qualified garage. Tesla vehicles are heavier than comparable petrol cars due to the battery pack, which makes correct torque settings and balancing particularly important. A professional fitting also ensures the tyres are seated correctly and the car's TPMS (tyre pressure monitoring system) is properly calibrated.
Should I buy a second set of wheels for my winter tyres?
Many Tesla owners choose to purchase a separate set of steel or alloy wheels to mount their winter tyres on. This makes seasonal changeovers quicker and more cost-effective in the long run, as it avoids repeated dismounting and remounting of tyres on the same rims. It also helps protect your original alloy wheels from the harsher road conditions and treatments such as road salt that are common in winter.
PayPal Credit and PayPal Pay in 3 are trading names of PayPal UK Ltd, 5 Fleet Place, London, United Kingdom, EC4M 7RD. Terms and conditions apply. Credit subject to status and approval, 18+ UK residents only. PayPal Credit and PayPal Pay in 3 are a form of credit, so carefully consider whether the purchase is affordable and how you will make the repayments. PayPal Pay in 3 is not regulated by the FCA. See product terms for more details and FAQs. Learn more about PayPal Credit.Learn more about PayPal Pay in 3.
