2024+ Tesla Model 3 18" OEM Tire Replacement Guide

The 2024+ Tesla Model 3 “Highland” ships in RWD and non-Performance AWD models on 18” Prismata or Photon wheels as standard equipment. Both trims come wrapped in 235/45R18 tires. Depending on supply chain availability, the 18” tires in North America are the Michelin Primacy A/S and Hankook Ventus S1 AS tires. The Primacy A/S is a Standard Touring All-Season with a T0 Tesla designation and Acoustic Tech foam liner while the Ventus S1 AS is an Ultra High Performance All-Season. For 19” wheels see the 19” guide. For the 20” wheels on the Performance trim see the 20” guide. The tire recommendations for the 18” wheel on the 2017–2023 Model 3 are identical.

OEM Wheel and Tire Specs

Both the 18” Prismata and Photon are 18×8.5” wheels with a +38mm offset, 5×114.3 bolt pattern, and 64.1mm centerbore. They ship with a removable aero cap that improves highway aerodynamics and range. Both the RWD and non-Performance AWD trims use the same wheel dimensions and OEM tire size.

The T0 marking on the Michelin indicates Tesla has tested and approved the tire for noise, ride, and range to Tesla’s standards — and that Michelin paid for that certification. You do not need a T0 tire to replace your existing tires. Per the service manual, the Hankook Ventus S1 AS is available as a T0 tire, however, as of this publishing there is limited availability of the Ventus S1 AS in the OE Model 3 18” size.

Before You Buy

Tire size. The OEM size is 235/45R18. Owners who prioritize grip can move up to 245/45R18 — 10mm wider with a slightly larger contact patch and better wheel protection, and a better fill on the 8.5” wheel. Owners focused on efficiency can step down to 225/45R18, which reduces rolling resistance at the cost of a more pronounced stretch on the wheel. All three sizes are within ±3% of the OEM overall diameter. For other compatible sizes see the 235/45R18 tire table.

Load index. Use XL-rated tires with at least a 98 load index. The OEM spec is 98W XL. All tires in this guide meet or exceed that rating.

Acoustic foam liner. Both OEM tires include foam inner liners: Michelin’s Acoustic Tech and Hankook’s SoundAbsorber. The Model 3’s 360-degree acoustic glass is already highly effective at NVH reduction, but a foam-lined tire still makes a difference on coarser pavement. Not every tire in this guide has a foam variant available in 235/45R18 and many owners specifically choose tires without foam when replacing the OE tires. Look for foam-lined tires labeled “Acoustic” (Michelin), “ContiSilent” (Continental), or “PNCS” (Pirelli) if road noise is a priority.

TPMS. The Model 3 uses direct TPMS with sensors integrated into the valve stem assembly. During a tire swap the valve stem and sensor stay in the wheel — the installer demounts the old tire, mounts the new one, and the sensor is never disturbed. You should not be charged for a new sensor on a standard replacement. A valve stem seal inspection or replacement is normal and inexpensive. After the swap, recalibrate via Controls > Service > TPMS Calibration on the touchscreen.

Spare tire and toolkit. The Model 3 includes a sealant and compressor kit but no full-size spare. Tesla 24/7 roadside assistance is available through the app.

AWD tread depth tolerance. AWD Model 3 owners replacing tires in pairs rather than all four should put the tires with the most remaining tread on the rear axle. A tread depth difference greater than 2/32” between axles should prompt a full four-tire replacement.

Remember to rotate. Rear tires on the Model 3 wear faster than fronts, so rotate every 5,000–6,000 miles to keep tread depth even.

Grand Touring All-Season

The Michelin Primacy A/S comes standard on the 18” OE wheels because it matches the Model 3’s comfort-forward character well. The Primacy A/S is a Standard Touring All-Season, a step below the Grand Touring All-Season category in this guide. Most owners replacing tires will find it worth stepping up. Grand Touring All-Seasons generally carry a 3-Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) severe snow service rating, are long-wearing, and handle light snow more confidently, all without requiring a seasonal tire swap.

The major tire brands have broadly earned 3-Peak Mountain Snowflake ratings on their flagship all-season tires. Michelin’s CrossClimate 2 and the Continental SecureContact AW are standouts in this category for Model 3 sizing, with Vredestein’s Quatrac Pro+ offering competitive test results at a lower price.

Ultra High Performance All-Season

If you want more handling capability while retaining year-round usability, UHPAS tires sharpen the Model 3 without locking you out of capable wet weather performance and the ability to handle light snow. The Hankook Ventus S1 AS is the OEM-specified UHPAS. It is more responsive than the Michelin Primacy A/S while still M+S all-season rated.

The Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus in 245/45R18 earns our recommendation for the Model 3.

Summer Performance

For owners in warm climates who want to realize the full performance capability of their Model 3 platform, or for those with a dedicated winter wheel set, summer tires deliver meaningfully better dry and wet grip, sharper turn-in, and shorter braking distances than any all-season can. These are warm-weather-only tires. The compound loses grip below 40°F and becomes a liability below freezing on snow and ice.

This is a crowded segment with many more choices than listed above. Choose a Max Performance Summer tire if you do not intend to see autocross or track time. Visit TireRack to find full availability in 235/45R18 or 245/45R18 sizing.

Winter

In serious winter conditions, the OEM all-season tires are not an adequate substitute for dedicated winter rubber. The stopping distance difference between a winter tire and an all-season on ice is significant. Running a second set of wheels with winter tires mounted is typically more economical than paying a shop to dismount and remount tires on OEM wheels each season.

Tesla offers a winter wheel and tire package on the 18” Photon wheel wrapped in Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3 with T0 Tesla designation and PNCS acoustic foam. Visit TireRack for a larger variety of winter wheel and tire package options configured for your Model 3.

Note, a narrower 225/50R18 is a popular winter size. The slightly narrower contact patch cuts through snow to reach the pavement beneath and the taller sidewall provides more cushion on packed snow and rough winter roads. See all compatible tire sizes within ±3% of the OEM overall diameter at our 235/45R18 tire table.

Performance Winter and Snow

Performance winter tires deliver full 3-Peak Mountain Snowflake-rated capability while retaining meaningful dry and wet handling. The OE package Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3 is in this category.

Studless Ice and Snow

Studless ice and snow tires prioritize maximum traction in severe winter conditions (ice, packed snow, and extreme cold) over dry-road performance and tread life. Best suited for owners in regions with long, harsh winters where maximum winter grip outweighs all other considerations.

Mounting and Installation

A few reminders specific to the Model 3:

• TPMS sensors stay in the wheel. Do not pay for new sensors on a standard tire swap. A valve stem seal check is normal; a replacement sensor unit is not necessary unless your existing sensor has failed.
• Recalibrate TPMS after the swap via the touchscreen: Controls > Service > TPMS Calibration.
• Lug nut torque spec: 129 lb-ft. Confirm your installer uses this spec with a properly calibrated torque wrench.
• Tire mobility kit included. The Model 3 ships with a sealant and compressor kit — no full-size spare. Tesla roadside assistance is available 24/7 through the app.
• AWD tread depth tolerance. AWD owners replacing in pairs should put the tires with the most remaining tread on the rear axle. Replace all four if the tread depth difference between axles exceeds 2/32”.
• New tires go on the rear. When replacing in pairs, always put the newer tires on the rear axle regardless of which axle wore faster.