Winter Tire Options
For the Tesla Model 3, there are numerous snow tire options. The official Tesla store has a package of wheels and tires that include the Pirelli Winter Sottozero tires. The Tesla Store does have a note saying it is not approved for use with the Model 3 Performance with the brake upgrade (likely because of clearance with the wheels). src
If you don’t want to buy a wheel and tire package, then your snow tire choices are greatly expanded. Consider if you have more than enough electric range for your winter driving needs. If you don’t, you may want to look into low resistance/high efficiency winter tires.
Range and Performance with Winter Tires
One of the main concerns with switching to winter tires is the decreased range and efficiency, but don’t let that over rule the added safety.
In a test done with the Tesla Model S, is showed there was a 7% increase in energy consumption with the winter tires:
- winter tires: 357 Wh/mi (222 Wh/km)
- summer tires: 334 Wh/mi (208 Wh/km)
The test was done with the Blizzak winter tires, not the low rolling resistance winter tires like the Blizzak LM-500 or the Nokian Hakkapeliitta ( Available from TireRack.com, MyTyres.co.uk )
Tesla Model 3 with Winter Tires
Combined with winter tires, this Tesla Model 3 RWD owner couldn’t get his car to lose control, even when accelerating quickly, and cornering tightly. [No mention of what brand of snow tires are being tested]
In this video, the Tesla Model 3 is testing Bridgestone Blizzak LM-32 on the 19 inch wheels.
This is a video of the Tesla Model 3 in snow fitted with the standard Continental ProContact all-season tires. The tires lose traction more easily than snow tires, but Tesla’s traction control does a decent job of controlling the Model 3.
Nexen Winguard Sport V-Rated Winter tires were installed in a 235/45R18 size on an 18″ wheel on a Performance Model 3 in this video: