Ensuring your Tesla's tire pressure is correctly maintained is crucial for optimal performance, range, and safety. The Tesla app, coupled with your vehicle's integrated Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), makes monitoring this a straightforward process. Let's dive into a comprehensive guide on how to update and understand PSI on your Tesla app.
Maintaining Optimal Tire Pressure: A Vital Aspect of Tesla Ownership
Did you know that proper tire pressure can significantly impact your Tesla's range and the lifespan of your tires? Under-inflated tires lead to increased rolling resistance, reducing your car's efficiency, while over-inflated tires can result in a harsher ride and uneven tread wear. Your Tesla's advanced TPMS is designed to keep you informed, and the mobile app is your convenient window into this essential data.
Step 1: Understanding Tesla's TPMS and Recommended PSI
Before you start checking and adjusting, it's vital to understand how Tesla's TPMS works and what pressure is right for your specific model.
1.1 The Tesla Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
Your Tesla is equipped with a direct TPMS that uses sensors inside each tire to directly measure tire pressure and temperature. This data is then wirelessly transmitted to your car's computer and, in turn, to your Tesla app. This system is designed to provide real-time updates, though it requires the vehicle to be in motion to activate and update readings consistently.
1.2 Finding Your Tesla's Recommended PSI
This is perhaps the most important detail. The recommended tire pressure for your Tesla isn't a universal number; it can vary slightly based on your specific model, tire size, and configuration.
Look at the Driver's Door Pillar: The most accurate place to find your recommended "cold tire pressure" (the pressure when your tires haven't been driven on recently and are at ambient temperature) is on the Tire and Loading Information label. This label is typically located on the driver's side door pillar (the frame visible when the driver's door is open).
Common Tesla PSI Recommendations: While you should always defer to your specific car's label, many Tesla models (like the Model 3, Model Y, and Model X) commonly recommend 42 PSI. Some Model S configurations might have different recommendations, sometimes ranging from 38-45 PSI depending on the tire type.
Step 2: Checking Tire Pressure on Your Tesla's Touchscreen
While our focus is the app, understanding how to view it on your car's screen is the primary source of truth and helps in confirming app readings.
2.1 Accessing Tire Pressure Display
You have a couple of ways to see your tire pressures directly on the car's large touchscreen:
Through Controls:
Tap the Car icon (typically at the bottom left of the touchscreen) to open the Controls menu.
Navigate to the Service section.
Here, you'll see a visual representation of your Tesla with the current pressure readings for each tire, along with the time they were last measured.
Via Voice Command: If enabled and convenient, you can simply say, "What's my tire pressure?" to your Tesla, and the information should pop up on the screen.
2.2 Understanding the Display
The display will show the PSI (or Bar, depending on your preferred unit setting – you can change this under Controls > Display > Tire Pressure) for each of your four tires. It also typically indicates the recommended cold tire pressure for easy comparison.
Step 3: Updating PSI Readings on the Tesla App
The Tesla app essentially mirrors the information available on your car's touchscreen. The "update" process isn't a manual refresh button in the app, but rather the app receiving the latest data from your vehicle's TPMS.
3.1 Open the Tesla Mobile App
Ensure your phone has an internet connection (Wi-Fi or cellular data).
Open the Tesla app on your smartphone.
Make sure you are logged in to your Tesla account.
3.2 Navigate to the Vehicle Status Section
On the main screen of the Tesla app, you'll typically see an overview of your vehicle.
Look for a section or card that displays vehicle status, range, and other key information. This is where tire pressure readings will be shown.
The tire pressure readings are usually displayed visually on a diagram of your car.
3.3 Initiating a TPMS Refresh (Driving is Key!)
This is the most crucial step for "updating" the PSI on your app and car. Unlike some systems that can be manually reset, Tesla's TPMS requires the car to be driven.
Drive Your Tesla: After you've added or removed air from your tires, the new readings will not immediately appear. You need to drive your Tesla for a short period, typically over 15 mph (25 km/h). This activates the TPMS sensors, allowing them to transmit the updated pressure data.
Patience is a Virtue: It may take a few minutes of driving for the TPMS to "relearn" and for the new pressures to be displayed accurately on both your car's touchscreen and the Tesla app. If the Tire Pressure indicator light was on, it should turn off once the system registers the correct pressures.
3.4 Checking the App After Driving
Once you've driven your Tesla for a few minutes, re-open the Tesla app. The PSI readings should now reflect the updated pressures in your tires.
Step 4: Adjusting Your Tire Pressure
If your app (or car screen) indicates that your PSI is not at the recommended level, here's how to adjust it.
4.1 Gather Your Tools
Accurate Tire Pressure Gauge: This is essential. Don't rely solely on the car's display for making adjustments, as external gauges provide immediate feedback during inflation/deflation.
Air Compressor: Whether it's a portable 12V compressor, a home garage compressor, or a public air pump at a gas station.
4.2 Check Cold Tire Pressure
Always check and adjust tire pressure when the tires are "cold." This means the car hasn't been driven for at least three hours, or driven less than a mile (1.6 km) at moderate speed. Driving heats up tires and increases pressure. If you have to check warm tires, expect the pressure to be higher. Do not release air from warm tires to match cold recommended pressures, as this will lead to dangerous under-inflation once they cool down.
4.3 Adjusting the Pressure
Remove the valve cap from the tire stem.
Firmly press your accurate tire pressure gauge onto the valve to measure the current pressure.
To Add Air: Connect the air compressor hose to the valve stem and add air in short bursts. Re-check the pressure frequently with your separate gauge until you reach the recommended PSI.
To Remove Air: If your tires are over-inflated, gently press the small metal pin in the center of the valve stem with the back of your pressure gauge or a small tool to release air. Release a little at a time and re-check.
Reinstall the valve cap securely to prevent dirt and moisture from entering.
Repeat for all four tires.
Step 5: Post-Adjustment Verification
After adjusting, you still need to ensure the TPMS updates.
5.1 Drive Your Tesla Again
As mentioned in Step 3, drive your Tesla above 15 mph (25 km/h) for a short distance. This will allow the TPMS to re-read the tire pressures and update the display on your car's touchscreen and the Tesla app.
5.2 Confirm on the App
Open the Tesla app and verify that the new, correct PSI readings are now displayed.
Important Considerations
Temperature Fluctuations: Tire pressure changes with ambient temperature. For every 10°F (6°C) drop in outside temperature, tires can lose about 1 PSI. Be prepared to adjust more frequently during seasonal changes.
Under-inflation vs. Over-inflation: Both are detrimental. Under-inflation is the leading cause of tire failure, increasing heat buildup and potentially leading to blowouts. Over-inflation reduces traction and accelerates wear on the center of the tire.
Regular Checks: Even with TPMS, it's a good practice to manually check your tire pressures at least once a month with a reliable gauge.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to check tire pressure in my Tesla?
You can check your Tesla's tire pressure on the car's touchscreen by navigating to Controls > Service, or by using the Tesla mobile app.
How to find the recommended PSI for my Tesla?
The recommended "cold tire pressure" for your Tesla is found on the Tire and Loading Information label, located on the driver's side door pillar.
How to get the Tesla app to update tire pressure?
After adjusting tire pressure, you need to drive your Tesla above 15 mph (25 km/h) for a short period to allow the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) to activate and transmit updated readings to the car and the app.
How to know if my Tesla's TPMS is working correctly?
If there's a fault with the TPMS, the tire pressure indicator light on your instrument panel will flash for about one minute when you power on the vehicle, and then remain continuously illuminated.
How to switch between PSI and Bar units on my Tesla?
On your Tesla's touchscreen, go to Controls > Display > Tire Pressure to choose between displaying tire pressures in PSI or Bar.
How to ensure accurate tire pressure readings?
Always check tire pressure when tires are "cold" (driven less than a mile or sitting for at least three hours). Use an accurate, standalone tire pressure gauge for initial checks and adjustments.
How to reset the TPMS light on my Tesla?
The TPMS light will automatically turn off once the tires are inflated to the recommended pressure and you have driven the vehicle for a short distance (over 15 mph/25 km/h) to allow the system to register the new pressures.
How to deal with tire pressure drops in cold weather?
Tire pressure naturally drops in cold temperatures (approximately 1 PSI for every 10°F/6°C drop). You should periodically check and inflate your tires to the recommended cold tire pressure during colder months.
How to improve my Tesla's range through tire pressure?
Maintaining the correct recommended tire pressure is crucial for optimal energy efficiency and range. Under-inflated tires increase rolling resistance and reduce range.
How to know if my tire pressure sensors need replacement?
If your TPMS warning light persistently flashes and stays on even after driving with correctly inflated tires, or if a service diagnostic indicates a sensor fault, it might be time for sensor replacement.
For a visual guide on checking your Tesla's tire pressure, check out this video:
