Do you want to maximize your Tesla's range, ensure a smooth ride, and prolong the life of your tires? Of course you do! One of the simplest yet most crucial aspects of Tesla ownership is maintaining proper tire pressure. It’s not just about avoiding a flat; it directly impacts your vehicle's performance, safety, and efficiency. Let's dive into how to put air in your Tesla tires, step by step!
Step 1: Discover Your Tesla's Tire Pressure Sweet Spot
Before you even think about grabbing an air pump, you need to know the recommended cold tire pressure for your specific Tesla model. This is critical because inflating to the wrong pressure can lead to issues ranging from a bumpy ride to premature tire wear.
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| How To Put Air In Tesla Tires |
Where to Find the Magic Number
The Driver's Side Door Pillar: Open your driver's door and look for a sticker on the door jamb (the frame of the car). This "Tire and Loading Information label" clearly states the recommended cold tire pressures for your vehicle's original tires. This is your primary source of truth!
Your Tesla Touchscreen: Your Tesla's touchscreen display also shows the tire pressures in real-time. You can typically find this by touching Controls > Service. Some models might also display it in the "cards area" on the car status display, or by touching Controls > Display > Tire Pressure to choose between Bar or PSI. The touchscreen will even show you the recommended cold tire pressures for your model.
The Tesla Mobile App: You can also view tire pressures in the Tesla mobile app, offering a convenient way to check before you even leave the house.
Your Owner's Manual: When in doubt, consult your Tesla owner's manual. It contains comprehensive information on tire care and maintenance, including the recommended pressures.
Why "Cold" Matters
It's called "cold tire pressure" for a reason! Tire pressure increases as tires warm up from driving or even from sitting in direct sunlight. To get an accurate reading, you need to check the pressure when your car has been stationary for at least three hours or has been driven for less than a mile (1.6 km). Checking warm tires will give you an artificially high reading, and you might mistakenly release air, leading to dangerously under-inflated tires.
Step 2: Gather Your Essential Tools
You don't need a professional garage to inflate your Tesla tires. A few basic tools will do the trick:
Tip: Reread if it feels confusing.
A Reliable Tire Inflator with a Pressure Gauge: This is your most important tool. You can use a portable 12V air compressor that plugs into your car's outlet, or a stand-alone electric air pump. Ensure the gauge is accurate! Digital gauges are often more precise.
Your Tesla's Recommended Tire Pressure Value: As discovered in Step 1.
Optional: Tire Valve Caps: These are small but important for keeping dirt and debris out of your valve stems.
Step 3: The Inflation Process - A Step-by-Step Guide
Now that you're armed with knowledge and tools, let's get that air flowing!
Sub-heading: Preparing for Inflation
Park Safely: Find a level, safe spot to park your Tesla. Ensure the parking brake is engaged.
Remove Valve Caps: For each tire, unscrew the valve cap. Keep them in a safe place so they don't get lost!
Sub-heading: Measuring and Adding Air
Attach the Gauge: Firmly press your tire pressure gauge onto the valve stem. You'll hear a brief hiss of air as you press it on. The gauge will then display the current tire pressure.
Compare and Adjust: Compare the reading on your gauge to your Tesla's recommended cold tire pressure.
If the pressure is too low: Connect your air inflator to the valve stem and begin adding air in short bursts. After each burst, remove the inflator and re-check the pressure with your gauge. It's easy to over-inflate, so go slowly and re-check frequently.
If the pressure is too high: Gently press the small metal pin in the center of the valve stem with the back of your tire gauge or a small tool. You'll hear air escaping. Release air in small increments and re-check the pressure until it matches the recommended value.
Repeat for All Tires: Go around to each tire and repeat the measurement and adjustment process until all tires are at the recommended pressure.
Sub-heading: Post-Inflation Checks
Reinstall Valve Caps: Once each tire is at the correct pressure, screw the valve caps back on securely.
Monitor Your Touchscreen: After inflating, the tire pressure readings on your Tesla's touchscreen might not update immediately. You may need to drive briefly (often over 15 mph or 25 km/h for a short period) for the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) to activate and display the new readings. The tire pressure indicator light on your dashboard should turn off once the system registers the correct pressures. If it flashes for one minute whenever you power on your Tesla, it indicates a TPMS fault, and you should contact Tesla service.
Step 4: Resetting the TPMS (If Necessary)
Reminder: Short breaks can improve focus.
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While usually not required after a simple inflation, in some cases (like after a tire rotation or replacement), you might need to manually reset the TPMS.
On your Tesla's touchscreen, navigate to Controls > Service > Reset TPMS Sensors. Follow any on-screen instructions. For some models, you might need to drive for about ten minutes after inflating and then reset.
Note: Do not reset TPMS sensors to try and clear tire pressure warnings if the issue is still under-inflation. Always ensure your tires are at the correct pressure first.
Related FAQ Questions
How to check Tesla tire pressure on the touchscreen?
You can check tire pressures on your Tesla's touchscreen by touching Controls > Service. The pressure of each tire is displayed on a visualization of your vehicle.
How to find the recommended tire pressure for my Tesla?
The recommended tire pressure is located on the Tire and Loading Information label on the driver's side door pillar. It's visible when the driver's door is open.
How to know if my Tesla tires are underinflated?
Tip: Note one practical point from this post.
Your Tesla's Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) will illuminate a warning light on your dashboard if one or more tires are significantly under-inflated. You can also check the pressures on your touchscreen.
How to choose the right tire pressure gauge for my Tesla?
Choose an accurate tire pressure gauge, preferably a digital one, as it provides precise readings essential for maintaining optimal tire pressure in your Tesla.
How to deflate a Tesla tire if it's overinflated?
To deflate a Tesla tire, gently press the small metal stem in the center of the valve with the back of your tire gauge or a small, pointed tool until the desired pressure is reached.
How to reset Tesla TPMS after inflating tires?
After inflating, drive your Tesla over 15 mph (25 km/h) for a short period to activate the TPMS, which should turn off the warning light. If needed, you can manually reset via Controls > Service > Reset TPMS Sensors on your touchscreen.
Tip: Let the key ideas stand out.
How to inflate Tesla tires at home without special tools?
You'll need an accurate tire pressure gauge and an air compressor. These can be portable 12V units that plug into your car or household current.
How to tell if my Tesla tire pressure sensor is faulty?
If the tire pressure indicator light flashes for one minute whenever you power on your Tesla, it indicates a fault with the TPMS.
How to prevent uneven tire wear on my Tesla?
Maintaining proper tire pressure, performing regular tire rotations (recommended every 6,250 miles for Model 3/Y), and ensuring proper wheel alignment can help prevent uneven tire wear.
How to get Tesla roadside assistance for tire issues?
You can request roadside assistance immediately from the bottom of the Tesla app home screen if your tire is damaged and prevents you from safely operating your vehicle.
For a visual guide on checking your Tesla's tire pressure, watch this
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