Keeping your Tesla Model 3 tires properly inflated is crucial for several reasons: it ensures optimal safety, maximizes your driving range, and extends the lifespan of your tires. Under-inflation is a common culprit for tire failure, leading to overheating, cracking, and even blowouts. So, let's get those tires perfectly pressurized! Are you ready to dive in and learn how to do it like a pro?
Step 1: Gather Your Tools and Information ️
Before you begin, it's essential to have the right equipment and know your target tire pressure.
Sub-heading: Essential Tools
Accurate Tire Pressure Gauge: While your Tesla has a built-in Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), a separate, accurate gauge provides the most reliable reading. You can choose between a traditional stick gauge, a dial gauge, or a digital gauge.
Air Compressor: This can be a portable 12V compressor (many Tesla owners prefer these for convenience), a home garage compressor, or even the air pump at a gas station.
Valve Cap Removal Tool (Optional): Sometimes valve caps can be tight; a small plier or specific tool might help.
Sub-heading: Finding Your Recommended Tire Pressure
Check the Door Pillar: The most important place to find your Model 3's recommended "cold" tire pressure is on the Tire and Loading Information label. This label is located on the driver's side center door pillar and is visible when the driver's door is open. For most Tesla Model 3 configurations, the recommended cold tire pressure is 42 PSI (pounds per square inch). However, it's crucial to confirm this for your specific vehicle as it can vary slightly depending on tire type and configuration.
Tesla Touchscreen: You can also view current tire pressures on your Tesla's touchscreen by touching
Controls > Service. The touchscreen will also display your vehicle's recommended cold tire pressures.Tesla Mobile App: The Tesla mobile app can also display your tire pressures.
Remember: The pressure printed on the tire sidewall is the maximum pressure the tire can withstand, not the recommended operating pressure for your Tesla Model 3. Always refer to the car's label or the touchscreen.
Step 2: Prepare Your Tesla for Inflation ️
Proper preparation ensures accurate readings and a smooth inflation process.
Sub-heading: Cold Tires are Key
Why Cold? Tire pressure readings are most accurate when the tires are "cold." This means the vehicle hasn't been driven for at least three hours, or it's been driven for a very short distance at low speeds. Driving heats up the tires, increasing the internal pressure, which can give you a false high reading.
Parking Location: Park your Tesla on a flat, level surface in a safe location.
Sub-heading: Accessing the Valve Stems
Remove Valve Caps: Locate the valve stem on each tire and carefully remove the valve cap by unscrewing it. Keep these caps in a safe place so you don't lose them. If your Model 3 has aero covers, you may need to remove them first to access the valve stem. Gently grasp the aero cover with both hands and pull it towards you to release the retaining clips.
Step 3: Measuring and Adding Air
This is where you'll put your tools to use!
Sub-heading: Checking Current Tire Pressure
Firmly Press the Gauge: Take your accurate tire pressure gauge and firmly press it onto the valve stem. You'll hear a brief hiss of air as you connect it; this is normal.
Read the Pressure:
Digital Gauge: The pressure will display on the screen.
Dial Gauge: The needle will point to the pressure on the dial.
Stick Gauge: The internal bar will extend, and the last number visible is your pressure.
Note the Readings: Make a mental note or jot down the current pressure for each tire.
Sub-heading: Inflating the Tires
Connect the Air Compressor: Connect the nozzle of your air compressor to the valve stem.
Add Air in Short Bursts: If your tire pressure is below the recommended PSI, add air in short bursts.
Re-check Frequently: After adding a small amount of air, disconnect the compressor and re-check the pressure with your gauge. This iterative process helps prevent over-inflation.
Release Air if Over-inflated: If you accidentally over-inflate a tire, you can release air by pressing the small metal pin in the center of the valve stem. Do this in short presses and re-check the pressure until you reach the correct PSI.
Repeat for All Tires: Go around and repeat this process for all four tires.
Sub-heading: Re-installing Valve Caps
Once all tires are at the correct pressure, securely re-install all valve caps. This prevents dirt and debris from entering the valve stem and potentially causing leaks. If you removed aero covers, re-align them with the valve stem and firmly press the center, then the outer perimeter of each spoke to secure them.
Step 4: Activating the TPMS and Final Checks ✅
Your Tesla's TPMS needs to recalibrate after you adjust tire pressures.
Sub-heading: Driving to Reset TPMS
Drive Above 15 mph (25 km/h): After inflating your tires, the Tire Pressure indicator light on your touchscreen will not immediately turn off. You need to drive your Model 3 at a speed over 15 mph (25 km/h) for a short amount of time. This activates the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) to re-learn the new tire pressures and should turn off the warning light.
Monitor the Touchscreen: Keep an eye on the tire pressure display on your touchscreen. It should update with the new, accurate pressures.
Sub-heading: Ongoing Maintenance
Regular Checks: Make it a habit to check your tire pressure at least once a month, or before any long drives. Tire pressures naturally fluctuate with temperature changes (they drop in cold weather and increase in hot weather).
Visual Inspection: While checking pressure, also visually inspect your tires for any signs of wear, damage, or embedded objects.
Tire Rotation: Follow Tesla's recommended tire rotation schedule (typically every 8,000 to 10,000 miles) to ensure even wear and extend tire life.
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to check Tesla Model 3 tire pressure?
You can check your Tesla Model 3 tire pressure on the car's touchscreen under Controls > Service, or by using an accurate external tire pressure gauge when the tires are cold.
How to find the recommended tire pressure for Tesla Model 3?
The recommended "cold" tire pressure for your Tesla Model 3 is listed on the Tire and Loading Information label located on the driver's side center door pillar when the door is open. For most Model 3s, it's 42 PSI.
How to use a tire pressure gauge?
Firmly press the gauge onto the tire's valve stem. A brief hiss of air is normal. Read the displayed pressure (digital) or the indicator on the gauge (dial or stick).
How to add air to Tesla Model 3 tires?
Connect an air compressor nozzle to the tire's valve stem, add air in short bursts, and frequently re-check the pressure with a gauge until you reach the recommended PSI.
How to release air from an over-inflated Tesla Model 3 tire?
Press the small metal pin in the center of the valve stem to release air in short bursts, then re-check the pressure with a gauge until it's correct.
How to reset the TPMS light after inflating Tesla Model 3 tires?
The TPMS light will turn off automatically after you drive your Tesla Model 3 at a speed over 15 mph (25 km/h) for a short period, allowing the system to recalibrate.
How to remove aero covers on Tesla Model 3?
Grasp the aero cover firmly with both hands and pull it directly towards you to release the retaining clips.
How to reinstall aero covers on Tesla Model 3?
Align the aero cover with the valve stem, then firmly press the center and work your way out to the perimeter of each spoke to secure it.
How to properly maintain Tesla Model 3 tires?
Regularly check tire pressure (at least monthly), rotate tires according to Tesla's recommendations, and visually inspect them for damage.
How to know if my Tesla Model 3 tires are cold?
Tires are considered "cold" if the vehicle hasn't been driven for at least three hours or has only been driven for a very short distance at low speeds.
Learn more about checking and refilling your Tesla Model 3 tires in this
