Let's get those Tesla tires checked! Maintaining proper tire pressure is crucial for your safety, your Tesla's performance, and even its range. It's a simple task that can save you a lot in the long run. So, are you ready to become a tire pressure pro? Let's dive in!
Step 1: Gather Your Tools (and Your Mindset!)
Before you even think about touching your Tesla's tires, let's make sure you're properly equipped. This isn't just about having the right gadgets; it's about having the right approach – safety first!
What You'll Need:
A Reliable Tire Pressure Gauge: Forget those flimsy plastic ones that came with your emergency kit. Invest in a good quality digital or analog gauge. They're inexpensive and far more accurate. Accuracy is key here!
Your Tesla's Owner's Manual: This is your holy grail for knowing the exact recommended tire pressure for your specific Tesla model and wheel size. Don't guess!
Optional: A Portable Air Compressor: While not strictly necessary for checking pressure, having one on hand means you can immediately adjust if your tires are low.
A Pen and Paper (or your phone's notes app): For jotting down readings. Trust us, it's easy to forget which tire was which!
When to Check: The Cold Truth
For the most accurate readings, you should check your tire pressure when the tires are cold. This means:
Your Tesla hasn't been driven for at least three hours.
It hasn't been driven for more than a mile at a moderate speed.
Why cold? As tires roll, friction heats them up, increasing the air pressure inside. A "hot" reading will be higher than the true cold pressure, leading you to potentially under-inflate your tires, which is dangerous.
Step 2: Locate the Recommended Tire Pressure
This is arguably the most important step. Do NOT rely on what you might remember or what someone told you. Always confirm the exact specifications for your specific vehicle.
Where to Find It:
Driver's Side Door Jamb Placard: Open your driver's side door. You'll see a sticker, often black or white, with various information, including your vehicle's VIN, manufacturing date, and crucially, the recommended cold tire inflation pressure for your front and rear tires. It'll usually be in PSI (pounds per square inch) and sometimes Bar.
Your Tesla Owner's Manual: If for some reason the door jamb sticker is unreadable or missing (highly unlikely for a Tesla!), your owner's manual will have this information clearly laid out. You can also access the digital owner's manual via your Tesla's touchscreen. Navigate to
Controls > Software > Owner's Manual.
Pro Tip: Tesla often recommends different pressures for the front and rear tires, and these can also vary depending on whether the vehicle is "lightly loaded" or "fully loaded." Pay close attention to these details! For example, a Tesla Model 3 might recommend 42 PSI for all four tires, while other models or configurations could differ.
Step 3: The Actual Pressure Check
Now that you're armed with the correct pressure target and a reliable gauge, it's time to get your hands (a little) dirty.
Step-by-Step Checking Process:
Remove the Valve Cap: For each tire, unscrew the small black or silver cap from the valve stem. Keep these caps in a safe place so they don't get lost.
Press the Gauge Firmly onto the Valve Stem: Take your tire pressure gauge and press its nozzle firmly and squarely onto the exposed valve stem. You'll hear a brief hiss of air escaping – this is normal.
Digital Gauges: The reading will appear almost instantly on the screen.
Analog Gauges: A needle will move, or a small bar will pop out, indicating the pressure.
Read the Pressure:
Digital: Read the number displayed.
Analog: Read the number corresponding to where the needle points or the highest point of the pop-out bar.
Compare and Jot Down: Compare the reading on your gauge with the recommended pressure from your door jamb or manual. Write down the current reading for each tire (Front Left, Front Right, Rear Left, Rear Right). This helps you track and ensures you don't miss any.
Repeat for All Four Tires: Go around your Tesla and repeat this process for all four tires. Don't forget any!
Replace Valve Caps: Once you've checked all tires, screw the valve caps back on tightly. They help keep dirt and moisture out of the valve stem.
Step 4: Adjusting Tire Pressure (If Necessary)
After checking, you'll likely find some variations. Don't fret! Adjusting is straightforward.
If Your Tires Are Under-Inflated:
Add Air: If your reading is lower than the recommended pressure, you'll need to add air. Use a portable air compressor or visit a gas station with an air pump. Connect the hose to the valve stem and add air in short bursts.
Check Frequently: After adding a burst of air, re-check the pressure with your gauge. It's easy to overfill, so add a little at a time until you reach the recommended PSI. It's better to add in small increments and re-check than to overshoot and have to release air.
If Your Tires Are Over-Inflated:
Release Air: If your reading is higher than the recommended pressure, you'll need to release some air. Most tire pressure gauges have a small nubs or levers on the side that you can use to gently press down on the pin inside the valve stem, releasing air.
Check Frequently: Release air in small bursts and re-check with your gauge until you reach the recommended PSI.
Important Considerations:
Tesla's TPMS: Your Tesla has a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) that displays tire pressure on the touchscreen. While convenient, always use a manual gauge for the most accurate cold reading. The TPMS can sometimes have a slight delay or be less precise for initial cold checks. The TPMS will alert you if pressure drops significantly (typically 25% below recommended).
Seasonal Changes: Tire pressure can drop by approximately 1 PSI for every 10-degree Fahrenheit (5.5-degree Celsius) drop in ambient temperature. Be more diligent about checking during significant temperature swings.
Don't Forget the Spare (If You Have One!): While most Teslas don't come with a spare, if you have an aftermarket one or a "donut," check its pressure too! It's usually much higher than your regular tires.
Step 5: Regular Monitoring and Maintenance ️
Checking your Tesla's tire pressure shouldn't be a one-off event. It's an ongoing commitment to safety and optimal performance.
How Often to Check:
Monthly: A good rule of thumb is to check your tire pressure at least once a month.
Before Long Trips: Always check before embarking on a road trip, especially if you'll be carrying extra weight.
After Significant Temperature Changes: As mentioned, large temperature drops can significantly affect pressure.
If the TPMS Light Comes On: This is a clear indicator that you need to check immediately.
Benefits of Proper Tire Pressure:
Enhanced Safety: Correct pressure ensures maximum tire contact with the road, leading to better braking, handling, and stability. This is paramount for your safety and that of others.
Improved Energy Efficiency (Range): Under-inflated tires increase rolling resistance, meaning your Tesla has to work harder, which directly impacts your range. Proper inflation helps you get the most out of every charge.
Longer Tire Life: Properly inflated tires wear evenly across the tread. Under-inflation causes excessive wear on the outer edges, while over-inflation causes wear in the center. This saves you money on premature tire replacement.
Better Ride Comfort: While subtle, correct tire pressure contributes to a smoother and more comfortable ride.
By following these steps, you'll ensure your Tesla's tires are always at their best, contributing to a safer, more efficient, and more enjoyable driving experience. Happy driving! ⚡
How to Check Tesla Tyre Pressure: FAQ
How to find the recommended tire pressure for my Tesla?
You can find the recommended cold tire pressure on a placard located on the driver's side door jamb or in your Tesla's owner's manual (both physical and accessible via the touchscreen).
How to use a tire pressure gauge correctly?
Remove the valve cap, press the gauge firmly and squarely onto the valve stem until the hiss stops, and then read the displayed pressure.
How to add air to my Tesla's tires?
Connect an air compressor hose to the valve stem and add air in short bursts, re-checking the pressure with your gauge frequently until the recommended PSI is reached.
How to release air from over-inflated Tesla tires?
Use the small nub or lever on your tire pressure gauge (or a pen/small object) to gently press the pin inside the valve stem, releasing air in short bursts, and re-check until the correct pressure.
How to know when my Tesla tires are cold enough to check?
Your tires are considered "cold" if the car hasn't been driven for at least three hours or for more than a mile at a moderate speed.
How to interpret the Tesla TPMS display?
The Tesla touchscreen displays individual tire pressures, but it's best to use a manual gauge for the most accurate cold readings as the TPMS can have slight delays or less precision.
How to tell if my Tesla tires are under or over-inflated?
Compare the reading from your manual tire pressure gauge to the recommended PSI found on your door jamb sticker or owner's manual.
How to choose a good tire pressure gauge for my Tesla?
Invest in a reliable digital or analog gauge; they offer greater accuracy than basic stick gauges.
How to respond if my Tesla's TPMS light comes on?
If the TPMS light illuminates, it indicates a significant pressure drop (usually 25% below recommended), and you should check all tire pressures immediately and adjust as needed.
How to maintain optimal tire pressure for Tesla's range and tire life?
Check your tire pressure monthly, before long trips, and after significant temperature changes to ensure optimal pressure, which maximizes range and extends tire life.
