Tyre Recommendations - 235/35R20 or 245/35 (Tesla 3 Performance)

I thought I would try here as I'm not really trusting the opinions of some local tyre shops I've contacted - I feel like they're just trying to convince me to buy what they have in stock.

My Tesla 3 Performance needs new tyres. I currently have P-Zeros 235/35R20 which are almost finished at 20k kms. I'm tossing up between an EV tyre the same size, or changing to 245/35R20 which I'm reading can really improve comfort and wheel protection. Same size, I've been recommended Hankook iON evo AS around $500/each but there arn't many reviews. Also I think Michelin Pilot Sport 4S (T0) are the best but they're expensive around $620 each and I did not want to spend this much. 245/35R20 don't make EV specific tyres so don't really know what to consider here. I can't work out which tyre size option would be better.

Does anyone have any recommendations pls?


UPDATE

I ended up going with the Michelin Pilot Sport 4S (T0)

P.S loving the sooky comments by the EV haters in here

Comments

    • +13

      Yep. EV's are heavy.

      • +5

        Sure, as long as the tyre meets the recommended load rating, it will be fine in that regard, EV or not. Much of the larger BMW or Merc sedans weigh about the same, they don't need 'special tyres', just ones that meet the specs of the car.

        • +12

          I suppose just spending a few minutes reading about why EV tyres exist and what their differences over 'normal ICE' tyres is just too hard for you, isn't it?

          It's a bit like us down here in Australia going 'why would you need winter tyres? as long as the tyre meets the recommended load rating, it will be fine in that regard, winter or not. Much of the larger BMW or Merc sedans weigh about the same, they don't need 'special tyres', just ones that meet the specs of the car."

          • +7

            @ozbargainsam: Nah, he just want to comment something because this is TESLA post. Apple post will be around September. They're bored.

            • -4

              @Fredfloresjr: Did I mention anything negative about Tesla? Wft does Apple have to do with anything?

          • -2

            @ozbargainsam: Because I don't lick the Michelin marketing department's behind, reading "is too hard for me"? Righto pal, nice argument. Also, your winter tyre spiel is a complete false equivalence, nothing to do with what we are talking about — you may as well try and falsely claim that I think racing slicks will perform the same as off-road tyres in the mud, as that has as much relevance as your little retort. Anyway, buy whatever tyres you want.

            • @pizzip: Your earlier post has nothing of substance that tells an EV owner why they shouldn't consider EV-specific tyres, so it reeks of ignorance. The winter/summer tyre example is representative of that.

              I'm open to reading a counter argument (I don't think it's where Michelin's marketing department butthole is, though) why EV tyres are purely just markup targeted at EV owners.

              (hint: it has to be more than 'EV specific tyres? LOL')

              • +3

                @ozbargainsam:

                it has to be more than 'EV specific tyres? LOL'

                True, that was a flippant comment on my part. Apologies, there is a more comprehensive reply to another comment below.

                Anyway, there is plenty of anecdotal evidence of standard tyres such as regular Pilot Sport (with an appropriate load rating) being suitable for a Telsa on forums and reddit etc. Whether you trust these anecdotes is another story. But Michelin's marketing jargon regarding EV tyres is no more trustworthy in my eyes, as they are in the business to sell tyres, not save you money. I'm sure the R&D department have hard numbers regarding the efficacy of EV vs standard tyres, but that isn't what is presented in their ad copy for EV specific tyres.

                If the load rating is the same, it can handle the same weight (they would be sued otherwise). There is no advertised 'torque' rating, so all "evidence" from tyre companies that "you need an EV specific tyre" due to higher torque is heresy unless they show actual numbers. If there is a real world test of an equivalent standard tyre not meeting the specs and failing when used on a Tesla, then I'd love to see it. I'm sure if such test existed, the tyre companies would be plastering it all over their advertising, but all you get is meaningless marketing speak saying "these are better for an EV".

      • A model 3 is basiclaly the same weight as a BMW 3 series.

        • +1

          Nah, surely there's 300+ kg difference. I'm guessing 20% heavier.

          • @Muzeeb: Have you looked it up?

            'Evs are heavier' is one of the anti-EV talking points that, while valid, isnt as much as youd think.

            • +1

              @Euphemistic: Save me the effort and misery. What is the difference?

              • +1

                @Muzeeb: A 10 second google search suggests the BMW curb weight is 1515-1770kg depending on config and the the Tesla 3 performance is 1919kg.

                • @mapax: So potentially 300-400kg. Friggin x drive probably weighs down the better models. I rest my case. Cheers.

                  • -4

                    @Muzeeb: If you are comparing comparable.models, the performance is AWD. So its pretty close.

                    If you move the goalposts of course you can make it 300-400kg.

                    The Kona is 150-200kg difference between ICE and EV models. So maybe 10%

                  • -2

                    @Muzeeb: The BMW is more likely to carry passengers, which will increase the weight to be similar to the Tesla.

        • +1

          This is pretty accurate.

          Model 3P is 1,828kg

          BMW M3* is 1,780kg.
          That only includes 10l of fuel though, so let's add 15kg to half fill it.
          And let's add an 85kg occupant to both;

          It's now 1,913 to 1,880; Tesla is 33kg heavier.

          If we say the Ford Ranger is Australia's best selling car and use the same math, the 2.0 litre entry level checks in at 2,395kg.
          A Prado is 2,330. A RAM3500 is 3,609.

          A Corolla presumably weighs less than even of these, but "EVs are heavy" is a broad brush catch-all that doesn't really fit.

          *The Tesla is about half the price

      • +2

        A model 3 weighs 100kg more than a Camry; 60kg more than a hybrid Camry. So not much heavier at all. It's the acceleration that kills the tyres.

        EV tyres typically are designed to be quieter, as you can hear the tyre noise more when you don’t have a noisy engine.

        • And theres probaly plenty of "SUVs" that are specced with the same tyres and weigh more as well.

    • -5

      EVs do have specific tyres!

      But what if OP on about?

      Should we recommend the "out of stock tyres" sold in the US???

      Of course anyone will recommend the tyres they have in stock!

      And those tyres would be the ones that are selling!!!

      OP needs an education in cars and tyres.

      In fact Op needs an education in how a business is run

      • +1

        What a moronic thing to say. You do realise tyres can also be ordered in from the brand which usually only takes a few days right?

        • -3

          Since when is "Logical Common sense" moronic?

          Only here Im afraid.

  • +5

    Hi. I researched this recently and my conclusion is definitely go for the EV specific tyre if not too expensive. Despite very similar specifications, the EV specific tyres are designed for the high instantaneous torque and higher weight of EVs.
    So they will perform better and last longer than standard non EV tyres.

    Hankook iON Evo AS sounds good, though I ended up choosing the same Michelin OEM tyre that the Tesla came with.

    • +5

      So they will perform better and last longer than standard non EV tyres.

      No they won't. This is just BS marketing speak form tyre companies. Everything you say about the torque and weigh is true, but I can guarantee there are 'standard tyres' that meet the same specs. Ofc you want something that will specifically handle the power and torque (especially with a Model 3 Performance), so obviously don't pick a tyre designed to go on a small, slow car like your grandma's Barina. But any high performance tyre with the correct specs should do the job.

      Also, perform better and last longer aren't mutually compatible descriptors with tyres. Softer compounds perform better with more grip (on the extreme end, think track tyres) but degrade quicker. Tyres that are marketed to last longer usually use harder compounds and thus perform worse. Can't have a tyre both perform better but last longer. Pick one. (Unless your definition of perform is something like noise or range or whatever else besides actual traction).

      • +1

        I found this video informative, with tear-down into the tyres showing the actual differences between EV and non-EV tyres.

        https://youtu.be/0VpJgipbNJg?si=upzkg58HsRc0CTqG

        • +1

          Yes it shows the differences, albeit with no actual real world testing to back up his claims. Cutting open a tyre and saying 'this what makes it better' is informative, but lacking context.

          None of the 'improvements' are backed with up real world evidence, he's basically just repeating the marketing department's spin on 'why you should pay extra for these tyres'. His point about the thicker sidewalls makes sense and seems logical, but does it make a difference in reality? Unless the 'regular' Pilot Sport tyres (with the appropriate load rating) are known to regularly fail due to the Telsa's high torque, his claims of the "EV" tyre being safer are unfounded. It's also not clear what load rating the 'standard' tyre he cut open is, it seems he only shows the specs of the EV version (maybe I missed that part but the standard tyre looks to be lower rated, it's also not the same width, so it's not an 'identical tyre' to begin with).

          These tyres are regularly used on high performance cars in motorsport environments (track days) and aren't known to just fail. Most Telsa drivers aren't hitting the G forces on public roads you would regularly hit on a track. Maybe if you have a Tesla Plaid and track it regularly and also drive like a maniac on the streets, then EV tyres could be worthwhile over an equivalent 'standard' model.

          The sound deadening is one difference that is obvious but the guy is saying it's 'better' with no actual tests. I'm sure it helps some, but how much? A 5% reduction? 10%? Just because Michelin sticks extra 'features' in the tyre doesn't mean it actually makes an appreciable difference in the real world. A quick search on a Tesla forum shows anecdotal evidence of no difference in dB reduction with the foam.

          If you compare these two tyres: MICHELIN PILOT SPORT EV 235/45R20 100V ACOUSTIC vs MICHELIN PILOT SPORT 4 S 235/45R20 100Y, you see that they have the same load rating. Both will handle the same weight. The EV tyres apparently handle 'more torque', but that is only relevant if the standard version can't handle the torque of an EV (which is say is BS). Feel free to pay the extra $1-200 per tyre if it makes you feel safer or whatever but there are plenty of reports of Telsa owners using standard Pilot Sport tires as above without them exploding and killing their whole family (this is hyperbole for those unable to detect such things) like Michelin's marketing want you to believe.

          • +4

            @pizzip: The T1 (EV version) and non EV versions of the Michelin Sport 4 are rated on the European
            EPREL - European Product Registry for Energy Labelling.

            The T1 tyre is scored a B rating and the standard tyre a C rating (from my memory).
            So clearly in their evaluation there are differences between the EV and non EV tires.

            https://eprel.ec.europa.eu/screen/product/tyres/445689

          • @pizzip: but that is only relevant if the standard version can't handle the torque of an EV (which is say is BS).

            albeit with no actual real world testing to back up his claims

            Stop quoting yourself. #Nelson

      • -1

        Says the EX SPIRT The problem here is all the incompetent know-it-alls.

        You present facts and they always want to argue with you.

  • +24

    Sports tyres on the front and eco tyres on the rear for premium drifting experience.

    • +1

      Only if entering motorway on ramps like a lunatic.

      • 60k onto a motorway is lunatic speed?

        • Onto a motorway on-ramp from a standing start in the wet with a front wheel drive econobox and mis-matched tyre sets (performance on the front, eco less-grip-more-slips on the back)? Most definitely.

    • +1

      I agree with your opinion

  • +13

    but they're expensive around $620 each and I did not want to spend this much

    Buys a $100k car, but wants to skimp on tyres … seems logical :/

    • +2

      Think of all the money they have saved on maintenance and other running cost. Put those savings towards tyres.

    • +9

      Not really close to $100k but anyway does that automatically mean I need to buy the top of the range / most expensive tyres? Automatically dismiss all other options and opinions?

      If I wanted the best of something, I wouldn't have bought a Tesla.

      • +13

        If I wanted the best of something, I wouldn't have bought a Tesla

        GOLD!

      • +3

        If you bought the top of the line Performance model for it's very rapid acceleration & speed then I wouldn't skimp the quality of tyres which provides the only contact but the most important between your car and the road. I know it all adds up but it's worth the extra $120 per tyres if they provide meaningful differences in grip, dry/wet braking performance and/or ride quality

    • +8

      FFS.

      The OP never said they wanted to skip on tyres($500/corner is not skimping!). The OP is after options of what the market is offering in their specific tyre size.

    • +5

      Makes me laugh when I see expensive mercs with humongous rims shod with China's cheapest rubber

      • On OzB, cheap doesnt mean bad… and these days made in china isnt actually a bad thing anymore. Might need to update the rhetoric…

        • +1

          Based on my personal experience they are dangerous. Adequate in the dry but dangerous in the wet.

  • +2

    Ask Heisenberg for some change.

  • P Zero PZ4 (T) spec are on my M3P, Tempe Tyres have the best prices, but people throw shade on them.

  • +2

    P-Zeros 235/35R20 which are almost finished at 20k kms

    LOL

    • +4

      Obviously never owned a performance car nor performance tyres.

      Seen any car racing? They change tyres after a few laps.

      Soft tyres have more grip and therefore degrade faster.

      If you want an ECO long life hard rubber tyre you can buy one…. but good luck in the first corner or on a wet road.

      • If you got a M3P for racing then budget for tyres.

        You are the funny follow up comedian?

      • If you want an ECO long life hard rubber tyre you can buy one…. but good luck in the first corner or on a wet road

        That's not really correct

        Eco tyres don't save fuel by being hard.

        There are many factors that go into an eco rated tyre, even things like tread pattern and sidewall construction make a difference and can make a tyre eco rated

  • +2

    How in Gods name do you burn through a set of tyres in 20,000km?

    • +11

      Performance tyres/soft tyres dont last as long as "normal" tyres.
      20-25kms is about normal for a performance tyre.

      • +5

        @hothed I have no idea why you are getting voted down when you're literally giving facts.

      • +1

        I didn't neg you, but PS4S are considered performance tyres and they seem to have a pretty long life. So far, I've done 45K kms and they're about 2/3 or the way through. I'm not a gentle driver either.

        • This. Happy with my Michelins

      • +1

        Ive had performance tyres in the past 20-25 k is only normal if you drive in a manner not suitable for public roads.

      • +1

        Wait til they learn how many KM you get from a motorcycle performance tyre.

    • +2

      Weight of EV and the instant torque.

      Plus you don't buy a Tesla 3 Performance to drive slow.

    • P-Zeros are soft compound, They grip really well, but trade off longevity, 20k is not really unreasonable for them (though on the low end of what you would expect).

    • This is quite common.

      Torquey cars burn through tyres quite quickly. Heavy cars too. And expensive sticky tyres usually don't last long. Put the 3 together, I would say 20,000km is a bloody good number.

      Despite careful driving, my Micheline Pilot Super Sports last only 10,000-15,000km on a 2000kg V8 sports car. Pirelli P Zeros last only 10,000km on the same car.

      Same driving style, some Winrun (or whatever no brand Chinese tyres) on my 6 cylinder 1500kg sports car lasted 50,000km (and would've kept going) before I had enough of their longevity and decided to switch to something new out of boredom :-)

  • +2

    changing to 245/35R20 which I'm reading can really improve comfort and wheel protection.

    I mean, we're talking about an ever so slightly larger sidewall (about 3mm). Are you really going to notice that much of a benefit?

    If EV tyres are really a thing (they claim higher wear resistance and stiffness) maybe just stick with the 235/35.

  • +4

    20,000km.

    Tyres for EVs are the equivalent of oil changes for ICE vehicles.

    • +2

      Sucked in one way or the other.

  • -3

    Look into retreads if price is an issue. Motorway Tyres used to do some good ones for 4wds years ago. The only I had was a blowout on the highway.

    • Motorway Tyres

      Damn, don’t think I’ve heard that brand mentioned since I was on my P plates. Shame they went out of business because I had some of their muddies and they were pretty good.

  • I gather tyre size is configurable in your Tesla to correct your speedo among other things. So it comes down to the complex matter of what is considered legal fitment for your rim size, for which Tesla advises you should consult a specialist tyre retailer/installer.

  • +4

    "$620 each", good thing fueling is 'cheap'
    .

    • It's the only thing between you and the road. You can buy yum cha for $100 if you want but i wouldnt risk myself, the car or other road users with cheap crap tyres.

      • I'm rockin a full set of Pirelli's on the Metro, less than $300 black friday
        .

  • https://www.tyrereview.com.au/245-35-20-tyre-reviews?page=1&…

    Standard size for many existing large cars, performance cars included..

    Michelin, Continental, Yokohama, Eagle F1, Bridgestone all very good. Find a deal.

  • Worth a watch. Good channel actually

    https://youtu.be/Yi7dtd9cNQ8?si=11sna3LPYv62jLtM

  • +2

    The Kumho ECSTA gets very positive reviews, comparable performance to PZero or Pilot Sports but for less than half the price.

    • +1

      Agreed. I have PS71 on the front and PS91 on the rear. Great tyres for the price. I have had a few sets of these.

      Pilot Sports are very good for performance and lifespan too if I can get them on a good deal. Had these for around 10 years before switching to ECSTA.

      P Zeros are the worst in both longevity and performance, and almost always a high price. I have had 3 sets to give them ample chances - never again.

  • +1

    The 245 tyre is wider than the 235 tyre.

  • +2

    20k is not normal wear for performance tyres. How are they wearing out? Bad wheel alignment? Driving style?

    • +2

      Yes it is, especially any car over 2k kg

      • -1

        absolutely, especially if he's driving spiritedly on public streets. Which, incidentally is not the place for that.

        • +1

          That's just completely wrong - what makes you say that? With a heavy car and a bit of throttle (both perfectly legal and safe) those tires will wear quickly.

          • @dassaur: I had a Model 3 RWD and those stock MPS4T1 tyres lasted more than 71,000Kms over 18mo. I didn't drive spiritedly, and Chill mode was mostly on.

            Sold it, so who knows now.

            Regular 10K rotation and good pressure management saw them only lose 1.5mm of tread over that span.

    • "Performance tyres" - if by that you mean the top tier names like P Zero, Pilot Sport, Sport Maxx, Adrenaline, etc, etc, wear out extremely quickly. Soft rubber is grippy but also disintegrate quicker.

      It's the cheap Chinese tyres that lasts and lasts (in terms of tread depth) - they use harder compounds so don't grip as well, but they last..

  • -3

    I recommend the best Michelin in whichever size is on your official tyre placard fitted to the car.

    Personally in the event of a collision i will be looking for anything on the other car which is non-compliant, to help my case of not being at fault. A coroner (and hopefully competent police) would check for the same

  • +1

    Can you get retreads?

  • The tyres are only 1.1% circumference bigger so no issues there - but make sure they fit. Going the larger sidewall will mean a 3.5mm height gain and arch loss.

    I would rather get wider tyres especially since you have a performance model.
    If they fit, and I wuold doubt this, you could also consider 265/30s too which are only -0.8% circumference difference

    But personally on a performance car I woudl go the top of the line model of any of the major manufacturers at 245/35/20 - forget EV tyre and so on, just make sure the weight is above the minimum load rating.

  • +1

    My uncle was tossing between Michelin PILOT SPORT 4 S and PIRELLI PZERO PZ4. After discussing with few of his mates who own Model S Plaid and Tesla 3P cars, he got advice to go with Michelin Pilot Sport 4S as the thread on Pirellie wears out quickly, it has mediocre performance in terms of grip during summer, quite horrible in wet conditions and worst rim protection as if you hit even a small pot hole at 50km/hr you will dent it, plus you have to be extra careful entering and existing sloped and coarse driveways.He replaced his Tesla 3P car’s tyres a year ago(Michelin Pilot Sport 4S) and he is quite happy with it (YMMV)

  • -5

    Despite all the conjecture, it's probably fair to assume that if you have an accident of any substance, the insurance company will check to see whether your vehicle has manufacturer approved EV tyres, if not, kiss your claim goodbye.

  • My all-time favourite street tyres without going semi slicks are the Michelin Pilot Super Sport. They're the best street tyres in my experience after trying nearly all other similar options for many years with different cars on and off the tracks (excluding semi slicks). With regard to Tesla, I managed to minimise wheelspins and more consistently achieved sub 2.7s 0-100 in my Model S Performance with these tyres.

  • +1

    Have gone through two sets of Michelin Pilot Sport 4S, but they didn't have them in stock anywhere last time I needed them.
    Running the Pirelli P0s now. They seem a little quieter, but also a bit squirmier.
    I'll be going back to Michelin next time.

    (Came to the thread for the sooks, wasn't disappointed)

  • +1

    Michelin Pilot Sport 5 for sure 👌

  • +2

    The Michelin PS4S are worth it my opinion. I just went through this with my performance car and decided to stick with them. My last ones lasted 40K KMs, that makes up for some of the cost. They’re very good, good wet performance too. For that I’d rather spend the few hundred extra every couple of years.

  • +1

    Good choice with the Pilot Sport 4S, They are a very nice tyre. I have been using the pilot sport range exclusively for the last 10 years and will not look at another tyre.

  • +1

    Ok, those tyres can last a LOT longer if you temper your driving style.

    You know how it's done, I'm sure!

    It'll give you more time to save for the next set. Of course, anything above T0 should have acoustic reduction designs in place. Enjoy!

  • -1

    We'll see who the sook is soon when you won't be able to drive that nice new ev 😂

    https://youtu.be/A_DmgjTfwD4

    • +1

      TLDW

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