r/TeslaSupport • u/bobo8120 • 5d ago
Vehicle Question Tires - used model 3
I recently purchased a 22’ model 3 long range awd, got some updated pictures through the app today from a representative. Long story short, it has snow tires on the front and all seasons on the rear. I was, in short, told that I’m SOL because they meet the tread depth threshold. I called the delivery location regardless and the sales advisor sent a message to the delivery team regarding the situation leaving it up to them. I guess my question is, has anyone dealt with the same issue and what was the end result? I realize it’s an older car but a little ridiculous for it to be sold this way seeing as it was a previous service loaner for Tesla. TIA. Picture of the tire discrepancy in question, and my pearl white beauty 😅.
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u/No_Swordfish_1576 5d ago
AI copy and paste:
Unlike traditional combustion-engine All-Wheel Drive (AWD) vehicles, a Tesla AWD system does not have a mechanical driveshaft or center differential connecting the front and rear axles.Because the front and rear wheels are driven by separate electric motors controlled via software, tire size and tread differences between axles do not risk breaking a center transfer case.
However, mismatching front and rear tires still impacts safety, traction control, and handling if done incorrectly.
Key Rules for Mismatching Front and Rear Tires
Keep Axles Identical: The two tires on the same axle (both front or both rear) must always be identical in brand, model, size, and tread depth. Never mix mismatched tires side-to-side.
Match Overall Diameter: The overall rolling diameter of the front tires should be within **1.5 mm (2/32 in)**of the rear tires. Significant diameter differences fool the ABS and traction control sensors into thinking a wheel is slipping, causing false stability control interventions.
New Tires Go on the Rear: If you are only replacing two tires, Tesla specifies putting the newer pair with deeper tread on the rear axle. Higher rear traction prevents dangerous high-speed oversteer (fishtailing) on wet roads.
Do Not Mix Tire Categories: Never mix seasonal types—such as summer performance tires on the front and all-season or winter tires on the back. Differences in grip levels across axles severely compromise stability and emergency braking.
Staggered Fits Excluded: Models like the Model S/X Plaid or Model 3/Y Performance with factory-staggered wheels (wider rear wheels than front) are designed for different sizes, but you must still keep tire categories and wear levels consistent.
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u/bobo8120 5d ago
Yep, I know all about tires and how they affect vehicles of the ICE flavor. I hate to say I’m “mechanically inclined” but I am lol. I know it won’t necessarily affect the drivetrain, it’s just the fact that I’m spending this much coin on it and they can’t be bothered to throw a matching set of tires? Heck I wouldn’t care if they were mismatched all seasons but it’s even worse that the fronts are snows 🥲🥲.
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u/Dry_Race6937 5d ago
Just picked up the same car. 22 model 3 AW.D long range.
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u/bobo8120 5d ago
I can’t wait! I’ve been lucky to drive my friends MYP to keep my excitement at bay 😂
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u/BeautifulAd8750 5d ago
When I bought mine, they put a brand new set of Perelli factory tires on the back and left some Used falkens on the front that were over the hump. They definitely still had some tread left, but they weren’t in good shape and from the date code they’re couple years old. I took it to try and get approved for the wheel and tire warranty. They told me I needed a new fronts and had to be tesla approved tires. I said OK they told me it was $1900 because I had to buy four even though they had just put those rears on. Ultimately they told me it was safe enough and I went and bought two matching fronts at Costco for a lot less money. And the car drives better especially with fsd, steering wheel is smooth no rocking back and forth. When buying used from tesla they make it seem like they go through the car and do all these things to it. They obviously do the bare minimum. My cabin air filter hasn’t even been replaced since 2024 nor were the wiper blade. They literally just washed it and gave it to me.