[JDM3]

Okay good to know. I don't think I've been higher than 100MPH in the car since we've had it. I just wanted to confirm that speed rating was not a concern (i.e. mandatory based on the size/weight of the vehicle).

 

[Mad Hungarian]

So, my P is capable of 162 mph(IIRC). But I'm way too chicken to ever approach that. I have, on a long, straight, flat, well-paved, and quiet road somewhere in Utah done 125 mph, just to see... If I almost never exceed 100 mph, and rarely 85 mph; is the speed rating just unimportant for me?

Unimportant is a strong word, because speed rating isn't just a matter of how high a speed the tire is capable of sustaining, it also has something of an effect on handling. There is a gross (but certainly not absolute) correlation between speed rating and the stiffness of the tire's carcass that comes as a result of having to make it more rigid to withstand said higher speeds, especially in reducing the excessive flexing that can result in unwanted heat buildup at extreme speeds. This in turn has an effect on how the tire feels/responds and is why in general when replacing tire manufacturers and retailers recommend folks stick with the equivalent speed rating or higher. For OEMs of course there's also the additional legal obligation to ensure that the car is delivered on tires that meet or exceed its top speed. Sometimes they wind up doing it the other way around, in order to get the plusher ride of a V or H rated tire an OEM will program the top speed limiter of a faster car to stop at the tire's max. Ever notice how many sport/luxury sedans have a weirdly common 130 mph top speed? Yep, they almost always have H-rated tires.

Now.. you can of course decide yourself to install lower rated ones, and AFAIK once the vehicle has been delivered there are no state or provincial regulations in North America that prevent this. In fact when it comes to winter, I and a lot of other industry folks actively encourage the use of lower speed rated tires as their softer construction generally delivers both better traction and even more importantly better predictability/confidence in transient maneuvers on low friction surfaces.
But is it wise to go to a lower speed rating outside of winter conditions?
In the case we just examined I don't see any issue at all because a V-rated tire still exceeds the car's top speed and going from a W to a V in the same model doesn't usually degrade handling a whole lot, in fact for a driver seeking a more touring oriented feel they will almost certainly like it better. And the speed rating is just one characteristic, it by no means defines the tire's whole personality or performance. In fact if we compared capabilities of the average top-tier V-rated tire vs a bargain-basement W or Y rated model, I can pretty much guarantee the V-rated one will beat the cheapo W/Y rated one in just about every important metric.

Bottom line: If outright performance is top of your list, or if there's even a remote chance you'll ever approach the top speed, get the correct speed rating. But if you never intend to use it and prefer to give up a little precision for the sake of ride comfort, longevity or better capabilities in bad weather, then feel free to drop down a notch or two.

AVISO: I am not a lawyer, and the above advice expressly assumes you are the sole owner/operator of your vehicle, are of sound mind and body and can make this choice and adhere to the limitations that result. When you go to sell the vehicle though it can be a different matter, and if the car is sold with tires lower than its top speed I would strongly recommend adding a clause in the sale contract that notes this in the event the new owner decides to take it to Bonneville and things go badly.

 

[tencate]

having a hard time finding the MXM4's

I was just at DiscountTire. This is my second set of MXM4s (18") and I only got 26k miles out of them. (The factory set got 34k miles, must be the FSD beta works the tires harder .) DiscountTire was happy to give me a treadwear credit towards a new set since I'd purchased the second set with them. BUT, they show as backordered and the manager thought he'd read a bulletin that said they were being discontinued. I asked him to look to see if he could find that notice and no, he didn't find it. Anyone heard anything? I've gone through two sets of MXM4s and one set of X-Ice in the 110k+ miles I've put on Max so far... I'm a big fan of the range and efficiency I get with the "factory" tire. The X-ice too. I'll be sad if they're going away. But what to replace them with???

 

[JDM3]

I've only used X-Ice for the winter, have been using the Continentals but now looking for something that might give better range or at least less road noise. I'm hoping to get more miles on the tires as we drive a lot. I'll keep looking for the MXM4's.

 

[Madmolecule]

Tires designed for EVs

 

[Mad Hungarian]

I was just at DiscountTire. This is my second set of MXM4s (18") and I only got 26k miles out of them. (The factory set got 34k miles, must be the FSD beta works the tires harder .) DiscountTire was happy to give me a treadwear credit towards a new set since I'd purchased the second set with them. BUT, they show as backordered and the manager thought he'd read a bulletin that said they were being discontinued. I asked him to look to see if he could find that notice and no, he didn't find it. Anyone heard anything? I've gone through two sets of MXM4s and one set of X-Ice in the 110k+ miles I've put on Max so far... I'm a big fan of the range and efficiency I get with the "factory" tire. The X-ice too. I'll be sad if they're going away. But what to replace them with???

Tire Rack is showing available end of April

 

[Millie Grace]

MH et al. Appreciate you. Keeping it simple.

2018 18 inch RWD

1. Ride Comfort
2. Low noise
3. Tread wear / Durability
4. Cost
5. Performance / Handling
6. Range / Low rolling resistance

I am in Dallas so we get rare ice and snow.

Got only 16k on my OEM and got 22k with tread currently between 3-5 on crossclimate+

Thanks!

 

[JDM3]

Okay I managed to find a set of the Primacy MXM4's. Order has been placed. Will wait until around mid-April before I swap out the winters. Thanks for the input everyone.

 

[Proflig8tor]

>> Availability << might have to be an operative search term. Took Mr. Mad Hungarian's excellent advice, but ran into nobody (inc'l Rire Rack) being able to source 235/40R19 MXM4's or Pilot Sport 4 Seasons in the next 30 days (almost 60 for the PS4S). That forced me into a choice between the Continental ProContact RX or PureContact LS. The marketing materials seem to identify both of these tires as "All Season Touring" tires, although I hoped the "Grand Touring" implied a bit more sportiness to the PureContact LS. The LS also promises significantly longer life, although I am not complaining a bit about the almost 38,000 miles the ProContact RX's provided. Another amazing thing about the ProContact RX is that Tesla kinda complained that I called them to rotate the tires at 10,000 miles. The tires were worn IDENTICALLY. When I replaced them they were all within less than a tenth, all across the tires, all four. I've never seen a car that treated tires so evenly.

So, shod with the PureContact LS the car is slightly quieter on some surfaces and quite a bit quieter on smooth surfaces than the OEM ProContactRX. The measured road for road at the same speed about 4db quieter per the meter on the Applewatch7. The turn-in was better on the RX worn down to 2 or 3/32 and more road details fed back to the driver's seat. Surprisingly, during the first 100 miles, I cannot tell a difference in Wh/Mi. The LS seem to be holding their own against the RX. The LS feel more "luxurious" and less "sporty."

But ((and a huge but)) is that these tires are still very new. We had a BIZZARE problem with the new tires, whereas slippery stuff (to release the tire from the mold?) was so slick that on acceleration above 45MPH the car's traction control would kick in and cut power. The car would barely accelerate to 80. I figured it would wear off quickly, and it did. The vehicle seems fine now. As the tires break in the steering is becoming more responsive and the tire more satisfying to drive on.

Had the same impression when I first mounted the Michelin PS4Seasons on my GTI. Apparently, I prefer the feel of slicks

Tesla Model 3 SR+, 39,000 miles, 223 lifetime wh/mi. Brakes looked "new."

 

[skygraff]

Just wanted to post a thank you to all on this thread, especially MH!

Just got my CC2s installed and they seem really good. Even compared to the worn in (5/32 - a little early but Tesla insisted it was time to change plus one had a slow but worsening leak) MXMs, they’re fairly quiet on surface streets (haven’t done highway yet*), feel confident on dry/wet/slushy surfaces, and are getting pretty equivalent efficiency.

Only had them for 25 miles or so and part of that during a spring snow shower but really happy with them! Hope they prove as quiet on the highway and are just as sure footed in the winter.

*update - did a quick highway test and they’re similarly quiet (comparable to MXMs) @ 60mph.

 

[Mad Hungarian]

>> Availability << might have to be an operative search term. Took Mr. Mad Hungarian's excellent advice, but ran into nobody (inc'l Rire Rack) being able to source 235/40R19 MXM4's or Pilot Sport 4 Seasons in the next 30 days (almost 60 for the PS4S). That forced me into a choice between the Continental ProContact RX or PureContact LS. The marketing materials seem to identify both of these tires as "All Season Touring" tires, although I hoped the "Grand Touring" implied a bit more sportiness to the PureContact LS. The LS also promises significantly longer life, although I am not complaining a bit about the almost 38,000 miles the ProContact RX's provided. Another amazing thing about the ProContact RX is that Tesla kinda complained that I called them to rotate the tires at 10,000 miles. The tires were worn IDENTICALLY. When I replaced them they were all within less than a tenth, all across the tires, all four. I've never seen a car that treated tires so evenly.

So, shod with the PureContact LS the car is slightly quieter on some surfaces and quite a bit quieter on smooth surfaces than the OEM ProContactRX. The measured road for road at the same speed about 4db quieter per the meter on the Applewatch7. The turn-in was better on the RX worn down to 2 or 3/32 and more road details fed back to the driver's seat. Surprisingly, during the first 100 miles, I cannot tell a difference in Wh/Mi. The LS seem to be holding their own against the RX. The LS feel more "luxurious" and less "sporty."

But ((and a huge but)) is that these tires are still very new. We had a BIZZARE problem with the new tires, whereas slippery stuff (to release the tire from the mold?) was so slick that on acceleration above 45MPH the car's traction control would kick in and cut power. The car would barely accelerate to 80. I figured it would wear off quickly, and it did. The vehicle seems fine now. As the tires break in the steering is becoming more responsive and the tire more satisfying to drive on.

Had the same impression when I first mounted the Michelin PS4Seasons on my GTI. Apparently, I prefer the feel of slicks

Tesla Model 3 SR+, 39,000 miles, 223 lifetime wh/mi. Brakes looked "new."

Glad you like the LS, and especially appreciative of your detailed impressions compared to the OE RX.
The slipperiness you noted is exactly that, residue from the mold release, and yes, the steering response/accuracy will improve as you wear them in. Conti has a handy little explainer on both here.

 

[Mike]

Tires designed for EVs

I asked my local tire guy about these (P Zero All Season Plus with Elect Marking):

He couldn't find them in his system.

He called "his guy" at Pirelli and the Pirelli guy told him the P Zero All Season Plus was this tire.

All in price (all four corners, all in) was just shy of $CAD 1,100, which sounds too low to me.

I told my tire guy I'll re assess later this summer, but whatever he quotes me, it has to have the "ELECT" and "PNCS" molded into the sidewall…because experience is telling me "his guy" at Pirelli is mistaken.

 

[TeslaPeter]

Hi Everyone.. just joined the group as I've been looking for guidance on changing my Tesla tires and thankfully find this forum

I've been trying to get the Michelin tires, but they are not available at all and thru my research I found a site that mentions the "Goodyear Assurance maxlife" as a possible tire to use for my 2018 18 inch RWD. I really like they have a way higher life (85,000 miles), but haven't seen anything on this forum mentioning those so I was wondering if there is a reason for not using those and if there is, what is the best alternative that isn't Michelin? I think it would be Pirelli, but wanted to triple check.

Tks for any help.

 

[garsh]

I found a site that mentions the "Goodyear Assurance maxlife" as a possible tire to use for my 2018 18 inch RWD. I really like they have a way higher life (85,000 miles), but haven't seen anything on this forum mentioning those so I was wondering if there is a reason for not using those

When I search TireRack for tires to fit a Model 3, the Goodyear Assurance Maxlife is not displayed as a fit (link).
But TireRack does carry the Goodyear Assurance Maxlife in the required size (link).

It appears that the Goodyear Assurance Maxlife's load rating is too low for the model 3. It has a 94 load rating, whereas all of the tires listed as fitments have a load rating of 98.

I think @Mad Hungarian has complained about this in the past. The 20" tires for the Model 3 Performance only have a load rating of 92, so it doesn't seem to make sense to require a rating of 98 for the 18" wheeled-versions of the vehicle.

 

[Proflig8tor]

I asked my local tire guy about these (P Zero All Season Plus with Elect Marking):

View attachment 41814
He couldn't find them in his system.

He called "his guy" at Pirelli and the Pirelli guy told him the P Zero All Season Plus was this tire.

All in price (all four corners, all in) was just shy of $CAD 1,100, which sounds too low to me.

I told my tire guy I'll re assess later this summer, but whatever he quotes me, it has to have the "ELECT" and "PNCS" molded into the sidewall…because experience is telling me "his guy" at Pirelli is mistaken.

Chased these down. They are available in sizes for the Porsche Taycan and Lucid. It seems I recall they are the OEM figment. As with Michelin and Goodyear's offerings; none or sized for the Model 3 replacement market. Yet….

 

[Proflig8tor]

Hi Everyone.. just joined the group as I've been looking for guidance on changing my Tesla tires and thankfully find this forum

I've been trying to get the Michelin tires, but they are not available at all and thru my research I found a site that mentions the "Goodyear Assurance maxlife" as a possible tire to use for my 2018 18 inch RWD. I really like they have a way higher life (85,000 miles), but haven't seen anything on this forum mentioning those so I was wondering if there is a reason for not using those and if there is, what is the best alternative that isn't Michelin? I think it would be Pirelli, but wanted to triple check.

Tks for any help.

If you are looking for long lasting tires that are available, take a look at the Continental PureContact LS. They have a UTQG of 700 A A v 820 A B (so the Goodyears last a little longer with other trade offs)

After a 1,000 mile road trip I am VERY impressed with the Continental PureContact LS. Pumped them up to about the max (49 PSI) and got very slightly more efficiency out of them than the OEM ProContact RX (running at 42 to 45 over the 40k like of the car) The LS are quieter, especially on smooth pavement. Handling improved as the tires began wearing in. At this point, I would be pressed to notice a difference and the car retains the sharp turn-in that I love with the SR+ on 19 inch/40's. The ride has improved. So this seems like an all around upgrade.

I expected a 8 to 10% loss of efficiency, plus the road trip involves speeds higher than I commute at. Instead I saw a 1% improvement. Skipped a couple of charging stations

The tire market remains dynamic. Thanks to Mad Hungarian and everyone who participates here.

 

[Millie Grace]

If you are looking for long lasting tires that are available, take a look at the Continental PureContact LS. They have a UTQG of 700 A A v 820 A B (so the Goodyears last a little longer with other trade offs)

After a 1,000 mile road trip I am VERY impressed with the Continental PureContact LS. Pumped them up to about the max (49 PSI) and got very slightly more efficiency out of them than the OEM ProContact RX (running at 42 to 45 over the 40k like of the car) The LS are quieter, especially on smooth pavement. Handling improved as the tires began wearing in. At this point, I would be pressed to notice a difference and the car retains the sharp turn-in that I love with the SR+ on 19 inch/40's. The ride has improved. So this seems like an all around upgrade.

I expected a 8 to 10% loss of efficiency, plus the road trip involves speeds higher than I commute at. Instead I saw a 1% improvement. Skipped a couple of charging stations

The tire market remains dynamic. Thanks to Mad Hungarian and everyone who participates here.

The problem is that they aren't rated for the model 3 18 so discount tire won't install them. Do you have any suggestions on how to get these installed

 

[TeslaPeter]

When I search TireRack for tires to fit a Model 3, the Goodyear Assurance Maxlife is not displayed as a fit (link).
But TireRack does carry the Goodyear Assurance Maxlife in the required size (link).

It appears that the Goodyear Assurance Maxlife's load rating is too low for the model 3. It has a 94 load rating, whereas all of the tires listed as fitments have a load rating of 98.

I think @Mad Hungarian has complained about this in the past. The 20" tires for the Model 3 Performance only have a load rating of 92, so it doesn't seem to make sense to require a rating of 98 for the 18" wheeled-versions of the vehicle.

Tks garsh. This helps a lot.

 

[SAronian]

I don't have a lot of miles on the CrossClimate2's so far. But it's showing about 9% less range.

235/45R18 Michelin Primacy MXM4 38,720 miles = 262 Wh/Mile

235/45R18 Michelin CrossClimate2 4,737 miles = 286 Wh/Mile

Haven't been driving much lately but percentage continues to improve. Now about 5.6% less efficient than the original 235/45R18 Michelin Primacy MXM4.

235/45R18 Michelin CrossClimate2 5,753 miles = 270 Wh/Mile

 

[skygraff]

Haven't been driving much lately but percentage continues to improve. Now about 5.6% less efficient than the original 235/45R18 Michelin Primacy MXM4.

235/45R18 Michelin CrossClimate2 5,753 miles = 270 Wh/Mile

It's hard to get accurate numbers over a short period with uncontrollable variables (e.g., weather and traffic) but, in my even smaller sample duration, I'm also seeing fairly comparable results. Ultimately, based on tread and rubber composition, the CC2 has to be slightly less efficient so anything within a typical "margin of error" is surprisingly good.