A slow tire leak was caused by an inside, cracked rim (see photo). So I had a 2,000 mile, used, 235/45R18, Tesla Model 3 tire, removed from a spare rim. This used tire is available to anyone who wants it. It's brother will be available in late January if you want the pair: After making a cut, the disabled rim will be sold for scrap aluminum. As for the Tesla tire, free to whoever wants it. I do not like the Tesla stock tires: too heavy - my Model 3 weights 3,800 lbs and this tire is also used for much heaver models. short life - typically rated at 36,000 miles, my first set barely made 30,000 miles. high tire resistance - squishy, they cause more rolling drag than the ones I use. dynamic instability - in some conditions, these tires develop a resonance with Full Self Driving that is unpleasant and can go divergent. I will never drive another mile on Tesla recommended tires. Too costly and in some cases, unstable. Bob Wilson
I’ve dealt with model 3 rims/tires: first time I laid one flat on a concrete slab it was alarming to hear a clang, the rim is wider than the tire. Tesla engineers must be aware of this. Or maybe not? Lug nut torque value is an eyebrow-raising 129 ft/lb.
There are tires that project outwards just to protect against rubbing the $$$$ rims. My Mich CC2s have such a feature of their design.
Yeah, our 3'rd gen's 17" Michelins are thus, has a ring of rubber projecting further out, about 3/16" I think. Still, with/without this, the Tesla 3 is the first time I've encountered any wheel/tire combo thus.
Cracks seem to be a 'thing' with T3s according to the interwebs - although I do not know if this is a design issue or just people who do not know how to avoid potholes. The torque spec isn't super crazy but it seems a little high for a fragile aluminum rim. IIRC the specs for my truck's 'steelies' is either 110 or 120. The wear rating IS interesting. Tyres that are 'energy efficient' are usually hard as a billiard ball - meaning you can run over a dime and be able to call "heads or tails." Engineering is compromise. You trade handling and comfort for 'efficiency.' Curious......
