Tesla tyres explained: T markings, noise foam, rotation and winter rules in Europe

Tyres are one of the few parts of a Tesla that wear out on a predictable schedule, and with a heavy, powerful electric car they can wear out sooner than you expect. With winter coming, this is a good moment to check what you have and what you need.

What the 'T' on your tyre means

Tesla develops tyres with tyre makers specifically for its cars. These Tesla-approved tyres carry a T marking on the sidewall: T0 is the first approved version, and later updates to the tuning or technology are marked T1, T2 and so on. Many also have acoustic foam glued inside. On a Model X, Tesla measured a peak noise reduction of 6 dB at 200 Hz, which makes the cabin noticeably quieter.

You do not have to use T-marked tyres, but they are tuned for the car's weight, range and noise targets. Tesla says newer generations can add up to 20 miles (about 30 km) of EPA-estimated range compared with older ones. If you switch to another brand, look for tyres sold as suitable for electric cars, with the right load and speed rating.

Why electric cars wear tyres faster

According to Move Electric, Michelin has acknowledged that electric cars can wear tyres up to 20% faster than petrol or diesel cars. The main reasons:

• Weight: an EV is often around 2,000 kg against about 1,400 kg for a similar petrol car. Emissions Analytics estimates that every extra 450 kg raises tyre wear by about 20%.
• Instant torque: full power from standstill makes the tyres work hard for grip.
• Wide tyres on large wheels, which give grip but wear faster.

Smooth driving helps more than anything: gentle acceleration, using Chill mode, anticipating stops and keeping the right pressure and wheel alignment.

Rotation and replacement

• Rotate every 6,250 miles (about 10,000 km), or sooner if the tread depth between two tyres differs by 2/32 inch (about 1.5 mm) or more, Tesla says.
• Watch the screen: the car warns you when it detects uneven wear that needs a check.
• Book in the app: under Service, Request Service, Tyres and Wheels, or buy through the Tyre Centre in the app or a service centre.
• Tread depth: 1.6 mm is the legal minimum in Germany, for example, but the Dutch motoring club ANWB advises at least 4 mm for winter tyres.

Winter tyres: what Tesla advises

Tesla recommends winter tyres for cold, snowy or icy roads. They give the best traction below 5°C, and should go on before the first snow. Summer tyres lose grip and get noisier below 5°C and should not be used on snow or ice. Look for the three-peak mountain snowflake (3PMSF) symbol.

Winter rules if you drive abroad

• Netherlands and Belgium: no winter tyre obligation.
• Germany: winter tyres are required whenever there is snow, slush, ice or frost on the road, on all four wheels. Only tyres with the 3PMSF symbol count. All-season tyres are fine if they carry that symbol. Driving without them in winter conditions can mean a fine, and in an accident it can count as gross negligence.
• Austria: from November 1 to April 15, winter tyres are required when roads are covered in snow, slush or ice.
• France: in signposted mountain areas, winter tyres or chains are required from November 1 to March 31.
• Switzerland: winter tyres are required in winter conditions, with at least 4 mm of tread.

If you plan to use snow chains, check your owner's manual first to see which chains, if any, are approved for your wheel and tyre size.

Why it matters

Tyres are the only contact between a 2-tonne car and the road. The right tyre affects range, noise, braking distance and, in parts of Europe, whether you are legally covered in winter. A quick check of tread depth, pressure and the sidewall symbols before a winter trip is worth the five minutes.