Tesla MODEL Y Owner'S Manual Download Page 179

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Tire Wear

Adequate tread depth is important for proper tire

performance. Tires with a tread depth less than 4/32”

(3 mm) are more likely to hydroplane in wet conditions

and should not be used. Tires with a tread depth less
than 5/32” (4 mm) do not perform well in snow and

slush and should not be used when driving in winter
conditions.

Model Y is originally fitted with tires that have wear
indicators molded into the tread pattern. When the
tread has been worn down to 4/32” (3 mm), the
indicators start to appear at the surface of the tread
pattern, producing the effect of a continuous band of
rubber across the width of the tire. For optimal
performance and safety, Tesla recommends replacing
tires before the wear indicators are visible.

Tire Rotation, Balance, and Wheel

Alignment

Tesla recommends rotating the tires every 6,250 miles

(10,000 km) or if tread depth difference is 2/32 in (1.5

mm) or greater, whichever comes first.

Tire rotation is an essential part of tire maintenance. It

helps maintain an even treadwear pattern which

enhances the tire's overall wear quality, decreases road

noise and maximizes tire life.

Vehicles with staggered tires can be rotated side-to-side

(left-to-right) but not front-to-back as the front and rear

tire size is different.

Unbalanced wheels (sometimes noticeable as vibration

through the steering wheel) affect vehicle handling and

tire life. Even with regular use, wheels can get out of

balance. Therefore, they should be balanced as required.

If tire wear is uneven (on one side of the tire only) or

becomes abnormally excessive, check the alignment of

wheels.

Punctured Tires

A puncture eventually causes the tire to lose pressure,

which is why it is important to check tire pressures

frequently. Permanently repair or replace punctured or

damaged tires as soon as possible.

Your tubeless tires may not leak when penetrated,

provided the object remains in the tire. If, however, you

feel a sudden vibration or ride disturbance while driving,

or you suspect a tire is damaged, immediately reduce

your speed. Drive slowly, while avoiding heavy braking

or sharp steering and, when safe to do so, stop the

vehicle. Arrange to have Model Y transported to a Tesla

Service Center, or to a nearby tire repair center.

NOTE:

In some cases, you can temporarily repair small

tire punctures (under 1/4” (6 mm)) using an optional tire
repair kit available from Tesla. This allows you to slowly

drive Model Y to Tesla or to a nearby tire repair facility.

WARNING:

Do not drive with a punctured tire that

has not been repaired, even if the puncture has not
caused the tire to deflate. A punctured tire can

deflate suddenly at any time.

Flat Spots

If Model Y is stationary for a long period, tires can form
flat spots. When Model Y is driven, these flat spots cause
a vibration which gradually disappears as the tires warm
up and regain their original shape.

To minimize flat spots during storage, inflate tires to the
maximum pressure indicated on the tire wall. Then,
before driving, release air to adjust tire pressure to the
recommended levels.

Improving Tire Mileage

To improve the mileage you get from your tires, maintain

tires at the recommended tire pressures, observe speed

limits and advisory speeds, and avoid:

•  Pulling away quickly, or hard acceleration.
•  Fast turns and heavy braking.
•  Potholes and objects in the road.
•  Hitting curbs when parking.
•  Contaminating tires with fluids that can cause

damage.

Replacing Tires and Wheels

Tires degrade over time due to the effects of ultraviolet

light, extreme temperatures, high loads, and

environmental conditions. It is recommended that tires

are replaced every six years, or sooner if required, even if

tread depth is above the minimum.

When a tire set becomes worn, replace all four tires at

the same time. Choose a Tesla-approved tire which is

designed specifically for your vehicle. Most Tesla-

approved tires can be identified with a T

specification