21” wheels on Model 3 long Range

[Inked5-0]

So I put 21” wheels on my 2020 Model 3 long range today. I went in and changed the tire size and the biggest they had was 20” sport wheel size so I chose that. Well as soon as I started driving, the traction control light came on, the motors started acting funny and the regen braking was pulsating. Can anyone help me with this? Does anyone have a solution or experienced this problem before?

 

[patrick40363]

I didn't think that 21" would work on the 3.

 

[Inked5-0]

I didn't think that 21" would work on the 3.

Yeah, they were on a friends Model 3 performance and he said they worked just fine. But I put them on my long range and now I’m having problems!

 

[MasterC17]

Based on the photos it looks like the overall diameter of the assembly is far too large. What size are the tires?

Also, just curious; why would you want 21" wheels on the 3? The 20's already bend and blow out.

 

[SignatureSales]

21" should work without issue.

By looking at your rear tire, the sidewall seems fairly thick consider its 21”. That might cause the front and rear speed sensor read differently which trigger the traction control.

Here is our 21" SV107 on the Model 3 performance.
• 21x9 ET30 (245/30/21)
• 21x10.5 ET40 (295/25/21)

 

[Inked5-0]

21" should work without issue.

By looking at your rear tire, the sidewall seems fairly thick consider its 21”. That might cause the front and rear speed sensor read differently which trigger the traction control.

Here is our 21" SV107 on the Model 3 performance.
• 21x9 ET30 (245/30/21)
• 21x10.5 ET40 (295/25/21)

View attachment 527026

Do you think there’s a difference between performance and long range when it comes to wheels and tires?

 

[Inked5-0]

21" should work without issue.

By looking at your rear tire, the sidewall seems fairly thick consider its 21”. That might cause the front and rear speed sensor read differently which trigger the traction control.

Here is our 21" SV107 on the Model 3 performance.
• 21x9 ET30 (245/30/21)
• 21x10.5 ET40 (295/25/21)

View attachment 527026

My tire is the Michelin P4S 285/30ZR21

 

[Inked5-0]

Based on the photos it looks like the overall diameter of the assembly is far too large. What size are the tires?

Also, just curious; why would you want 21" wheels on the 3? The 20's already bend and blow out.

Well to be honest, I got them at a really good price on them and they look good. But if I can’t fix the problem, they are GONE!!

 

[SignatureSales]

My tire is the Michelin P4S 285/30ZR21

That might be the issue. Assuming your front is 235/30/21, then your rear need to be 285/25/21. Your 285/30/21 is 31.9mm larger in diameter than your front. 60mph reading will now be 57.28mph for the rear. However, the system might be able to calibrate itself, give it a few days of driving. If the issue is still appear, its better to replace your rear tire to the correct size.

 

[Inked5-0]

That might be the issue. Assuming your front is 235/30/21, then your rear need to be 285/25/21. Your 285/30/21 is 31.9mm larger in diameter than your front. 60mph reading will now be 57.28mph for the rear. However, the system might be able to calibrate itself, give it a few days of driving. If the issue is still appear, its better to replace your rear tire to the correct size.

Ok, thank you VERY much. I’ll look into it. I’ll have to be honest, tires aren’t my thing so I’ll ask my tire guy about that. I really appreciate your suggestions!

 

[Dolemite]

It’s trying to end its misery

 

[TLLMRRJ]

Ok, thank you VERY much. I’ll look into it. I’ll have to be honest, tires aren’t my thing so I’ll ask my tire guy about that. I really appreciate your suggestions!

These online size comparisons help:
https://www.discounttire.com/learn/tire-size-calculator

 

[MasterC17]

My tire is the Michelin P4S 285/30ZR21

Well that's your problem. The overall diameter of the tire is 1.3" LARGER than the biggest spec'd factory tire. That is a massive difference.

I'm not trying to be a debbie downer here, but a 285/21 is completely unnecessary. It's going to ruin your efficiency, be susceptible to blowing out and bending the wheel, and on top of that it simply doesn't work. Not to mention the car will actually be slower with this setup, and it's not going to handle any better than a P4S in a factory size for street-driving.

I strongly recommend downsizing to a 19" or 20" wheel with a properly sized tire; you will be much happier in the long run.

 

[Msjulie]

Do you think there’s a difference between performance and long range when it comes to wheels and tires?

Yes (with caveat)

Model 3 20" Sport Wheel and Tire Package

At a point in time, upgrading to those rims on a non performance-upgrade car required a minor suspension part change for clearance. So speculating that can be related.