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MASTER THREAD: Winter driving advice, winter tire choices, etc.

Discussion in 'Model 3: Driving Dynamics' started by Colgate2004, Nov 15, 2018.

  1. scarpiamod3

    scarpiamod3 Member

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    how much 1%?
     
  2. MatildaModel3

    MatildaModel3 Member

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    there was another thread someone was saying more around 5%. Just the messenger.
     
  3. GregD60

    GregD60 Member

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    I have Sottozero 3s for my winter tires
    I'm using Sottozero 3s in 245/45 for the winter and this is my third winter on them. My experience to date has been that if there's any range hit due to the tires versus the stock MXM4s, it's not measurable in normal use. Either the Sottozero 3s are actually more efficient than the MXM4s, which seems unlikely, or going up one size on the tires makes no effective difference on range, at least outside the laboratory.

    P.S. I probably wouldn't notice a 1% hit on range, but I think I'd notice a 2% difference, and I'd definitely notice a loss of 3% or more.
     
    • Like x 1
  4. scarpiamod3

    scarpiamod3 Member

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    Good info thanks. While I'm not overly concerned with range since I charge free at work, I don't want a somewhat significant hit >5% while taking a cold weather hit.
     
  5. GregD60

    GregD60 Member

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    The cold weather hit isn't too bad if you have the car warmed up before you go while still connected to the charger. Also, short drives take a bigger hit than longer drives, but if you're only going 15 or 20 miles and take a 30% range hit, it doesn't matter. On longer drives in cold weather, the worst I've experienced was about a 15% hit when the temperature was between 0 and 10 degrees Farenheit for the day.
     
  6. tstwheels

    tstwheels New Member

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    What are the best options for 18" wheels for a Model 3 Performance with Performance upgrade? I used to have a set of 18" T-Sportline but it was stolen from my garage. Hence I'm in the market for another set of winter rims but curious to see if they are better/cheaper options available. Thanks!
     
  7. MatildaModel3

    MatildaModel3 Member

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    just installed the Tesla specific sottozero 3’s with Martian wheels. Loving them.
     
  8. Oyinko

    Oyinko Member

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    They look nice but out of stock unfortunately. How do they feel?
     
  9. MatildaModel3

    MatildaModel3 Member

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    All I can say is amazing. Super quiet, as they have the foam, and all around I'm extremely pleased with them. No regrets. Also look stellar.
     
  10. Oyinko

    Oyinko Member

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    Glad to hear. I'm also on a lookout for a new winter set. I have a set of TSportine in 20" but would like to go 18" for winter. Not sure if I should stick to TSportline or explore other options.
     
  11. MatildaModel3

    MatildaModel3 Member

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    Highly highly recommend the Martians.

    B2F3875D-09B4-4E48-ABA2-6E4D60A4CA10.jpeg
     
  12. Oyinko

    Oyinko Member

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    They look nice but not available for delivery anytime soon... I need a set for mid-December the latest.
     
  13. Zcd1

    Zcd1 Member

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    Try Discount Tire/America’s Tire.
     
  14. Nick_689

    Nick_689 New Member

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    Canada
    Anyone here with a lowered model 3 and with experience in snowy conditions? Looking for advice on what to watch out for. My LR AWD is lowered on MPP coilovers and has a 1 inch drop on all 4 wheels. Thanks in advance .
     
  15. Justin L

    Justin L Member

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    Hello Forum, I'm new here and just picked up my SR+ on Saturday. Thankfully it was a beautiful day to hammer out 300km back home on the all season factory tires. I had a new set of winters sitting in the garage at home waiting for the car to arrive. Having read a lot of threads about wheel selection I felt like I had a good understanding of what sizes I needed, but I found a great deal on Flow One F4 wheels on tirerack. The problem is they only had the rear wheels which are 18X9 ET45. I bought a square set of these with some studded 235/45/18 General Altimax tires. The extra width on this offset goes almost all to the inside of the wheel, so I was prepared to use some spacers if there was contact with the upright. Thankfully it bolted up perfectly, although there is very little space between the wheel and the upright. I'd guess about 4mm of room now, down from a finger width on the stock wheels. Another nice thing about the wheels is that there are machined out spots between the stud holes that easily clear the brake rotor retaining bolt.

    This is my first set of studded tires and I was not prepared for how loud they are. It seems like a mistake, but I guess I'll find out when the weather turns bad again. With the Tesla there's no engine noise to cover up the rumble of the studs either!

    [​IMG]
     
    • Informative x 1
    • Love x 1
  16. KenC

    KenC Active Member

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    If you live in an area where you need studded tires, then you probably also are in an area where salt and sand and other chemicals are put down on the road. Get some mudflaps or PPF your rockers and lower doors.

    never wet on the front helps as well to prevent the snow/ice from sticking.
     
    • Informative x 1
  17. ottermode

    ottermode Member

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    Anyone with experience picking up a Tesla when it's snowing? I'm a bit worried it will snow on my pick up date and their original tires will give me trouble driving RWD in the snow.
     
  18. KenC

    KenC Active Member

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    The 18" OEMs are acceptable in snow. You'll be better than the average vehicle around you. Just drive slowly enough to feel safe and comfortable.
     
  19. ottermode

    ottermode Member

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    Think so? Should I even bother with winter tires then? I don't really have a place to store extra tires. Also mine is a RWD not AWD, never driven RWD before.
     
  20. GregD60

    GregD60 Member

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    The stock Michelin Primacy MXM4s are not very good in snow in my experience but I have no idea what the snow and ice conditions are where you live. Where I live in Colorado, the stock tires pretty much suck and winter tires are much, much better. There are quite a few days during the winter where I probably wouldn't be able to get out of my neighborhood on the stock tires. You might consider something like the Michelin Cross Climate tires; they've been getting very good reviews and one of my neighbors has them and likes them.
     

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