Model 3 Winter Tire Pressure Recommendations

[ekestler]

When I got my LR Model 3 in July 2018, all 4 tires were at 46psi.

I just returned from a 2 week vacation...before I left, temps were in the high 80s in the DC area, and tires were all at 46psi.

I returned yesterday, and temps are now in the 27 to 40 or so range. I have warnings about tire pressures: 3 tires are at 40psi and 1 tire is at 39psi AND IN YELLOW CHARACTERS on the screen.

What are the recommended settings for 18” OEM Michelin tires in the mid-Atlantic area in winter?

Thanks, Eric

 

[Manitoba Keith]

When I got mine this summer, they were at 42 psi. Have not had TPS warnings on mine yet, but others do get them. Might just try filling the 39 up to 40.

 

[ekestler]

When I got mine this summer, they were at 42 psi. Have not had TPS warnings on mine yet, but others do get them. Might just try filling the 39 up to 40.

Understood; I suspect the cold caused the reduction; my question is (after I top-off that one tire), do I keep driving during the winter at 40psi, or do I set all tires back to 46, or ....?

 

[Manitoba Keith]

Personally, I find a lower tire pressure gives a bit better traction and smoother ride especially in winter.
Lower pressure might increase watts used if you are trying to hyper-mile.
If you set them all to 46, then check them when it gets warm to see they don't go too high.

 

[Superspectral]

My experience last winter with my P3D+ and Michelin Alpins on the 20 in wheels was that 42 psi filled around freezing was best. It often drops to 0F here and so then pressure is more like 38-39. I prefer not to let the pressure drop too low lest I damage the rims. Too low a pressure and you hit a pothole you can have a blowout. You can't fill air in tires too easily at 0F.

 

[ekestler]

Personally, I find a lower tire pressure gives a bit better traction and smoother ride especially in winter.
Lower pressure might increase watts used if you are trying to hyper-mile.
If you set them all to 46, then check them when it gets warm to see they don't go too high.

I don’t have a problem keeping them at 40 for the winter, but was worried that it would be too low.

 

[ekestler]

My experience last winter with my P3D+ and Michelin Alpins on the 20 in wheels was that 42 psi filled around freezing was best. It often drops to 0F here and so then pressure is more like 38-39. I prefer not to let the pressure drop too low lest I damage the rims. Too low a pressure and you hit a pothole you can have a blowout. You can't fill air in tires too easily at 0F.

Ok, thanks.

 

[Manitoba Keith]

Mine are currently at 40 PSI at 40f. I don't change them by season. Reading is obtained while tire is cold as it will increase with driving.

 

[RKDauto]

In the DC area, I have both my summer and winter tires set for 42 PSI, if I am looking for better range then 45 PSI would be the max I would increase them to. I have 19" winter tires Pirelli Sottozero 3 and 20" summer tires that are the OEM Michelin Pilot Sport 4S that came with the Tesla Model 3 Performance.

 

[usofrob]

I run 42-45 for efficiency, and 35-38 for comfort and grip.

 

[acarney]

I run 42-45 for efficiency, and 35-38 for comfort and grip.

Be careful with those lower pressures. Some tires will specific a specific PSI to keep the XL rating of the tire. I can't remember which I was looking at recently but it listed like 45 psi to maintain XL or something.

 

[ewoodrick]

Why not keep them at the pressure on the door frame as the manufacturer recommends. BTW, that's what will shut up the alarms.

 

[acarney]

Why not keep them at the pressure on the door frame as the manufacturer recommends. BTW, that's what will shut up the alarms.

Occasionally winter tire manufactures will suggest 3 psi higher than what is listed on the door frame, but with Tesla being so high already, 42 to 45 psi is probably fine. (Some Model 3's were built saying 42 psi on the door sticker, some were built saying 45 psi on the door sticker so...)