2017 Tesla Model S Tire Size, Pressure & Wheel Specs

As an ASE-certified master technician, I regularly field questions regarding the specific tire and wheel requirements for high-performance electric vehicles. The 2017 Tesla Model S is an incredible machine, blending luxury with sports-car acceleration. However, that blistering instant torque and heavy battery pack mean your tires endure a lot of stress. Getting your tire sizes, pressures, and torque specs exactly right is critical for safety, range, and tread life.

Here is your comprehensive tire and wheel specification guide for the 2017 Tesla Model S.

Quick answer

• OEM Tire Size: 245/45R19 (Standard); 245/35R21 Front & 265/35R21 Rear (Performance/Staggered)
• Recommended Cold Tire Pressure: 42–45 PSI front and rear (always check the driver’s side door placard, as it varies by wheel size and specific trim)
• Bolt Pattern: 5x120
• Wheel Size: 19x8.0J (Standard) or 21x8.5J front / 21x9.0J rear (Optional)
• Load Index / Speed Rating: 98W or 102Y (Standard 19-inch), 96Y front / 98Y rear (21-inch staggered). Note: XL (Extra Load) rated tires are strongly recommended due to vehicle weight.
• Spare Tire Size: None (equipped with roadside assistance/inflator kit from the factory)
• TPMS Frequency: 433 MHz

Tire sizes by trim

Depending on the battery size (60, 75, 90, 100) and whether you have a dual-motor (D) or performance (P) variant, your 2017 Model S was equipped with either a square 19-inch setup or a staggered 21-inch setup.

Trim / Option	Front Tire Size	Rear Tire Size	Wheel Size (Front / Rear)
Standard (60, 75, 75D, 90D, 100D)	245/45R19	245/45R19	19x8.0J / 19x8.0J
Performance (P90D, P100D)	245/35R21	265/35R21	21x8.5J / 21x9.0J
Optional 21" (Square Setup)	245/35R21	245/35R21	21x8.5J / 21x8.5J

Note: Always verify your specific setup before purchasing, as previous owners frequently swap wheel sets on the used market.

Recommended replacement tires

Because the Model S is heavily dependent on aerodynamics and rolling resistance for its driving range, choosing the right tire is essential. Furthermore, you need tires with internal foam (acoustic tech) to keep road noise down, since there is no engine noise to mask it.

Here are top technician-recommended options:

• Premium Tier: Michelin Pilot Sport 4S (Acoustic) – Exceptional dry and wet grip, factory acoustic foam to reduce cabin noise. Best for 21-inch setups.
• Premium Tier: Goodyear Eagle Touring (SoundComfort Technology) – Often used as an OEM replacement for 19-inch models, offering great range and low noise.
• Mid-Range Tier: Continental ExtremeContact DWS06 Plus – A highly rated all-season tire that handles the Model S's torque well, though you may sacrifice a slight amount of range compared to low-rolling-resistance eco tires.
• Budget Tier: Hankook Ventus S1 AS – Good balance of comfort, all-season capability, and tread life for daily driving on the 19-inch wheels.

When to inflate to max load psi

Note: This section primarily applies to Heavy Duty (HD) trucks towing heavy fifth-wheel loads. The 2017 Tesla Model S is a luxury passenger vehicle, not a heavy-duty tow rig.

However, because the Model S weighs over 4,600 lbs, you should strictly adhere to the manufacturer's recommended 42-45 PSI (as printed on the door placard). Do not deflate the tires for a "softer ride," as under-inflation will cause rapid edge wear, drastically reduce your battery range, and potentially cause catastrophic tire failure due to the extreme vehicle weight.

Lug nut torque & pattern

Proper wheel installation is a matter of life and death on a car that can do 0-60 mph in under 3 seconds.

• Bolt Pattern: 5x120
• Lug Nut Torque: 129 lb-ft (175 Nm)
• Socket Size: 21mm

Always use a calibrated torque wrench in a star/crisscross pattern. Never rely on an impact gun alone. After driving 50-100 miles on newly installed wheels, re-check the torque to ensure they have properly seated.

Common tire issues for this vehicle

Working on the Model S in the shop, I see a few recurring themes that owners should be aware of:

1. Premature Inner Edge Wear: The Model S features a fairly aggressive factory negative camber setting in the rear to aid handling. Combined with the weight of the battery pack, the inner shoulders of the rear tires tend to wear out long before the center tread. You must inspect the inside edge of your rear tires regularly.
2. Accelerated Tread Consumption: The instant torque of the electric motors is addictive, but launching the car frequently will shred a set of tires in under 15,000 miles.
3. Pothole Damage (21-inch wheels): The 21-inch staggered setup utilizes a very low-profile tire (35-series). These offer very little cushion between the road and the rim, making them highly susceptible to pinch flats and bent rims from potholes. Maintain your tire pressure strictly to help mitigate this risk.

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