Are Tesla Tires Run-Flat?

[SanPeter]

Tesla tires are not run-flat. Here is the relevant information: 1. Run-flat tires: The technical name for run-flat tires is "Self-Supporting Run-flat Tires," abbreviated as RSC. The sidewall of an inflated tire is the main part that supports the vehicle's weight, especially for tires with a larger aspect ratio (the ratio of tire height to width). The sidewall is very "thick," and severe "tire blowouts" usually cause the sidewall to rupture instantly, causing the tire to lose support immediately. This results in an abrupt change in the vehicle's center of gravity, particularly for front-wheel-drive vehicles where a front tire blowout can lead to an immediate shift in the center of gravity, potentially causing the vehicle to lose control. 2. Composition: The run-flat tire consists of an outer tire, a standard inner tube, a spare inner tube, a steel rim, a gas generator (or gas storage chamber), a pressure sensor, and a control unit.

[TravisFitz]

I found that not all Tesla's factory-fitted tires are run-flat tires. When I accompanied a friend to pick up his Model Y, I specifically checked and saw that it came with regular Michelin quiet tires. However, Tesla does offer run-flat tires as an option. I've seen a Model S owner at the service center specifically pay extra to switch to run-flat tires. The sidewalls of run-flat tires are particularly thick, allowing you to drive about a hundred kilometers even if a nail punctures the tire, which is very practical for friends who often drive on highways. But regular tires paired with Tesla's tire pressure monitoring system are also very reliable. The dashboard provides real-time alerts while driving, and when I encountered a nail, the system promptly warned me, helping me avoid danger.

[JulietteAnn]

I've been driving the Model 3 for almost two years, and the factory tires are indeed not run-flats. Once, I ran over a steel bar in the suburbs, and the car's system immediately popped up a red alert. The tire repair shop owner said regular tires are actually less prone to blowouts and loss of control in such situations. Tesla's tire pressure monitoring is extremely sensitive, and paired with the low-profile tires on the 20-inch wheels, the grip is truly impressive. The new Cybertruck now comes standard with run-flat tires, as pickup trucks need more off-road assurance. I recommend not blindly following trends when choosing tires for regular family use—run-flat tires do have noticeably more bumpiness and road noise.

[SkylarAnn]

I just test drove the Model X a couple of days ago, and the salesperson mentioned that run-flat tires aren't standard across the lineup, but they are available as an option in the upgrade package. Tesla has indeed sacrificed some safety features for the sake of range, relying more on their intelligent warning systems. However, I noticed that the new S Plaid's track package includes run-flat tires, which provide better sidewall support during aggressive driving. Actually, third-party modifications are quite mature now—my colleague's 3 Series has been fitted with self-sealing tires that automatically fill punctures with a gel, making it more hassle-free than Tesla's factory solution.