What is the appropriate tire pressure for Model 3?
2 Answers
Under normal circumstances, the tire pressure for Model 3 is between 2.4bar and 2.5bar. Due to seasonal factors, the tire pressure can be appropriately increased by 0.2bar in winter and decreased by 0.1bar in summer. This data is based on the international GBT2978-2008 standard. The tire pressure is displayed on the left side of the central control screen in Model 3. The tire pressure monitoring system will issue a tire pressure alert (tire pressure warning) through the dashboard. Therefore, if the tire pressure indicator on the dashboard flashes, signaling a tire pressure issue, you should stop and check the tires as soon as possible. Generally speaking, a tire pressure above 2.8bar is considered too high, and a tire pressure below 2.0bar is considered too low. Hazards of overinflated tires: Reduced friction and adhesion of the tires, affecting braking performance; causes steering wheel vibration and deviation, reducing driving comfort; accelerates wear on the central tread of the tire, shortening its lifespan; increases vehicle vibration, indirectly affecting the lifespan of other components; overstretches the tire cords, reducing elasticity and increasing the load on the vehicle during driving. Hazards of underinflated tires: Increased friction coefficient with the road surface, leading to higher fuel consumption; causes heavy steering and deviation, posing safety risks; increases movement of tire components, leading to abnormal heat generation due to excessive rolling; reduces the functionality of cords and rubber, causing delamination or cord breakage and excessive friction with the rim, damaging the tire bead and causing abnormal wear; multiplies friction between the tire and the ground, rapidly increasing tire temperature, softening the tire, and drastically reducing its strength. High-speed driving may lead to tire blowouts. If the tire pressure monitoring indicator lights up (a yellow symbol with an irregular circle, no stamp on top, four small spikes at the bottom, and an exclamation mark inside), there are generally three possible reasons: Abnormal tire pressure: Usually, an alert is triggered when the pressure is below 1.8bar or above 3.0bar. In this case, tire inspection and pressure adjustment are required. Tire pressure monitoring not reset: After inflating the tires, if the tire pressure is not reset in time, the system will still record the previous data, causing the tire pressure monitoring indicator to light up. Simply reset the tire pressure to resolve this issue. Damaged tire pressure sensor: The tire pressure sensor, installed inside the tire and connected to the tire inflation valve, monitors tire pressure. If the sensor is damaged during driving (e.g., by hitting a curb), the tire pressure warning light will illuminate. For sensor damage, the only solution is to replace it with a new one.
Tire pressure is quite crucial for the Model 3. Tesla officially recommends 42 to 45 psi, and I've been setting it around 43 for over two years of driving this car. EVs are heavier than regular cars, so higher tire pressure is normal—it helps save some energy and optimize range. The manual clearly states this, or you can check the label on the driver's door jamb. I make it a habit to check the tire pressure monthly when the car is cold, using the on-screen display. Too low, like below 40 psi, wastes energy and wears tires faster, while too high, above 45 psi, makes the ride quality stiff and uncomfortable. In winter, tire pressure tends to drop, so top it up; in summer, avoid measuring when the tires are hot. Once, I forgot to check and experienced steering wheel vibration on the highway—luckily, I refilled in time. Safety first—I recommend keeping a digital tire pressure gauge as a backup.
