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Will Bigger Tires Fit on Tesla Model Y?

Will bigger tires fit on a Tesla Model Y? This episode of Falken's 'Will It Fit' series explores the idea of upgrading a Tesla Model Y with Falken's Wildpeak A/T Trail all-terrain tires. Jesse, the owner of this 2023 Model Y, gives us the details on what it took to put oversize 29.5" all-terrain tires on his EV. Stay tuned as we add to the 'Will It Fit' series and cover some of the most searched for vehicle fitment questions.

Max, Falken Tires: What’s up guys? Welcome to Will It Fit. I'm Max. This is Jesse. We're here with his Tesla Model Y to see: will it fit? First, tell us what size you're running, why you chose this size.

255/55R18 Wildpeak A/T Trail Tire. Will It Fit?

Jesse, Tesla Owner: This is the Wildpeak A/T Trail in 255/55R18. And we have the Model 3 aero wheels on here. We sized it down one inch from the 19 inch Gemini to the 18s and it just fits. And it looks so sick.

Max: And offset versus original?

Jesse: Yeah. So the original was 19 x 9.5 plus 45. These wheels are 18 x 8.5 plus 40. So, a little bit more offset. And the weight came down on the wheels as well. So the Model 3 wheels, these are the 2021 which meets the load rating for the Model Y, which is something that Model Y owners have to watch out for when they’re shopping for wheels. But these wheels are actually around nine to ten pounds lighter than the Gemini. However, the tires are ten pounds heavier. So it kind of evened out.

Max: So performance wise, what have you seen? What were you hoping to see in terms of getting this set up and what have you actually seen in terms of difference in performance?

Jesse: Subjectively grip is the same or more. Cabin noise is about the same. I know wet and winter grip levels has increased like crazy. What kind of inspired me to get this exact setup was the Falken engineers tested this setup on their Model Y in Houghton, Michigan during their winter test. They went through wet, snow, hill climb, braking, handling, etc. And the car just did not want to break traction at all. The meatier sidewall gives you more confidence because it's protecting against curb damage and it's soaking up the bumps and dips a lot more.

Impact on Range

Max: And what about range? How has this affected range?

Jesse: In my case - everyone's case will be different - but I saw around a 9% decrease in range, which is acceptable to me. My watt hour per mile (kWh) went from 259 to around 280, which is about 20 to 30 miles in total range loss. Which is fine for me.

Max: What other things did you have to do to make this setup happen? There’s no lift, I can tell. So you basically wanted to find something that worked without having to lift it?

No Lift Required

Jesse: Yes, stock suspension. This is the long range version. No lift required. Everything just pretty much fit. I know if you stick with the 19-inch Geminis, the 255/50R19 will fit as well with no lift required. There's actually no rubbing lock to lock, so no work required.

Max: How many miles do you have on this setup right now?

Jesse: Right now I have about 5,000 miles.

Max: So you've had some time behind the wheel.

Jesse: Yes, and my wife didn’t even notice I switched wheels. So the comfort level subjectively, for me, it got a lot smoother. She didn't notice anything different. And it's just as quiet as the OEM set up.

Max: And where have you taken your Model Y? What do you like to do? Was the severe snow rating a big seller for you?

Jesse: Yes, absolutely. Snow season is coming up. I go up to Big Bear and Mammoth quite a lot. I have some friends and family who live on fire roads, so with this setup it just gives me a lot more confidence. I don't have to swap out tires during the winter, don’t have to worry about chains depending on road conditions. And I plan on running this all year round. It’s just so much more comfortable.

Max: I think also, what is your percentage of actually driving in snow or on fire roads versus on highways? I think for most Californians, at least, it's probably 95% highways, streets. Sometimes people want something that's super beefy and looks really cool and maybe is really capable off road. But 98% of the time they're not using it. So I think it's important to have something that's quiet and comfortable on the road where you’re mostly spending your time.

Jesse: Yes, it's a good all-around tire. The tire mounter said it was really easy to mount versus a traditional big all-terrain tire. So I got charged the normal rate.

Max: No overcharging at the tire dealer.

Jesse: One thing about the wheel setup is it's about ten pounds lighter. The only challenge is with the 18-inch rims - the performance trim - they have to watch the clearance for the rear tire. It might not clear the rear brake caliper. But it's been an absolute joy to drive. I'm still flooring it everywhere. And braking pretty much almost the same. For everyday use.

Conclusion

Max: Alright guys, thank you for joining us. Obviously, as Jesse showed us, we asked, will it fit? It does fit. You see it here. Appreciate you joining. If there's any other vehicles fitments you'd like to see done next, leave them in the comment section down below. There's a party happening. You don't want to miss out, I promise. Until next time, thanks for watching. Enjoy the drive.