Tesla Model Y All Terrain Tyres Options To Go Offroad

We reckon that the Tesla Model Y offers the same usability as a utility vehicle while providing the creature comforts that the missus (and you) will love.

Slap on some off-road tires and off you go. The problem is, now your Model Y is noisier, your traction is gone and you’re considerably unhappier.

All-terrain tires are the best of both worlds. They offer outstanding performance in the bush while allowing you to enjoy the tarmac. There are also many options available in Australia.

How is an All Terrain Tire Different from an Off-Road Tire.

Off-road tires have large tread blocks and deeper crevices between them. Rocks, mud and sand pass through these spaces, allowing the tires to dig into the surface, improving traction.

All-terrain tires have a similar design but use smaller blocks and spaces. This combines the vibration absorption of a road tire while keeping some of the off-road performance.

While these off-road offer improved performance on surfaces like gravel, they do this by compromising on-road performance. They are noisier and wear faster on tarmac and mud tires have reduced traction on-road surfaces.

Pros and Cons of Getting Another Set of Rims vs Finding Tyres for Your Existing Wheel

A smaller rim offers a few of the benefits that an off-road tire does. Increasing the sidewall provides resistance against rock punctures and improves the ride on the highway. It doesn’t offer traction in the mud, but by combining a smaller rim and A/T tire, you can have the best of both worlds.

How Do Larger Tires Affect The Speedometer

A new Model Y uses a specific speedometer calibration for its tire. The owner’s manual outlines which tire size you should fit when purchasing a new set, but in many vehicles (including the Tesla model Y), it is possible to switch to a larger tire.

A larger tire increases the circumference, meaning that one tire rotation is longer than before. The speedo still measures based on the old tire’s rotation. This means that you will travel faster than your dash is telling you.

Approximate Speed Differences at 100 km/h

What does a staggered tire set-up mean

In more performance oriented vehicles like the Model Y Performance, manufacturers opt for a wider set of rear tires when compared to the front. This setup allows for tighter cornering, improved grip and handling. However, unless you’re deadset on track driving or pushing your Tesla to the limit, it’s unlikely you’ll notice the difference.

Implications of Buying Off Road Tyres Overseas

The VSB 14 is the Aussie guide to what you can and can’t do with your vehicle. As it relates to tires, you are allowed to modify your suspension, tires and rims as long as the total height change is not more than 50mm.

If your vehicle’s height change exceeds 50mm but still falls under 150mm, you need to take a mandatory lane-change test. Over 150mm is illegal.

Here are the best All Terrain Options for Tesla Model Y

Best All Terrain Tire

YOKOHAMA GEOLANDAR AT G015 255/55R19 111H

WHERE TO BUY

Buy Online

REASONS TO BUY

• Great on-road and off road performance
• Road noise is lower than other options

REASONS TO AVOID

• Not an aggressive off road tire

SPECIFICATIONS

• Size: 255/55R18
• Brand: Yokohama
• Section Width: 255mm
• Rim Width: 19 inches
• Load Capacity: 1090 kgs
• Speed Rating: 210 km/h

Let’s be honest; most of your driving will be done on the road. That is why this tire is our overall pick for the best Tesla model Y all terrain tire. It has notable off-road performance, while maintaining its on-road capabilities. Where most of the tires on this list sacrifice on-road or off-road performance, this tire seems to compromise on neither.

The NVH (noise, vibration, harshness) produced by this tire is much lower than other options. It’s a dream to drive on the highway, even if it lacks top-tier off-road capabilities.

Admirable 18 inch tire

NITTO TERRA GRAPPLER G2 255/55R18 109H

WHERE TO BUY

Buy Online

REASONS TO BUY

• Excellent traction in the mud
• Aggressive tire

REASONS TO AVOID

• Concerns over the compound quality
• Pricey

SPECIFICATIONS

• Size: 255/55R18
• Brand: Nitto
• Section Width: 255mm
• Rim Width: 18 inches
• Tread Depth: 10.1 (32nds of an inch)
• Load Capacity: 1005 kgs
• Speed Rating: 210km/h
• Uniform Tire Quality Grade (UTQG): 600/A/B

This all terrain tire offers exceptional traction in muddy terrain. Nitto designed this tire with careful consideration for off-road and on-road performance. The full depth sipes help prevent hydroplaning in the wet and improve traction in muddy terrain.

There are some concerns over the quality of the tire compound. Although these are few, the price slightly puts the Yokohama G015 over it. Coming in at around $348 per tyre, you’ll be paying a premium to put these on your Model Y.

Tesla Motor Club Recommended Tire

BFGOODRICH ALL-TERRAIN T/A KO2 LT 255/55R18 109/105R

WHERE TO BUY

Buy Online

REASONS TO BUY

• Durability
• Best-in-class offroad performance

REASONS TO AVOID

• Shocking wet road performance

SPECIFICATIONS

• Size: 255/55R18
• Brand: BF Goodrich
• Section Width: 255mm
• Rim Width: 18 inches
• Tread Depth: 16 (32nds of an inch)
• Load Capacity: 1030 kgs
• Speed Rating: 170km/h

We scoured the most popular Tesla forum, Tesla Motor Club, for their recommendation. When it comes to Tesla model Y off-road tires, these are the crown jewel. The 3PMSF rating on this tire makes it a prime option for going off-road and they shine in the mud. They are also the most durable option.

However, the BF Goodrich KO2s perform shockingly badly on wet roads. Braking, traction and cornering were all afterthoughts when this tire was designed. Considering most of your time in the Model Y will be on the road, you may want to consider a different option.

Star Performer on Gravel

GOODYEAR WRANGLER DURATRAC 255/55R19 111Q

WHERE TO BUY

Buy Online

REASONS TO BUY

• Extra rim protection
• Spectacular tire for gravel roads

REASONS TO AVOID

• No winter hooning
• Wear concerns

SPECIFICATIONS

• Size: 255/55R19
• Brand: Goodyear
• Section Width: 255 mm
• Rim Width: 19 inches
• Tread Depth: 16 (32nds of an inch)
• Load Capacity: 1090 kgs
• Speed Rating: 160km/h
• Uniform Tire Quality Grade (UTQG): 320/A/B

The additional rim protectors on the sidewall make this an ideal tire for gravel trails. These small triangles deflect stones away from the rim. Additionally, the tread depth and grip add to its off-road abilities. Goodyear opted for a softer compound on these tires, which reduces road noise when compared to other all-terrain options, but there are some concerns about increased tire wear.

If you enjoy taking your Model Y, off-road in a snowy area; this is not the tire for you. The lack of siping makes the tire wear excessively in icy conditions and traction miserable. In the same breath, these are great summer tires and will never leave you stuck in the mud.

Great All Rounder

PIRELLI SCORPION ALL TERRAIN PLUS 255/55R19 111H

WHERE TO BUY

Buy Online

REASONS TO BUY

• Premium all-season performance
• Impressive stability and traction

REASONS TO AVOID

• Good at everything, best at nothing
• Noisy

The Scorpion A/T plus is another good offering from Pirelli.

These are serious tires for gunning your Model Y in Merty Merty or for a snow getaway. They offer notable off-road performance, particularly in the snow. Pirelli’s prime offerings are road tires and that show in this tire with its on-road capabilities, in the wet and in the dry.

However, they don’t shine in any area. The rim protection, siping and tread design are adequate. Once the tires begin to wear, noise levels increase exponentially.

To Spare or Not to Spare Tire

It is unlikely you will be doing any intense off-roading in your new and shiny Tesla Model Y. However, even when doing light off-roading, many people will opt for a spare tire.

The Tesla Model Y does not come with a spare tire. To supplement this, Tesla uses a TPMS (tire pressure management system) which detects when tire pressure is low, allowing you to drive to a garage.

Of course, this system will not help if you’re out camping. A spare offers comprehensive puncture protection because you can just replace the flat tire. If you’re opting for larger tires, you might want to skip the spare as using a space saver can damage your differential.

Tire repair kits are another great option. They allow you to patch up your tire and drive indefinitely. The only caveat is that it limits your speed to below 130 KM/H.

Accessories

Off-roading means getting stuck and flat tires. Sure, you won’t be tearing up the dunes or muddy trails, but there are some neat accessories that can get you out of sticky situations.

Maxtrax

Maxtrax is an Australian born product that slides under the wheels like a boogie board. It’s specifically designed to allow the wheels to grip on the boards so that the car can move forward.

Tow hook and Rope

The Tesla Model Y does not come with a towing kit. There are aftermarket options that work just as well and this is an accessory that many would consider essential when going into the bush.

READ MORE

• Best 18 Inch Wheels That Clear The Tesla Model Y Performance Brakes
• Your Guide to the Different Tesla Model Y Variants
• Pros & Cons of Brake Caliper Covers for Tesla Model Y