Tesla has quietly introduced a new option for Model 3 Performance buyers in the United States, giving them the ability to choose between summer and all-season tires at the time of order.
According to an update to the online configurator, the Model 3 Performance now comes standard with 20″ Warp Wheels, along with a new “Select Tires” option that lets customers pick either All-Season Tires or Summer Tires before delivery.
Customers opting for the Summer Tires get a slightly lower range of 304 miles (489 km), compared to the All-Season Tires which deliver an estimated range of 309 miles (497 km).
The change may seem minor at first glance, but it addresses a long-standing frustration among buyers, particularly those in colder climates.
Until now, Tesla’s approach to tires has often been inconsistent and, at times, unpredictable. Customers would frequently receive whatever tire type happened to be available at the factory, regardless of their location or the season. This led to situations where buyers in Canada and the northern United States took delivery of high-performance vehicles equipped with summer tires just as temperatures were dropping—forcing them to immediately invest in a second set of wheels and tires.
Tesla has previously justified these shifts by saying it was aiming to “provide the best tires for…customers for the current season.” However, that strategy didn’t always align with delivery timing. In some cases, transitions between summer and all-season tires occurred too late, leaving owners to deal with winter conditions without the appropriate setup.
With the Model 3 Performance now offering a choice upfront, Tesla appears to be taking a more customer-focused approach. Buyers can prioritize maximum performance with summer tires or opt for greater versatility and convenience with all-season tires, depending on their driving conditions.
There are trade-offs, of course. Summer tires typically provide better grip, handling, and overall performance, especially in warm weather. All-season tires, on the other hand, offer improved range and comfort in some cases, along with the ability to handle a wider range of temperatures. And as noted above, the choice also impacts range.
However, as always, drivers in regions with heavy snow and ice are still recommended to have a dedicated set of winter tires for safety.
This new option is limited to the Model 3 Performance, at least for now. The same option is not currently available on the Model Y Performance, which currently comes with All-Season Tires according to the configurator.
