Tesla low tire pressure is one of those problems that you shouldn’t ignore. It primarily results from changes in temperature, leaks, or gradual pressure reduction over time.
But you can avoid the issue if you fill the tires to the appropriate PSI listed in the vehicle’s manual or on the touchscreen. There are some other solutions to this issue. To discover everything in detail, read the entire article.
Why Shouldn’t You Ignore Tesla Low Tire Pressure?
There are many reasons why you shouldn’t to ignore the low pressure in your Tesla. Mild to severe low tire pressure can significantly affect your car’s handling, fuel economy, and safety.
The sidewalls of under-inflated tires flex more than they should during turning and braking. As a result, the tires start getting less stable and start to lose traction.
So, while trying to prevent an accident in an emergency, you may notice that steering ends up sloppy and braking gets slower.
In an electric car like a Tesla, low tire pressure can lead to reduced energy efficiency. The car needs more power to deal with increased rolling resistance when the tires are underinflated. It reduces the efficiency and range of the vehicle.
Also, uneven tire wear is more noticeable on the edges of underinflated tires. As an outcome, the tires face a shorter lifespan and you may need to replace them sooner than necessary, which can be expensive.
The most dangerous part is driving the car during the low pressure. Low tire pressure raises the chance of blowouts, which can cause the vehicle to lose control and perhaps cause accidents. Thus, try your best to avoid the low pressure in your Tesla.
Causes and Solutions of Tesla Low Tire Pressure
It’s important to understand the causes of low tire pressure in a Tesla to resolve the problem successfully:
1. Changes in Temperature:
Temperature changes are one of the most frequent reasons behind low tire pressure. The pressure of the tires decreases when the temperature drops because the air inside the tires shrinks.
On the other hand, when it’s hot outside, the air within the tires expands and the pressure rises. This seasonal variation needs regular monitoring and adjusting as it is a natural occurrence.
Fix:
It’s essential to frequently check the tire pressure on your Tesla, in particular when you face major temperature changes. You can check the pressure levels on your tires with a tire pressure tester.
Make sure the tires are set up to the PSI level that is safe for everyday driving. The right tire pressure on your Tesla should be between 40 and 45 PSI.
Check the tire pressure and make any necessary adjustments when the temperature changes, especially when going from warmer to colder weather.
2. Slow Leaks:
A small hole or other damage to the tire’s valve stem might cause a slow leak, which permits air to slowly leak out of the tire.
This can be hard to spot, but it can eventually result in a rapid drop in tire pressure.
Fix:
Check the tires visually first for any noticeable harm. The tire tread can be having sharp debris, such as screws, or other such items. Also, search for any damage on the sidewalls and valve stems.
A tire repair kit could be able to fix the damage in the tread (usually up to 1/4 inch or 6 mm in diameter). These kits are easily accessible and frequently come with plugs that you can use to seal punctures.
Take your Tesla to a reputable tire shop if you can’t find the slow leak’s source or if the damage is beyond what can be fixed.
A damaged valve stem may occasionally cause a slow leak in the tire, resulting in low pressure. However, everything is OK. You can replace the valve stem which is quick and low-cost.
3. Damaged Seal
Tires can experience sealing problems, which are problems with the airtight seal between the tire and the wheel.
Low tire pressure might result from a damaged seal that allows air to progressively leak out of the tire. Rust on the wheel’s bead area might compromise the tire-to-rim seal.
In addition, external objects, and damaged valve stems can harm sealing.
Fix:
Check both tire and wheel to find any debris, rust, or damage in them. If corrosion is the problem, clean the wheel’s bead area with the help of a specialist.
But, if foreign materials are a problem there, you can clean and remove by yourself. Remember to remount the tire after cleaning.
Improper mounting can also cause sealing issues which result in low tire pressure. So, get professional help if necessary to mount the tire right.
Don’t forget to replace the damaged valve stem.
4. Ignoring Maintenance
Ignoring regular tire maintenance, such as monitoring and adjusting tire pressure can cause low pressure. It develops over time.
Fix:
Utilize a dependable gauge to check tire pressure frequently.
Also, you need to follow Tesla’s recommended PSI level which is the most important part we forget while using the car.
Keeping the right PSI level guarantees that your tires are inflated properly for safe and effective operation.
Related Post: Tesla Tire Pressure Monitoring System Fault
How To Reset the Tesla Tire-Pressure Light?
To get rid of low tire pressure, you can reset the tire pressure light of your Tesla. According to Tesla, people can use this function when swapping from one set of wheels to another.
This sometimes takes place in colder areas when owners install new wheels or downsize their existing ones to fit winter-specific tires.
Use the Tesla touchscreen to reset the tire pressure light, but after replacing the wheels. To do this-
- Select the ‘Reset’ option under the “Services & Reset” menu which will take you to the “Tire Pressure Monitor”.
- Tap the reset button after choosing the appropriate wheel size. It will turn on the ‘Auto Learning’ system of the car.
- Keep the car in that state for 20 minutes and the reset is done!
It is worth mentioning that over 25 mph is the limit you should use to drive the Tesla. It may take up to 20 minutes of driving, depending on the model year, for tire pressures to show up on the “Car Status” screen.
Related Post: Tesla Tire Rotation: A Complete Guide
Frequently Asked Questions [FAQs]
Can I drive a Tesla with low tire pressure?
Driving on underinflated tires leads to the tire to heat up and may result in tire failure. Moreover, reduced range efficiency, shorter tire tread life, and possible handling and stopping problems are all consequences of under-inflation.
Are 33-37 PSI levels too low for Tesla?
34 PSI is too low for tire pressure. Tesla advises using 40-45 PSI for tire pressure. You can safely increase or decrease the tire pressure by several PSI levels to improve the riding.
Can I use nitrogen instead of regular air for Tesla tires?
Yes, compared to conventional air-filled tires, nitrogen-filled tires will maintain optimal inflation with less maintenance.
