Are you planning to purchase an electric vehicle? Chances are that you've already done your research, and you know what you want to purchase. May it be a Tesla Model 3 or something more on the affordable end, one way or the other, you may want to keep maintenance into consideration.
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When we talk about maintenance, one of the things that often gets replaced because of gradual wear and tear is the tires. Although, the good news is that the overall electric vehicle maintenance is cheaper than its gas counterparts. However, when estimating the cost of the tires, things can get a bit pricey. So it's best advised that you keep the average cost of the tire into consideration.
Today, we will discuss "how much do EV tires cost?" on average.
It will help you make a better decision for your EV purchase.
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The Life of EV Tires
Compared to its gasoline counterpart, EV tires are properly mounted and aligned by a mechanical specialist. These tires can have an average life of up to 30,000 to 40,000 miles.
Tires like Michelin, Goodyear, Bridgestone, Yokohama, and General are EVs' most commonly used tires. They are known for their performance, durability, and longevity.
As far as their wear and tear, EV tires deteriorate gradually faster than gasoline vehicles because they are much heavier than traditional vehicles.
The heavier the vehicle, the faster the tire degradation will be because of the weight the tires carry. Tires are made of rubber, a natural resource that will, over time, slowly erode & crack under load and pressure. Besides, the sun's ultraviolet rays can also cause the rubber to degrade.
One way to make your EV tires last longer is to rotate them every 5,000 to 8,000 miles.
The Cost of Replacing Tires
Depending on your vehicle's make, model, and type, the cost can vary from $200 to $500 per wheel. The average tire replacement cost is $800 to $2000, depending on the make or model you drive.
It's also essential that you keep an eye out for the tire rim of your vehicle, just in case it's cracked or requires any particular repairs. The best way to ensure it is by asking your mechanic to do a rim inspection. They will identify if any minor cracks are appearing on the rim and repair them in real-time. However, if the cracks are fairly large and have the potential to damage your tires, then a replacement is always the best option. Go for it, and get the entire rim of your wheel replaced.
A Few Considerations to Keep in Mind While Purchasing Tires
Every individual must keep a few things in mind before purchasing new tires for their EVs.
Always remember that your electric vehicle is heavier than gasoline-powered vehicles, which means that your tires will degrade faster than them. So when purchasing a tire, make sure you buy something with a heavyweight rating or something that matches the standard.
Purchase an energy-efficient tire that is specified as per the EV design. You will find tires in the best range per your needs and driving habits. Since EVs are known to produce a significant amount of Torque while accelerating, make sure you drive smoothly, so you don't experience increased wear & tear at rapid acceleration.
Choose a tire with an extended tread life, so you don't have to replace it frequently, saving you a lot of money in the long run. Select a tire with low rolling resistance as it will help increase your vehicle's range. And finally, go for a tire that has excellent traction to have a safe and smooth ride, regardless of the terrain or weather conditions.
Why Tire Rotations Are Important to Get the Most Out of Your EV?
Tire rotations are necessary. If you don't rotate your tires every 7,500 miles, the treads on your tires can experience uneven wear and tear, leading to your tires losing their grip on the road.
Uneven treads can also cause your vehicle to vibrate, which can be extremely dangerous. If you're driving at high speeds and your vehicle vibrates, you may encounter an unwanted or unexpected accident.
Hence, it is always advised that you keep rotating your tires every 7,500 miles (approx. 5-6 months) or visually inspect them once a month.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Do Tires Last on Average in a Tesla Vehicle?
Officially, Tesla tires are known to last for up to 30,000 miles. However, if you drive carefully and on smoother road tracks, you can easily extend the life of your tires by 10,000 miles more. If you don't use your Tesla too often and only drive around 9,000 to 11,000 miles annually, you can easily get 3 years out of your stock tires and won't need any replacements. Most Tesla tires are made for gripping. They are not commonly known for longevity.
Are Electric Vehicle Tires Relatively Expensive?
EV tires are comparatively more expensive compared to normal gasoline-powered vehicles. They tend to undergo gradual wearing & tearing, which can lead to faster deterioration.
There are three reasons why most EV tires can experience a degrading effect. EVs are heavier, & therefore, their tire units have a higher weight rating which is why they wear out faster.
These are just a few reasons why maintenance for these tires can be expensive.
READ: What Is The Quickest Electric Car on the Market Today?
Final Words
Now that we have answered your question, "how much do EV tires cost?" it's time to decide whether you want to buy a new set or just repair your old ones.
If you think you can afford to change your vehicle tires every 30,000 to 40,000 miles, then going for an EV is a good option. It's eco-friendly & fuel efficient.