Recommended cold PSI by model (US factory tires)
| Model | Typical cold pressure (front / rear) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Model 3 | 42 / 42 psi | 18", 19" and 20" factory wheels; a few configurations list slightly higher |
| Model Y | 42 / 42 psi | 19", 20" and 21" factory wheels |
| Model S / Model X | About 42–45 psi | Varies by year, wheel and suspension; check the label |
| Cybertruck | Higher, around 50 psi and up | Load-dependent; check the label |
Aftermarket wheels or tires with a different size or load rating can need a different pressure. Ask the tire shop to set it from the tire's load table, not the sidewall maximum.
Where to find your car's number
- Door pillar label: open the driver's door and look at the center pillar for the Tire and Loading Information label. It lists the cold pressures for the original tires.
- Touchscreen: Controls > Service (or the tire card) shows each tire's current pressure and the recommended cold pressure. You can switch between psi and bar in Display settings.
- Tesla app: shows current pressures too.
Cold vs hot readings
Air expands as tires warm up, so pressure after a drive reads several psi higher than at rest. Tesla's numbers are cold pressures: check after the car has been parked for a few hours, and don't let air out of hot tires to “hit 42”.
Why the light comes on in winter
Pressure drops roughly 1 psi for every 10°F drop in temperature, so a cold snap can push all four tires under the warning threshold overnight. Top them back up to the label pressure when cold. If one tire keeps dropping faster than the others, look for a nail or a leaking valve (see our tire pressure warning guide).
How to set it
- Check cold, before driving.
- Remove the valve cap and press a good gauge on firmly. Don't rely only on gas-station gauges.
- Add or let out air until you match the label, then refit the cap.
- Drive a few minutes; the touchscreen updates once the sensors report.
Rotating your tires? Tesla's interval is every 6,250 miles; see our tire rotation guide.
Ask AI about your tires
AskMyEV logs your four tire pressures over time (read-only), so your AI can tell a cold-morning dip from a slow leak.
Claude · AskMyEV connectorExampleFront left 40, front right 40, rear left 36, rear right 40 psi, all read this morning when cold. Your label says 42 all round.
The three at 40 are the cold snap. The rear left has dropped 4 psi in 6 days while the others dropped 2, so check it for a nail before topping up.
Sources
- Tesla Model 3 Owner's Manual: Tire Care and Maintenance
- Tesla Model Y Owner's Manual: Understanding Tire Markings
- Tesla Model Y Owner's Manual: Vehicle Loading (Tire Information label)
- Tesla DIY Repair: Tesla tire pressure guide by model
Checked October 12, 2026. Warranty terms, prices and software change; confirm on Tesla's site, in your car or on your own paperwork.
Frequently asked questions
What PSI should my Tesla Model Y tires be?
42 psi cold, front and rear, on factory 19", 20" and 21" wheels. Confirm on the label on the driver's door pillar.
What PSI should my Tesla Model 3 tires be?
42 psi cold, front and rear, for most factory wheels. Some configurations list slightly higher; the door pillar label is the authority.
Should I inflate to the number on the tire?
No. The sidewall number is the tire's maximum pressure. Use Tesla's recommended cold pressure from the door pillar label.
Why does my Tesla tire pressure drop in the cold?
Air contracts as it cools, roughly 1 psi per 10°F. Re-inflate to the label pressure when the tires are cold.
Ask your own Tesla, in the AI you already use
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