2026+ Tesla Model Y Juniper 18" OEM Tire Replacement Guide

The 18” Aperture wheels are the standard fitment on the Model Y Juniper Base/Standard RWD and AWD trims. They are steel wheels with aerodynamic covers fitted with a 235/55R18 Crossover/SUV Touring All-Season tire that is akin to a Standard Touring All-Season. For 19” Crossflow wheels see the 19” guide. For 20” Helix wheels see the 20” guide. For the Model Y Performance wheels see the 21” Arachnid guide.

OEM Wheel and Tire Specs

The Aperture wheel ships with the Kumho Crugen EV HP71 SUV, an EV-optimized Crossover/SUV Touring All-Season tire. The T0 marking means the tire was tested and certified against Tesla’s noise, ride, and range standards, and that the tire manufacturer paid for that certification. You do not need a T0 tire to replace your existing tires. The OE tire is K-Silent, Kumho’s branding for acoustic foam-lining.

Before You Buy

Tire size. The OEM size is 235/55R18. A 245/55R18 is a common wider alternative that remains within the ±3% diameter threshold. Consult our 235/55R18 Tire Compatibility Table for additional compatible sizes.

Load index. Use XL-rated tires on the Model Y with a load index of 104 or higher. Standard Load (SL) tires in this size carry an insufficient load index for the Model Y’s weight.

Acoustic foam liner. Without a combustion engine to mask road noise, tire noise can be more apparent in EVs. Foam-lined tires dampen internal resonance and can make a meaningful difference, particularly on coarser pavement. That said, many owners run tires without foam without complaint. If road noise is a priority, look for the foam variant of a tire: Michelin labels them “Acoustic,” Continental uses “ContiSilent,” Pirelli uses “PNCS.” Be aware that foam inner liners complicate plug-and-patch repair and some shops will decline this work.

EV-specific tires. You do not need an EV-specific tire model as long as it meets the appropriate load specifications. Non-EV-specific tires will often perform better in traction categories at the expense of longevity or efficiency. There is no single best tire for an EV. Choose based on whether handling, traction performance, or efficiency matter more to you.

Steel wheels and winter. The 18” Aperture wheels are stamped steel which is a notable advantage for seasonal winter use. Steel wheels are resistant to road salt corrosion and in the Model Y’s case are covered by the aero covers, which is why many owners in snow regions prefer them for winter setups. If you plan to run dedicated winter tires, the Aperture wheels are an excellent candidate to stay mounted year-round with the appropriate seasonal tire. The aero covers are easily removable if you prefer to run the wheels bare in winter.

TPMS. The Juniper Model Y uses direct TPMS with BLE Bluetooth sensors integrated into the valve stem assembly. When tires are swapped, the valve stem and sensor stay in the wheel — the sensor is never disturbed. Your shop may charge a small fee to inspect or replace the valve stem seal, which is normal. You should not pay for a new sensor on a standard tire replacement. After the swap, recalibrate via Controls > Service > Wheel & Tire > Tires, choose your exact configuration, select Reset, and drive over 15 mph for a few minutes.

Spare tire. The Model Y Juniper does not include a spare tire or tire mobility kit. An optional tire repair kit is available separately via the Tesla Shop. Tesla roadside assistance is available 24/7 through the app.

Replacing in pairs. You can replace tires on the Model Y axle-by-axle. Rear tires will generally wear faster than the fronts. Rotate every 5,000–6,000 miles to keep tread depth even. When replacing fewer than four tires, place the new tires on the rear axle.

Grand Touring All-Season

The Kumho Crugen EV HP71 SUV is a Crossover/SUV Touring All-Season tire tuned for EV weight and torque characteristics that is most comparable to a Standard Touring All-Season. Like most Standard Touring All-Season tires the Kumho does not carry a 3-Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) rating. The majority of Grand Touring All-Season tires are 3PMSF designated and are the better replacement choice for owners who see real winter weather or want a more capable all-season than the OEM spec.

Ultra High Performance All-Season

For owners who want sharper handling without giving up year-round usability, UHPAS tires offer noticeably better turn-in and cornering grip than grand touring tires while retaining an M+S rating for light winter conditions.

The Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus earns our recommendation. Both the Conti and the Michelin Pilot Sport AS4 come from a long line of UHPAS evolution and have consistently earned high praise from owners.

Summer Performance

Summer tires deliver the best dry and wet grip of any category at the cost of cold-weather usability. Summer compounds lose grip below 40°F and become a liability below freezing. Summer Performance tires in 18-inch SUV sizes are a niche fitment. Visit TireRack to find full availability in 235/55R18 and 245/55R18 sizing.

Winter

Owners with Aperture wheels have a natural advantage for winter. They are already “steelies” making them a ready choice to keep mounted with dedicated winter tires year-round without worrying about salt corrosion. Cold weather cuts EV range and limits the grip of all-season tires simultaneously. A dedicated winter set handles both problems. If you regularly drive in snow or ice, a seasonal swap is the right call.

Performance Winter and Snow

Performance winter tires prioritize dry and wet handling alongside snow traction. They carry a 3PMSF rating and suit owners who want spirited winter driving capability.

Studless Ice and Snow

Studless ice and snow tires maximize grip in severe winter conditions — ice, packed snow, slush — using advanced siping and compounds that stay pliable in extreme cold. Best for regions with long, harsh winters.

Mounting and Installation

A few reminders for the Model Y:

• TPMS sensors stay in the wheel. The BLE valve stem-integrated sensors are not disturbed during a tire swap. Do not pay for new sensors. A valve stem seal inspection or replacement is normal.
• Recalibrate TPMS after the swap via Controls > Service > Wheel & Tire > Tires. Choose your exact configuration, select Reset, and drive over 15 mph for a few minutes.
• Lug nut torque spec: 129 lb-ft (175 Nm). Confirm your installer knows the torque spec for your Model Y and has properly torqued all lug nuts.
• No spare tire included. The Model Y Juniper does not include a spare or tire mobility kit. An optional tire repair kit is available via the Tesla Shop. Tesla roadside assistance is available 24/7 through the app.
• New tires go on the rear. When replacing fewer than four tires, mount the new tires on the rear axle regardless of which axle is being replaced.