2026+ Tesla Model Y Juniper 19" OEM Tire Replacement Guide

The tires on your “Juniper” Tesla Model Y will wear out before anything else on your car does. The 19” Crossflow wheels shipped standard Premium RWD, and Premium AWD trims, and as an optional upgrade on Base RWD and AWD vehicles, equipped with a 255/45R19 tire. For 18” Aperture wheels see the 18” guide. For 20” Helix wheels see the 20” guide. For Model Y Performance wheels see the 21” Arachnid guide. Have a 2020–2025 Model Y? See the Gen 1 19” guide.

OEM Wheel and Tire Specs

Over the course of the Model Y’s production run, the 19” wheels have shipped from Tesla with two different tire models.

The allocation of the Continental ProContact RX versus the Pirelli Scorpion MS on Tesla’s factory 19-inch wheel packages comes down to a timeline overlap and Tesla’s standard dual-sourcing strategy. They are used concurrently based on production dates and Gigafactory locations. Because Tesla does not allow buyers to specify a tire brand at the time of ordering, cars rolling off the assembly line right now can feature either compound depending purely on the logistics schedule of the factory that week. The T* designations mean 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 T* tire to replace your existing tires.

Before You Buy

Tire size. The OEM size is 255/45R19. A 265/45R19 is a fitment-safe alternative. It is 10mm wider and approximately 1.2% larger in overall diameter, well within the ±3% threshold, and is a better fit on the 9.5J wheel. The slightly wider contact patch can marginally improve grip, offset by equally marginal increases in rolling resistance and road noise.

Load index. Use XL-rated tires on the Model Y. Given the car’s weight (4,061–4,473 lbs depending on configuration) you will want a sufficiently load-rated tire with at least a 104 load index. All tires in this guide are XL-rated.

Acoustic foam liner. Road noise is more noticeable in EVs as there is no combustion engine to mask tire hum. Foam-lined tires dampen internal resonance and can make a meaningful difference, particularly on coarser pavement. Look for the foam variant of a tire if road noise is a priority: Michelin labels them “Acoustic,” Continental uses “ContiSilent,” Pirelli uses “PNCS.” Not every recommended tire below has an acoustic version available in 255/45R19. Be aware that foam inner liners complicate plug-and-patch repair and many 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.

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. You do not need to replace all four at once unless all four are equally worn. Rear tires wear faster than fronts. Rotate every 5,000–6,000 miles to keep tread depth even. When replacing fewer than four tires, place the new tires with the most tread on the rear axle.

Grand Touring All-Season

Most Model Y owners want a comfortable, long-wearing all-season that handles light snow, stays quiet, and requires no seasonal thinking. Grand Touring All-Season tires do just that, but most carry a 3-Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) rating that the factory-spec Continental ProContact RX and Pirelli Scorpion MS do not.

In recent years the major tire brands have sought 3-Peak Mountain Snowflake ratings on their signature tires, and all of our recommendations are 3PMSF-rated. Continental has recently released the SecureContact AW, which prioritizes traction and efficiency at a lower price than the ProContact RX. Michelin’s CrossClimate 2 remains the pick for those seeing more inclement weather, while Vredestein consistently tests well against higher-priced competition at noticeably lower pricing.

Ultra High Performance All-Season

If you want real handling capability without giving up year-round usability, Ultra High Performance All-Season tires offer sharper turn-in and better grip than grand touring all-seasons while retaining an M+S rating for light winter use.

The Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus earns our recommendation. Both the Conti DWS and Michelin Pilot Sport AS lines are perennial favorites among consumers.

Summer Performance

If you live somewhere without real winter and want the full performance the platform is capable of, summer tires are the correct answer. Expect meaningfully better dry and wet grip, faster steering response, and higher road noise than any all-season. These are warm-weather only tires. Summer compounds lose grip below 40°F and become a liability below freezing.

Visit TireRack to find more availability in 255/45R19 or 265/45R19 sizing.

Winter

If you live somewhere with actual and serious winter, the correct answer is a dedicated seasonal swap. The stopping distance difference between a dedicated winter tire and an all-season on ice is significant. It is usually more economical to buy a second set of wheels, mount winters on them, and swap twice a year rather than swapping tires on stock wheels. Tesla offers a factory winter wheel and tire package with the 19” Crossflows and Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3 with PNCS foam and a T1 designation. Visit TireRack for more winter wheel and tire combinations or downsize to a more practical 18” setup.

Performance Winter and Snow

Performance winter tires were developed for European highway conditions where high-speed capability must coexist with snow traction. They carry a 3PMSF rating and are fully winter-capable, but prioritize dry and wet handling over maximum ice grip. For Model Y owners who want to retain a spirited driving character in winter, this is the right category.

Studless Ice and Snow

Studless ice and snow tires deliver maximum winter performance using advanced siping and tread rubber compounds that remain pliable in extreme cold. They excel in severe conditions — ice, packed snow, slush — but trade away dry-road handling and tread life. Best suited for regions with long, harsh winters where maximum grip outweighs other concerns.

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.