Tire Rotation - Brakes etc

[rlawson4]

Can I assume we can take the Model S to the tire store for rotation etc? What about an alignment if needed? I guess I am asking about basic maintennce. I have always rotated tires every 5000 miles. That can be every 3-4 months for me.

[jerry33]

Can I assume we can take the Model S to the tire store for rotation etc? What about an alignment if needed? I guess I am asking about basic maintennce. I have always rotated tires every 5000 miles. That can be every 3-4 months for me.

The most important rotation is the very first one which should happen at 1500 miles. The reason for an early rotation is so that all the tires get a turn on the drive axle during the first part of their life. This allows them to set up an even wear pattern which helps prevent irregular wear and vibration problems later in the tires life. After the first rotation, a second rotation when the lowest pair are 1/3 worn, and then again when the lowest pair are 2/3 worn. This allows all four tires to be replaced at the same time. It's important to put on four tires at the same time--the Roadster being an exception as the tires are different front to rear--because even if you purchase the same brand and the same model of tire there is no way to determine if they actually are the same. Tire manufacturers change compounds and materials fairly frequently.

While Tesla may actually have calibrated alignment machines with qualified operators, dealers and tire stores generally use the most junior person and if the alignment machine was calibrated when purchased--that's more than most do. My results have not been good. I recommend using a frame shop with a good reputation to have the alignment done. Note that a good alignment typically costs about $250. A $79.95 alignment is like a $20 tune up--you get a receipt for your money and that's about it.

[gg_got_a_tesla]

I foresee giving all of my tire rotation, brake replacement etc. business to Tesla themselves even if they are more expensive (as they'd most likely be). Can't trust my S with anyone else; would also be supporting Tesla through the service revenue channel.

[spatterso911]

Agreed. I think with this car, it is a little too nerve wracking wondering whether their lift or whatnot will do some kind of damage to that lovely aluminum body.

[GSP]

I certainly would not make the three hour drive to the nearest Tesla shop for routine items like this. Tire rotation is easy to do yourself. Tire replacement, balancing, and alignment, do not take any special Tesla knowledge or skill. I would use one of the many local shops for such work.

GSP

[dhrivnak]

Can I assume we can take the Model S to the tire store for rotation etc? What about an alignment if needed? I guess I am asking about basic maintennce. I have always rotated tires every 5000 miles. That can be every 3-4 months for me.

Yes as long as the procedure in the owners manual is followed. I do not expect any thing special on the model X but the Roadster with the rear weight bias and different front-rear tires is far from a normal car. But even there a careful shop can easily do the job.


On a similar note i have rarely rotated tires on my other vehicles. I have kept all cars over 100,000 miles and have gotten 35,000 to 60,000 miles on a pair. Unless one is racing for that last .1 sec. a slight mismatch is never noticed. And i for one prefer to replace two tires at a time rather than four.

That is until i got the Roadster where it looks like i will be fortunate to ge 10,000 miles on a rear set.

[jerry33]

Unless one is racing for that last .1 sec. a slight mismatch is never noticed. And i for one prefer to replace two tires at a time rather than four.

Except in an emergency maneuver when that might make the difference between control and loss of control. Except for vehicles like the Roadster which have different size tires front and rear (where the difference in tire size overwhelms almost every possible tire difference) replacing four tires at a time makes for a safer vehicle.

[rlawson4]

The most important rotation is the very first one which should happen at 1500 miles. The reason for an early rotation is so that all the tires get a turn on the drive axle during the first part of their life. This allows them to set up an even wear pattern which helps prevent irregular wear and vibration problems later in the tires life. After the first rotation, a second rotation when the lowest pair are 1/3 worn, and then again when the lowest pair are 2/3 worn. This allows all four tires to be replaced at the same time. It's important to put on four tires at the same time--the Roadster being an exception as the tires are different front to rear--because even if you purchase the same brand and the same model of tire there is no way to determine if they actually are the same. Tire manufacturers change compounds and materials fairly frequently.

While Tesla may actually have calibrated alignment machines with qualified operators, dealers and tire stores generally use the most junior person and if the alignment machine was calibrated when purchased--that's more than most do. My results have not been good. I recommend using a frame shop with a good reputation to have the alignment done. Note that a good alignment typically costs about $250. A $79.95 alignment is like a $20 tune up--you get a receipt for your money and that's about it.

I have to be honest and admit I am not even sure what happens when tires are rotated. I take the car into the dealer, and it's on the list of things they do. I hope they build an Atlanta Tesla facility so I can continue that tradition.

[jerry33]

I have to be honest and admit I am not even sure what happens when tires are rotated.

The tires are moved from the front to the rear. They may be moved straight back or they may be moved from one side to the other (right front to left rear, etc.). Unless the tire has a direction of rotation (and it will show this on the sidewall of the tire), either method is fine. If there is a full-sized spare of the same type it's usually included in the rotation.

[rlawson4]

The tires are moved from the front to the rear. They may be moved straight back or they may be moved from one side to the other (right front to left rear, etc.). Unless the tire has a direction of rotation (and it will show this on the sidewall of the tire), either method is fine. If there is a full-sized spare of the same type it's usually included in the rotation.

Thanks Jerry. It would have been easy to make fun! I was about to make fun of myself for not knowing. We are not exactly a handy family. However, we are good for the overall economy, as a result.