I have had issues with the ride on my S85 since delivery last December. The car's stiff and somewhat underdamped ride seemed to contradict the glowing reports from the USA about the Tesla's smooth ride. In particular, my wife had a back injury and the sharp jouncing and a certain side to side sway disturbed her. We have kept our 2006 Prius as a second car and we both preferred the ride in that. Say no more.
I suspected the problem was due to the tyres that we received in Australia, which were Eagles rather than the Primacies supplied in the USA. I would have waited until the Eagles had worn out and then bought Michelins, which I have used without failure since the 1970s. The Eagles, however, seemed to be hardly wearing at all, according to both the Tesla garage and my own measurements. It looked like years before we could change. However, one Eagle recently received a sidewall slash from a nasty protruding curb in Katoomba, so instead of buying another Eagle I decided to change them all at about 11000 km.
This month I installed a set of Michelin Primacy 3ST's which Michelin says are designed for Asian and Australian markets, maybe because of our shocking roads. These tyres have many excellent reviews on the net from Australians who say they are quiet, comfortable and more efficient than most. They are not available in the USA to my knowledge.
The difference is very clear. Tyre noise is much reduced as advertised by Michelin, cornering is now smoother but most importantly, the suspension thump and sway are substantially less. My wife now is happy with the car for long trips. Now the car seems to ride like the overseas reports.
I have called Tesla and recommended that these tyres be considered for original equipment for S70s and S85s in Australia. They are touring tyres rather than performance tyres, so are probably not suitable for the ludicrous fraternity. They are currently in short supply until the boat comes in.
I still have the three remaining original Eagles if anyone has struck a nail and is interested in making an offer for one or more of them.
I suspected the problem was due to the tyres that we received in Australia, which were Eagles rather than the Primacies supplied in the USA. I would have waited until the Eagles had worn out and then bought Michelins, which I have used without failure since the 1970s. The Eagles, however, seemed to be hardly wearing at all, according to both the Tesla garage and my own measurements. It looked like years before we could change. However, one Eagle recently received a sidewall slash from a nasty protruding curb in Katoomba, so instead of buying another Eagle I decided to change them all at about 11000 km.
This month I installed a set of Michelin Primacy 3ST's which Michelin says are designed for Asian and Australian markets, maybe because of our shocking roads. These tyres have many excellent reviews on the net from Australians who say they are quiet, comfortable and more efficient than most. They are not available in the USA to my knowledge.
The difference is very clear. Tyre noise is much reduced as advertised by Michelin, cornering is now smoother but most importantly, the suspension thump and sway are substantially less. My wife now is happy with the car for long trips. Now the car seems to ride like the overseas reports.
I have called Tesla and recommended that these tyres be considered for original equipment for S70s and S85s in Australia. They are touring tyres rather than performance tyres, so are probably not suitable for the ludicrous fraternity. They are currently in short supply until the boat comes in.
I still have the three remaining original Eagles if anyone has struck a nail and is interested in making an offer for one or more of them.