[Simonj]

I have a Model S and recently replaced two rear tyres. Here are some tips and recommendations. I would avoid mobile fitters. And avoid any of the national chains like Kwik Fit if at all possible.

Problem number one is the Model S has a low ride height and standard garage trolley jacks will often not be low enough. Problem number two ( or issue to be aware of ) is that the fitter ideally needs to use rubber jacking pucks at the specific Model S jacking points to ensure there is no damage to the battery pack ( the owners manual will show you the correct areas for jacking ). A mobile fitter might be unaware of these issues.

So, where does this leave you ? A few options. See if you have a local trusted independent tyre fitter and have a word first to see if they have a low height trolley jack and the suitable pucks. The other thing to mention is the tyre fitters trolley jack has to be capable of lifting the Model S heavy weight ( 2.5 tons is a safe rating for a trolley jack when lifting the Model S ). By the way, you can buy the rubber jacking pucks on Amazon UK. You mention you have 19 inch rims. The correct tyres for these are 245 45 19 102 Y. The 102 is the load rating, basically the weight rating,

Not sure where you live but Demon Tweeks in Wrexham can fit tyres and they have experience of fitting tyres to all types of high end cars including Tesla. Also,Formula One Autocentre Tyres near to me in Telford have the pucks and the suitable low height jacks. They stated they had fitted tyres to Tesla and were aware of all the issues. Another idea. You could source your own tyres via the internet then have them fitted locally by an alloy wheel specialist company. I recently had two tyres fitted to my Model S and I asked the fitter to use my jacking pucks and I made sure they used the correct jacking area. But….and this is a big but…they dinged my rims. Very minor but small nicks where they used a lever. So not a happy bunny. This is why next time I will have an alloy wheel shop or refurb specialist fit my tyres as they would be less likely to damage my rims.

I would stick to summer Michelin tyres on all four corners. I would not advise mixing summer and winter tyres. If your car is a dual drive motor version with four wheel drive then summer tyres will be fine through the winter unless we get extreme snow. The motors will blend traction between all wheels. If you absolutely need winter tyres then I would be tempted to have two sets of rims/tyres, that is one set for summer and another for winter.

Hope that helps…