Tesla Model 3 & Model Y: Wheels, Fitment & Lowering Guide
WHEELS 'N CUSTOMS
TECHNICAL GUIDE: TESLA MODEL 3 & MODEL Y COMFORT, WHEELS & FITMENT
Tesla Model 3 & Model Y: Wheels, Fitment & Lowering Guide
The Tesla Model 3 and Tesla Model Y are among the most popular electric cars on European roads. With their instant electric torque, low centre of gravity thanks to the battery pack in the floor and minimalist design they deliver impressive performance. Yet many Tesla owners face two persistent issues: the factory-firm, bouncy suspension over small imperfections and the question of how aftermarket alloy wheels affect range (WLTP) and interior noise.
In our workshop in Nijkerk we handle specific EV questions every day: “What are the best wheels for a Tesla Model Y?”, “Can a Tesla Model 3 be made more comfortable by lowering with progressive Eibach springs or a KW Comfort coilover?”, “How much range do I lose when switching to 20 or 21 inch wheels?” and “Why do Tesla tyres have special inner foam and Bluetooth BLE TPMS sensors?” In this ultimate guide the experts at Wheels 'N Customs reveal all technical secrets around comfort improvement, aerodynamics and fitment in detail.
1. The Firm Factory Suspension: Why Lowering Actually Brings More Comfort
Many owners experience the standard suspension of the Model 3 and Model Y (particularly model years 2019 to 2023) as unsettled, wooden and jarring on transverse ridges, setts and speed bumps. This is because Tesla had to tune the factory dampers very stiff to control the high battery weight (1,850 to over 2,050 kg) in rapid evasive manoeuvres.
The Comfort Paradox: Lowering sounds firmer, but the Eibach Pro-Kit springs developed specifically for Tesla actually ride smoother in practice than the original. The progressively wound springs absorb the first centimetres of small bumps and cobbles silky-smooth, while the spring only stiffens under hard braking or at high cornering speeds.
Lowering Model 3: Approx. 25-30 mm front and rear.
Lowering Model Y: Approx. 30 mm front and 25 mm rear (eliminates the visually high 'SUV wheelbarrow' look).
Range Gain: By lowering the car aerodynamic drag (Cd value) is reduced, which on the motorway can result in up to 3% to 5% less energy consumption!
Solution B: KW V3 Leveling / KW Street Comfort Coilovers
For Tesla drivers seeking maximum refinement, the KW V3 Leveling coilover is the ultimate upgrade. Where traditional coilovers aim for extreme motorsport low ride heights, the Leveling series focuses on retaining ride height combined with superior spring comfort.
Inox-line Stainless Steel Struts: 100% rustproof, resistant to road salt and winter conditions.
Independent Damper Adjustment: 16 clicks adjustable rebound and 12 clicks adjustable compression (bump). The 'bouncing' of the rear axle on motorway bridges is completely eliminated.
Minimal Lowering: Only 5 to 20 mm adjustable. You retain full ground clearance for parking garages and speed bumps.
2. Range (WLTP) & Wheels: Rotating Mass and Rim Sizes
On an electric car the wheel design has a much greater effect on range than on a traditional petrol/diesel car. Two physical factors play a key role:
1. Rotating Mass (Weight per Wheel): An original 21 inch Tesla Uberturbine wheel weighs approximately 17.2 kg each (excluding tyre). Because a wheel is rotating and unsprung mass, it takes a lot of kinetic energy in city driving to get this weight moving and to slow it down. If you choose high-quality Flow Formed wheels (such as the Concaver CVR-series, Japan Racing SL-series or Wheelforce)? You then save 3 to 5 kg per wheel. This improves acceleration, increases regenerative braking efficiency and makes the steering feel noticeably lighter.
2. Aerodynamic Vortices (Aero vs. Open Spokes): The standard factory covers (such as the 18" Aero Covers or 19" Gemini covers) seal the wheel area to minimise air turbulence along the car’s flank. Fitting an open, deep concave sports wheel slightly increases aerodynamic drag.
3. The Consumption Difference between Wheel Diameters: Moving from 19 inch to 20 or 21 inch wheels costs on average 5% to 10% of your total range at a constant speed of 100 to 120 km/h. This is caused by the wider tyre (more rolling resistance) and the heavier outer diameter.
3. Tyre Technology for Tesla: Acoustic Inner Foam, XL & BLE TPMS
Fitting standard budget tyres to a Tesla will inevitably lead to complaints about noise and high power consumption. When replacing, always pay attention to the following three technical standards:
Acoustic Foam (Sound Comfort)
Because a Tesla produces no engine noise, tyre rolling noise is immediately noticeable. Specific EV tyres (such as Michelin Acoustic, Pirelli Noise Cancelling System or Hankook SoundComfort) contain a polyurethane foam layer on the inside of the tread that damps cavity resonances by up to 5 dB.
Extra Load (XL) & T-Homologation
Fit only XL (Extra Load) carcasses with a minimum load index of 98 to 104. Tyres with the official marking T0, T1 or T2 are homologated by Tesla for minimal rolling resistance and high torque resistance during sudden acceleration.
Bluetooth BLE TPMS Sensors
From model year 2021 Tesla no longer uses traditional 433MHz radio sensors, but Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) sensors. Wheels 'N Customs supplies and fits only original or certified BLE sensors that automatically and reliably pair with the Tesla system.
4. Technical Fitment Matrix: Model 3 & Model Y Specifications
The specifications below apply as the official industry standard for fitting aftermarket wheels to the Tesla Model 3 and Model Y:
Vehicle Model
Bolt Pattern & Hub Diameter
Popular Wheel Sizes (Flush Fitment)
Recommended Tyre Sizes
Tesla Model 3 (RWD / Long Range)
5x114.3 • Hub: 64.1 mm
18x8.5J ET35-40 | 19x8.5J ET35-40 | 20x9.0J ET35
235/45 R18 | 235/40 R19 | 245/35 R20 XL
Tesla Model 3 Performance
5x114.3 • Hub: 64.1 mm (with raised collar!)
19x8.5J ET35 | 20x9.0J ET34-35 (Watch for brake caliper clearance)
235/40 R19 | 245/35 R20 XL
Tesla Model Y (RWD / Long Range)
5x114.3 • Hub: 64.1 mm
19x9.5J ET40-45 | 20x9.5J ET40-45 | 21x9.5J ET40
255/45 R19 | 255/40 R20 | 255/35 R21 XL
Tesla Model Y Performance (Wide Set)
5x114.3 • Hub: 64.1 mm
Front: 21x9.5J ET40 | Rear: 21x10.5J ET45-48
Front: 255/35 R21 | Rear: 275/35 R21 XL
Important Mounting Instruction (175 Nm Tightening Torque): Tesla specifies an extremely high tightening torque for all wheel nuts (M14x1.5 with 60° conical seat) of no less than 175 Nm (129 lb-ft). When fitting, never use an air impact wrench for the final tightening; instead tighten the nuts in a star pattern with a calibrated torque wrench. Note for the Model 3 Performance: the brake disc has a specific centring ring which requires the wheel to have a sufficiently deep internal seating step!
Have Your Tesla Professionally Lowered & Fitted in Nijkerk
Want to get rid of the firm factory suspension or are you looking for an exclusive wheel set while preserving range? In our professional workshop on Riddererf in Nijkerk our technicians safely lift your Tesla using special rubber jack pads to protect the battery pack. We fit Eibach lowering springs and KW coilovers, programme original BLE TPMS sensors, and complete every suspension installation with an extremely precise computer-controlled 3D laser alignment.
Personal Advice for Your Tesla Model 3 or Model Y?
Unsure which wheel width, tyre choice or lowering option best suits your daily driving? Our EV and fitment specialists are happy to advise you based on your specific model and requirements.
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