Tesla Snow Chains and Winter Driving: What Tesla's Manual Says
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The first snow of the season brings the same questions every year: can a Tesla use chains, does it need winter tires, and why do the range and the tire pressures drop? This guide answers them from Tesla's Model 3 and Model Y owner's manuals, including the cold-weather settings that make winter mornings easier. Your own manual has the final word for your car, and menus can change with software updates.
Can you put snow chains on a Tesla?
Yes, with conditions. The "Tire Care and Maintenance" pages of the Model 3 and Model Y manuals set out the rules:
- Rear tires only. Tesla says to install chains on the rear tires only, never on the front tires.
- Tested chains only. Tesla has tested specific chains, which it sells, and names them by wheel size in the manual. Tesla warns that chains it doesn't recommend, or chains on the wrong tire size, can damage the suspension, body, wheels or brake lines, and that this damage is not covered by the warranty.
- Remove the wheel covers first. Otherwise they can be damaged, and Tesla says that damage may not be covered by the warranty.
- Not on summer tires. Tesla says chains can damage summer tires.
- Never deflate the tires to fit chains. When the tires are inflated again, the chains can be too tight and damage them.
- Fit them evenly and as tight as possible, following the chain maker's instructions, and make sure they can't touch the suspension or the brake lines. If you hear unusual noises, stop and check.
- Drive slowly. No faster than 30 mph (48 km/h), avoid heavy loads, which reduce the clearance between the tires and the body, and remove the chains as soon as conditions allow.
- Check the local rules. Tesla notes that chains are prohibited in some places, and other places require them in winter.
Which chains does Tesla name?
The chain models depend on the car, the wheel size and the edition of the manual. These are the ones named in the two manuals we read. Look up your own car's manual under "Tire Care and Maintenance", and in some regions Tesla sells the matching chains in its online shop.
| Manual we read | Wheel size | Chains Tesla names |
|---|---|---|
| Model Y (Canada edition) | 18" | König CG-9 |
| 19" or 20" | König XG-12 Pro, size 252 | |
| 21" | König K-Summit XXL | |
| Model 3 (Ireland edition) | 18" | König CG-9 102 |
| 19" | König CG-9 103 | |
| 20" | König K-Summit K34 |
Tesla also says the tire pressure monitoring system may not calibrate correctly, may estimate pressures inaccurately, or may respond late when you drive with chains or in winter conditions. Keep an eye on the pressures yourself.
Winter tires: what Tesla recommends
For driving in cold temperatures or where there may be snow or ice on the road, Tesla's manual recommends winter tires. It also warns that summer and all-season tires don't give enough traction in cold temperatures or on snow and ice. All-season tires are the ones marked "ALL SEASON" or "M+S".
- Fit a full set of four at the same time, with the same diameter, brand, construction and tread pattern on every wheel.
- Look for the mountain and snowflake symbol on the sidewall.
- Expect some trade-offs. Tesla mentions more road noise, a shorter tread life and less grip on dry roads.
- Regenerative braking may feel weaker at first. Tesla says aggressive winter tires can reduce regenerative braking for a while, until the car recalibrates during normal driving. Selecting winter tires under Controls > Service > Wheel & Tire > Tires speeds this up.
- Respect the speed rating printed on the sidewall, which is often lower on winter tires.
If your car has performance (summer) tires, Tesla says they have reduced traction below 40°F (5°C) and are not recommended for snow or ice. They can also be noisy for the first few miles on a cold morning, until they warm up.
Tire pressure drops in the cold
Tesla says tire pressure drops by about 1 psi for every 10°F (6°C) drop in outside temperature. A tire set correctly on a mild autumn afternoon can be several psi low on the first freezing morning, and the low pressure warning often appears on that day. Tesla's advice is to inflate the tires before driving if the warning comes on.
Check the pressures cold, with an accurate gauge, against the label on the driver's door pillar, not the number on the tire. Tesla says not to let air out of warm tires to match the cold pressure. Our Tesla TPMS guide explains the warnings, and a small cordless inflator saves a trip to the gas station on cold mornings.
Cold-weather settings that help
Tesla's "Cold Weather Best Practices" page in the Model Y manual is worth reading before winter. These are the points most owners use:
- Precondition before you leave. Set a departure time under Controls > Schedule, or start the climate from the app. Tesla suggests 30 to 45 minutes before you leave, because preconditioning warms both the cabin and the battery.
- Defrost Car. In the app, it clears snow, ice and frost from the windshield, windows, mirrors and charge port, and also warms the battery.
- Wipers. If snow or ice is likely while the car is parked, Tesla suggests Wiper Service Mode (Controls > Service), which raises the wipers off the glass so they defrost with the windshield.
- Mirrors. If ice is likely, turn off mirror Auto-Fold, because ice can stop the mirrors from folding or unfolding.
- Frozen charge port. If the latch freezes and the cable is stuck, Tesla says to try the Inlet Heater under Controls > Service, where available (Tesla lists Korea, Japan and North America), and otherwise to release the cable manually.
- Frozen door handles. Use Unlatch Door in the app, or press firmly on the front of the handle to break the ice. Tesla says not to use tools or excessive force. Our guide to Tesla's flush door handles covers what Tesla says about handles in ice.
- Stay plugged in. Tesla recommends leaving the car plugged in when you're not using it, because the charging system keeps the battery warm.
Why range and regen drop in winter
Tesla explains that cold weather increases energy use for driving, for heating the cabin and for heating the battery. Regenerative braking is limited while the battery is cold, and a blue snowflake icon means part of the battery's energy isn't available until it warms up, which can also limit acceleration and charging speed. Preconditioning before you leave helps with all of this. Tesla also notes that seat heaters use less energy than heating the whole cabin, so a slightly lower cabin temperature with the seat heaters on saves range. If you are driving to a Supercharger, set it as the destination about 30 to 45 minutes ahead, so the car can warm the battery for faster charging.
Keys and phones in the cold
A phone battery drains faster in the cold, and Tesla's manual warns that a phone key can stop working when the phone's battery is low. Keep the key card with you, as Tesla recommends, and a small power bank in your coat or bag. Our first-week checklist explains how the key card works.
Before you buy for winter
- Chains: buy the model your manual names for your wheel size, and check the local rules for where you drive.
- Winter tires: a full set of four that match, with the mountain and snowflake symbol and a speed rating that suits your driving.
- Floor mats: all-weather mats with raised edges hold melted snow and road salt, and must be made for your exact model and year.
- Inflator: check that it can reach the pressure on your door label, and that it has a gauge you can read.
- Your version: mats and other shaped parts for the 2020–2024 Model Y don't fit the Juniper, and parts for the 2017–2023 Model 3 don't fit the Highland.
- Warranty. In the edition of Tesla's New Vehicle Limited Warranty that we read (Qatar, effective July 2024), non-genuine parts and accessories, and their installation, are not covered, and damage linked to their installation or use is excluded. Editions differ by region, so read yours. Tesla's manuals also say damage from chains it doesn't recommend is not covered.
Is it worth it?
If you drive in real winter conditions, winter tires are the change that matters most, and Tesla recommends them. Chains are for the days or the roads where they are required, or for deep snow, at low speed. For everyone else, the cheap wins are checking the tire pressures when it gets cold, preconditioning before you leave, and all-weather mats that keep the slush off the carpet.
Chains, winter tires or all-season tires?
| Option | What Tesla says | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Snow chains | Rear tires only, tested chains only, not on summer tires, no faster than 30 mph (48 km/h) | Deep snow, steep roads, places where chains are required |
| Winter tires | Recommended for cold temperatures, snow and ice. Fit all four | A whole winter of cold, snowy or icy roads |
| All-season tires (M+S) | Not enough traction in cold temperatures or on snow and ice | Mild winters with rare snow |
| Summer (performance) tires | Reduced traction below 40°F (5°C), not for snow or ice, no chains | Warm months only |
What we list
These are products from third-party sellers, not made by Tesla. We don't list snow chains: buy the models Tesla names in your manual.
- All-weather TPE floor and cargo mats for every model in the floor mats collection, including the Model Y Juniper and Model 3 Highland sets.
- A Model Y Juniper Trunk Mat & Seatback Covers for wet gear and skis.
- A Cordless Tire Inflator with an LCD display, and a jump starter with a built-in air compressor.
- No-drill mud flaps for slush and road salt on the Highland, Juniper and Model Y L.
- A 5,000 mAh magnetic power bank to keep your phone key alive.
For more, read how to choose Tesla floor mats, do you need mud flaps on a Tesla and how to jump-start a Tesla.
Frequently asked questions
Can you put snow chains on a Tesla Model Y?
Yes, on the rear tires only, using the chains Tesla names for your wheel size in the manual. Remove the wheel covers first and drive no faster than 30 mph (48 km/h).
Do snow chains go on the front or rear of a Tesla?
The rear. Tesla's Model 3 and Model Y manuals say to install chains on the rear tires only, never on the front tires.
Can I put chains on summer tires?
No. Tesla says chains can damage summer tires. Summer tires are also not recommended for snow or ice.
Does a Tesla need winter tires?
Tesla recommends winter tires for cold temperatures and roads with snow or ice, and says summer and all-season tires don't give enough traction there. Fit all four at the same time.
Why does my Tesla's tire pressure drop in winter?
Cold air lowers the pressure. Tesla says about 1 psi for every 10°F (6°C) drop in temperature. Inflate the tires to the cold pressure on the door label before driving.
What does the blue snowflake mean on a Tesla?
Tesla says it means part of the battery's energy isn't available because the battery is cold. Regenerative braking, acceleration and charging speed may be limited until it warms up.
How do I open a frozen Tesla door handle?
Use Unlatch Door in the Tesla app, or press firmly on the front of the handle to break the ice. Tesla says not to use tools or excessive force.
Why does my Tesla lose range in the cold?
Tesla explains that driving, cabin heating and battery heating all use more energy in cold weather. Preconditioning while plugged in and using the seat heaters help.
Next steps
Get the car ready for winter with the Tesla Floor Mats & Trunk Mats collection, or see inflators and tire tools in the Tesla Roadside & Emergency collection.