The 2013 Tesla Model S arrived as a major shift in the luxury performance sedan market, pairing electric power with long-wheelbase comfort and a shape that quickly became familiar on modern roads. For tire selection, that matters because this Model S uses multiple radial sizes depending on wheel setup and whether the car carries the Sport Package front and rear arrangement. The main decision is confirming whether the car is on 19-inch wheels with 245/45R19 tires or on the 21-inch setup with 245/35R21 fronts and 265/35R21 rears. Once that is settled, the focus turns to matching the tire to the car's wheel configuration, handling expectations, and overall condition.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 2013 Tesla Model S
The 2013 Tesla Model S uses three primary tire sizes, and the correct choice depends on the exact wheel and sub-model setup. The Base model can use either 245/45R19 or 245/35R21, while the Sport Package uses a staggered 21-inch arrangement with 245/35R21 in front and 265/35R21 in the rear. Confirming both the sub-model and wheel diameter is the first step before comparing tire choices.
In 245/35R21, the 245 is the nominal section width in millimeters, the 35 is the aspect ratio, the R identifies radial construction, and the 21 is the rim diameter in inches. On the 2013 Tesla Model S, this size is part of the 21-inch setup and also serves as the front tire size on Sport Package cars. It delivers a lower-profile metric radial fitment than the 19-inch alternative, so wheel confirmation matters before selection. This size should be evaluated in the context of the car's exact front-end setup and intended road use.
In 245/45R19, the tire measures 245 millimeters wide, carries a 45-series profile, uses radial construction, and mounts on a 19-inch wheel. For the 2013 Tesla Model S, this size applies to the 19-inch wheel setup used on the Base model. Available choices in this size include BFGoodrich and Nitto options, all in blackwall form, with series such as g-Force Comp 2 AS, g-Force Phenom T/A, and NT555 G2. Buyers comparing tires here should look closely at wheel-width compatibility, load details where shown, and whether the tire's character suits everyday touring or a more performance-oriented feel.
In 265/35R21, the 265 indicates a wider nominal section width in millimeters, the 35 is the aspect ratio, the R marks radial construction, and the tire fits a 21-inch rim. On the 2013 Tesla Model S, this size is used at the rear of the Sport Package staggered setup rather than across every configuration. Its role is specific, so it should be chosen only after confirming the car uses the matching 21-inch rear wheel arrangement. Rear fitment, wheel width, and overall front-to-rear pairing all matter when replacing this size.
Sub-model fitment on the 2013 Tesla Model S is not one-size-fits-all. The correct tire depends on whether the car is a Base model using 19-inch or 21-inch wheels, or a Sport Package car using a staggered front and rear 21-inch setup.
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2013 Tesla Model S Base
The 2013 Tesla Model S Base can use either a 245/45R19 radial or a 245/35R21 radial, depending on the wheel package on the car. Tire selection starts with confirming which wheel diameter is actually installed, then comparing tires that match the car's current use and desired ride character.
The Sport Package front fitment uses 245/35R21 radial tires as part of a staggered 21-inch arrangement. That means the front tire should be chosen with the matching rear size in mind, rather than treating the car like a same-size four-corner setup.
The Sport Package rear fitment uses 265/35R21 radial tires on the back of the car. Rear replacement should be matched to the existing 21-inch wheel setup and paired carefully with the correct front size to preserve the intended staggered arrangement.
The tire sizes listed on this page assume factory-standard vehicle configuration. The following modifications may affect tire fitment and are not reflected in this guide:
Suspension changes (lowering, lift kits, spring replacements)
Body alterations (fender modifications, custom bodywork)
If your vehicle has been modified from factory specifications, verify tire clearance before purchase.
Best 2013 Tesla Model S Tires for Sale
Available 245/45R19 choices for the 2013 Tesla Model S come from BFGoodrich and Nitto, all in blackwall radial form. The main points to compare in the product grid are tire series, wheel-width compatibility, weight, and load details where stated.
These FAQs focus on the exact tire sizes used on the 2013 Tesla Model S, how the Base and Sport Package fitments differ, and what to check when comparing wheel setups, tire choices, and road-use condition.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 2013 Tesla Model S?
The 2013 Tesla Model S uses 245/45R19, 245/35R21, and 265/35R21 radial tire sizes. The Base model can use either 245/45R19 or 245/35R21 depending on wheel package, while the Sport Package uses 245/35R21 in front and 265/35R21 in the rear as a staggered setup.
Choosing the right one starts with checking the wheels actually on the car rather than relying on the badge alone. A Model S that has changed hands may have different wheels than it left with, so confirm rim diameter and whether the car has a same-size setup or the staggered Sport Package arrangement before replacing tires.
What size rim does a 2013 Tesla Model S use?
The 2013 Tesla Model S uses either 19-inch or 21-inch rims, depending on the tire size and wheel package. The 245/45R19 size fits a 19-inch rim, while both 245/35R21 and 265/35R21 fit 21-inch rims.
Wheel diameter is the first fitment detail to verify because a 19-inch tire cannot be mounted on a 21-inch wheel, and vice versa. It also helps to confirm whether the car uses the same size at all four corners or a front-and-rear staggered combination, since that changes how replacement tires should be selected and matched.
Why does the 2013 Tesla Model S have more than one tire size?
Multiple tire sizes exist because the 2013 Tesla Model S was offered with different wheel packages. The Base model could be equipped with either a 19-inch setup using 245/45R19 or a 21-inch setup using 245/35R21, while the Sport Package adds a staggered arrangement with 245/35R21 in front and 265/35R21 in the rear.
That makes configuration more important than model year alone when replacing tires. Looking at the current wheels, front and rear tire sizes, and whether the car has been modified will prevent ordering a size that matches the nameplate but not the actual setup on the vehicle.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 245/45R19 tire for a 2013 Tesla Model S?
Start with the correct size, radial construction, and wheel compatibility for the 19-inch setup. In 245/45R19, the available choices include BFGoodrich and Nitto blackwall tires, with series such as g-Force Comp 2 AS, g-Force Phenom T/A, and NT555 G2.
The next step is comparing the details that affect how the tire suits the car, including rim-width range, stated load information where available, and the overall character suggested by the tire series. A Model S used mainly for regular street driving may call for a different choice than one expected to emphasize a firmer, more performance-focused feel.
What sidewall styles are available for 2013 Tesla Model S tires?
For the available 245/45R19 options on the 2013 Tesla Model S, the sidewall style is blackwall. That gives the car a clean modern appearance that suits the Model S without introducing period-style whitewall or stripe treatments.
Sidewall style still matters because it affects how the car presents visually, especially on a sedan with large-diameter wheels and a simple body design. Once the correct size and wheel fitment are confirmed, sidewall appearance becomes part of the final selection, though in this group the comparison is more about tire series and brand than contrasting sidewall treatments.
What brands offer tires for the 2013 Tesla Model S?
Available 245/45R19 tires for the 2013 Tesla Model S come from BFGoodrich and Nitto. Within that size, BFGoodrich appears in more than one series, including g-Force Comp 2 AS and g-Force Phenom T/A, while Nitto is represented by the NT555 G2.
Brand is only one part of the decision. The better approach is to compare the exact tire series, blackwall presentation, wheel-width specification, and any load information shown for the size you need, then match those details to how the car is driven and which wheel package is installed.
Restoration & Appearance
Does correct tire fitment matter for a 2013 Tesla Model S restoration?
Yes, correct tire fitment still matters on a 2013 Tesla Model S, even though it belongs to a much newer era than traditional collector cars. The right size preserves the intended relationship between the car, its wheel package, and its overall stance, especially when comparing 19-inch and 21-inch configurations.
Appearance on this model is tied closely to proportion, so the wrong diameter or profile can change how the car sits and how complete it looks. Anyone aiming for a more faithful presentation should verify the current wheel setup and use period-appropriate references for that exact configuration before making cosmetic tire changes.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 2013 Tesla Model S?
On the 2013 Tesla Model S, primary fitment is radial across all supported sizes, so the visual change comes more from size, profile, and wheel diameter than from choosing between bias-ply and radial construction. A 19-inch 245/45R19 setup presents differently than the lower-profile 21-inch combination.
That means appearance-minded buyers should focus on keeping the tire size aligned with the wheel package they want the car to show. Sidewall shape, overall proportion, and front-to-rear balance on a staggered setup all influence whether the finished car looks settled and correct for its chosen configuration.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 2013 Tesla Model S?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 2013 Tesla Model S. Changes such as aftermarket wheels, altered wheel widths, suspension lowering, or body modifications can influence whether a 245/45R19, 245/35R21, or 265/35R21 tire has the right clearance and maintains proper front-to-rear pairing.
A careful check of wheel diameter, width, and the car's actual stance helps avoid rubbing or mismatch issues. On Sport Package cars especially, the staggered setup should be preserved unless the entire wheel-and-tire combination has been planned around the car's clearance, handling balance, and intended use.
What should I inspect before driving a 2013 Tesla Model S on new tires?
Before road use, inspect the wheel condition, verify that the tire size matches the car's actual setup, and confirm the tires are mounted in the proper front or rear position where staggered sizes apply. It is also smart to check inflation, valve condition, and overall installation quality.
A longer look underneath is worthwhile on any used Model S or recently purchased wheel set. Clearance around suspension components, even tread seating, and signs of previous rubbing should all be reviewed so the new tires are not being asked to compensate for a wheel or chassis issue.
How often should tires on a 2013 Tesla Model S be inspected?
Tires on a 2013 Tesla Model S should be inspected regularly, not just when replacement time arrives. Frequent checks for uneven wear, cuts, bulges, sidewall damage, and pressure loss are especially worthwhile on low-profile 21-inch fitments, where road impacts and wheel condition can become more noticeable.
Regular inspection also helps catch problems created by alignment changes, wheel damage, or aging before they become larger issues. Cars that are driven less often still need attention, since time, storage conditions, and long parked periods can affect tire condition even when the tread does not look heavily used.
