DriversRecommendedOutdated drivers can make a good PC feel brokenScan driver issues before chasing fixes manually.Scan NowOctober DealsAmazon USOctober deal check: compare before you payAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.Check DealsPC HealthRecommendedCrashes, freezes, slowdowns? Check your PC nowSpot repairable issues before they interrupt work.Check PC×
Skip to content
CarCodyAdvertise
Service recordThe Garage

Tesla Model S: Owner’s Guide to Maintenance, Charging and Tires

A practical Tesla Model S guide to cabin-filter replacement, charging equipment, tire sizes and the importance of checking the manual for your market and configuration.
Entry955 Date Time3 min MechanicCarCody Team
Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

For a Tesla Model S, the right maintenance advice, charging equipment and tire specifications depend on the car’s market, model year, trim and installed configuration. Tesla’s North American owner manual covers Model S 2021+ and displays software version 2026.32; use the manual for your specific vehicle and region before acting on its guidance.

Which Model S manual should you use?

Tesla’s North American Model S 2021+ owner manual covers vehicle controls, safety and driver-assistance features, charging, maintenance, specifications and emergency instructions. It displays software version 2026.32. Consult the corresponding manual for your market and check the car’s vehicle-specific information: feature availability and configuration can differ.

The manual covers both Model S and Model S Plaid. Do not assume a specification for one trim applies to the other, or that a figure in one regional manual applies worldwide.

When should you replace the cabin air filter?

Tesla recommends replacing the Model S cabin air filters every two years, or every year in China. The filters help keep pollen, industrial fallout, road dust and other particles from entering through the cabin vents. Tesla says filters can be purchased through Tesla Shop; confirm the exact year and regional fitment before buying a particular replacement.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
#1 Best Overall
Lexani LX-Twenty 275/35R21XL 103Y Tire
  • Lexani LX-Twenty
  • Size: 28.5
  • Brand: Lexani
  • Style: LX-Twenty
  • Features a premium, advanced silica-infused compound that provides strong grip and confident handling in both wet and dry conditions

The manual’s replacement procedure includes switching off climate control, removing the passenger-side footwell cover and filter door, installing the filter with its airflow arrows facing toward the rear, and resetting the maintenance interval. Follow the instructions in the manual that applies to your car.

What charging equipment does a Model S use?

Tesla identifies three equipment categories: a Wall Connector for installation in a parking space, a Mobile Connector for commonly used power outlets, and adapters for commonly used public charging stations in the owner’s region. Outlet compatibility, adapter choice and equipment availability are regional, so check Tesla’s current guidance for your location before choosing equipment.

Rank #2
HOLUEKU New 21 Inch 21x8.5 inch 21" Charcoal Aluminum Alloy Wheel Rims Fit for Tesla Model S 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017, OEM Design Replacement Rim, 98727, 6005868
  • Fitment: The 21 inch replacement aluminum wheel rim is made specifically to fit for Tesla Model S 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017. Compare to Original Factory Part Number: 600586800C, 600586800D, 98727, 6005868
  • Pay Attention: Price is for one wheel only. Center cap, lugs and tire pressure sensor are not included. If you are replacing a damaged wheel, your original center cap, lugs and tire pressure sensor will work on our HOLUEKU wheel rims. Tire Size: 245/35R21.
  • Compatible with OEM equipment: Our HOLUEKU rims compatible with all factory equipment including lug nuts, valve stems, wheel covers, tires and winter tires. Absolute new wheel, make sure to fit for the related vehicle it was manufactured to fit. Tested to withstand all quality control standards.
  • Pictures are meant to show the general style of the wheel. Engineered to factory specifications, this wheel is easy to install and we guarantee a direct fit. To ensure exact wheel fitment, confirm the correct rim and tire size.
  • We will inspect and pack your wheels carefully. Our HOLUEKU OEM replacement wheels are perfect for single wheel replacements, full set swaps or spare rim needs. We develop wheels with extremely low defect rates. We provide the highest of quality and produces for all of our products.

Charging hardware does not make high-voltage service a DIY job. Tesla says, “The high voltage system has no user serviceable parts.” Do not disassemble, remove or replace high-voltage components, cables or connectors; use qualified service support.

Which tire size fits a Tesla Model S?

Tire size depends on market and wheel configuration. The North American 2026 owner manual lists the following all-season sizes for the U.S., Canada, Puerto Rico and Korea:

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Rank #3
Michelin Pilot Sport AS 4 265/35ZR21 101Y XL (Set of 1 Tire Only)
  • Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4 delivers long-lasting, superior performance on wet, dry and snowy roads. Supercar certified. Stylish design.
  • Exceptional Wet and Dry Grip.
  • Winter Confidence
  • Asymmetric tread pattern
  • Developed on the track and proven on the street, our innovative Dynamic Response Technology ensures forces and temperatures are distributed evenly for a longer wear life. Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4 delivers long-lasting ultra-high performance.
Wheel configuration Front tire Rear tire
19-inch all-season 255/45R19 285/40R19
21-inch all-season 265/35R21 295/30R21

These are not universal Model S fitments. The manual also lists separate 21-inch summer sizes. Check the tires currently installed and the vehicle’s Tire and Loading Information label on the door pillar before ordering replacements.

What specifications differ between Model S and Model S Plaid?

Tesla’s Macau-market manual lists these CLTC energy-consumption and maximum-speed figures. The retrieved subsystem page does not state its publication year; treat the numbers as Macau-manual specifications, not as universal figures for every market or model year.

Rank #4
YIFSPARE Spare Tire Kit Compatible with 2017-2026 Tesla Model S - Includes 18x4 Rim, 145/85R18 Spare Wheel, 27.7” Rolling Diameter, Includes car Jack kit and tire Carrying Case
  • Fitment: Compatible with 2017-2026 Tesla Model S - a spare tire kit specially designed for the model. An additional upgraded carrying case, designed to hold the spare tire.
  • Wheel Parameters: 18x4 Wheel Size; 5x120mm Bolt Pattern; 64.1mm Center Bore.
  • Perfect Adaptability: The spare tire wheel of 145/85R18 is compatible with the Model S, The diameter of the tire is 27.7". DOT Speed Rating of 103M.
  • High-quality tool set: Including 1x 2T Scissor jack; 1x Ratchet Wrench; 1x Lug Wrench; 2x socket (17/19mm 21/23mm). he all-inclusive kit ready to tackle any emergency tire replacement job.
  • Spare tire kit is for emergency use temporarily. It is easy to carry and comes with installation tools. If you encounter any problems, please contact us at any time.
Trim CLTC energy consumption Maximum speed
Model S 16.6/15.4 Wh/km 250/240 km/h
Model S Plaid 17.4 Wh/km 280 km/h

When comparing cars or listings, match the trim, market and test cycle, wheel and tire configuration, and specification source date. A figure without those qualifications may not describe the car you are considering.

Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

What should you know about parts and modifications?

Tesla’s manual says, “Use only genuine Tesla parts and accessories,” and directs owners to Tesla for parts and accessories; availability can differ by region. Tesla also notes that accessories may affect expected range or vehicle dimensions. Non-approved parts or modifications can affect performance and occupant safety and may not be covered by warranty. Check the exact product’s approval and compatibility rather than assuming a third-party item is suitable.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Best Value
For 2012-2017 Tesla Model S Rear 21 Inch Painted Charcoal Alloy Rim - OEM Direct Replacement - Road Ready Car Wheel
  • FULLY COMPATIBLE WITH OEM EQUIPMENT - All of our rims come compatible with all factory equipment including TPMS sensors, lug nuts, valve stems, wheel covers, tires, and winter tires.
  • EASY INSTALLATION - Engineered to factory specifications, this wheel is easy to install, and we guarantee a direct fit. To ensure exact wheel fitment, confirm the correct tire size. For your reference, we have included a tire size model below.
  • FITS ALL RIM REPLACEMENT NEEDS - Road Ready OEM replacement wheels are perfect for single wheel replacements, full set swaps, or spare rim needs. *Note: This purchase DOES NOT include Tire, TPMS sensors, lug nuts, valve stems, or wheel covers.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

More from the Garage

  1. Entry001Date09 OCT 26Time3 minWhich Brake Pad Should You Buy From RockAuto or Elsewhere?Section: Blog
  2. Entry002Date09 OCT 26Time5 minThe Pros and Cons of Touchless Car Wash SystemsSection: Blog
  3. Entry003Date09 OCT 26Time3 minCan a Trickle Charger or Battery Tender Properly Charge a Car Battery?Section: Blog

Thanks for visiting Carcody

Carcody.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.co

Recommended PC Tool
Recommended PC Tool
Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?Free driver scan
PC Slower Than It Used to Be?Free scan - under a minute

Two free Windows tools

One Free Minute Could Fix That PC

Before you go - each of these free tools takes about a minute and tackles what quietly slows a Windows PC down.

Special offer. View Outbyte info, uninstall instructions, EULA, and Privacy Policy.