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What Happened After a Cybertruck Owner Praised Its Winter Performance?

A Cybertruck owner’s reported winter praise was followed by a rear-motor-disabled alert. The report did not establish that winter weather caused the problem.
Entry348 Date Time2 min MechanicCarCody Team
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A Cybertruck owner’s reported winter-performance praise was followed by an alert that the rear motor was disabled. In a December 2024 report, Futurism said the owner, Joe Fay, suspected an inverter problem. The report did not establish that cold, snow, or ice caused the issue, or confirm the repair outcome.

What happened to the Cybertruck?

Futurism reported that Fay had previously described a winter nuisance: snow and ice collecting in front of the headlights. Later, he said the truck suddenly felt as if it had been struck from behind, then displayed an alert saying the rear motor was disabled.

According to the report, Fay believed the truck could still be driven on one motor, identified the inverter as the problem, and expected the repair to be covered by warranty. The Cybertruck was towed, and Fay was still waiting for it to be returned when the story was published on December 11, 2024. These are details attributed to Fay in a news report, not independently verified service records.

Did winter weather cause the motor problem?

The available report does not establish a cause. It documents a rear-motor-disabled alert and Fay’s inverter diagnosis, but not a confirmed root cause or a completed repair. The timing alongside winter driving is not evidence that snow, ice, or cold caused the failure. Nor does one reported incident show how common such a problem is among Cybertrucks.

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#1 Best Overall
Sale
Nexen Winguard Sport 2 Winter 225/65R17 102H Passenger Tire
  • Covered by Nexen's best-in-class Total Coverage Warranty which includes 36 months of Roadside Assistance
  • 3D winter kerf for enhanced snow and ice performance
  • Unidirectional tread pattern with deep, zigzag grooves to mitigate the risk of hydroplaning and boost wet and slush performance
  • Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) certified for improved ice and snow performance
  • Shoulder block groove enhances side force generation on snow and wet

How should Cybertruck owners prepare for winter?

Use suitable tires with adequate tread

Tesla’s Cybertruck Owner’s Manual recommends winter tires when driving in cold temperatures or where snow or ice may be present. It calls for a complete set of four tires with the same diameter, brand, construction, and tread pattern. Tesla cautions that winter tires can be noisier and have shorter tread life. The manual also warns that summer and all-season tires do not provide adequate traction in cold, snowy, or icy conditions.

Tesla says tires with less than 5/32 inch (4 mm) of tread do not perform well in snow and slush and should not be used in winter conditions. This is the manufacturer’s guidance, not a universal legal minimum.

Rank #2
Nitto Terra Grappler G3 All Terrain LT285/65R20 127/124S E Light Truck Tire
  • Designed for use on light trucks and SUVs
  • Backed by a 70,000 mile limited manufacturer tread life for hard metric sizes, and a 55,000 mile limited manufacturer tread life for LT and Flotation sizes
  • Three Peak Mountain Snowflake certified for use in moderate to severe winter weather conditions
  • New rubber compound for enhanced durability and better wet- or dry-weather performance on pavement
  • Aggressive tread pattern allows for better traction and performance

Check chain fitment and local requirements

Tesla names König XD-16 Pro size 285 chains as tested and approved to increase traction in snowy conditions. The manual says chains may be used only on the rear tires and directs owners to remove wheel covers before installing them. Check that the chain specification fits the truck’s actual wheel and tire configuration before buying or fitting chains; also check local rules on when chains are required. Chain fitment does not address or prevent the inverter problem described in the report.

Preheat, monitor pressure, and allow for higher energy use

Tesla’s cold-weather guidance recommends preheating the cabin and battery. Cold air lowers tire pressure, so if the tire-pressure indicator appears, inflate the tires before driving. The truck can also use more energy in cold weather because it needs power for both driving and heating the cabin and battery.

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Quick Recap

SaleBestseller No. 1
Nexen Winguard Sport 2 Winter 225/65R17 102H Passenger Tire
Nexen Winguard Sport 2 Winter 225/65R17 102H Passenger Tire
3D winter kerf for enhanced snow and ice performance; Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) certified for improved ice and snow performance
$107.06
Bestseller No. 2
Nitto Terra Grappler G3 All Terrain LT285/65R20 127/124S E Light Truck Tire
Nitto Terra Grappler G3 All Terrain LT285/65R20 127/124S E Light Truck Tire
Designed for use on light trucks and SUVs; Aggressive tread pattern allows for better traction and performance
$416.00
Bestseller No. 3
Firestone Winterforce 2 Studdable Winter/Snow Tire 185/65R15 88 S
Firestone Winterforce 2 Studdable Winter/Snow Tire 185/65R15 88 S
Built to Keep You Working Through the Winter; Winter Performance and Grip You Can Rely On; Long-Lasting Performance
$106.08
Bestseller No. 4
Cooper Discoverer True North Winter 235/65R17 104T Tire
Cooper Discoverer True North Winter 235/65R17 104T Tire
Car, SUV and Pickup Truck Winter Tire; Exceptional traction in unpredictable winter weather conditions
$117.29
Best Value
Yokohama Geolandar A/T4 G018 All Terrain LT285/65R20 127/124S E Light Truck Tire
  • All-Terrain tire
  • Geo-Shield technology, dual sidewall protectors, and Enduro-compound enhance durability, puncture resistance, and all-weather traction
  • Aggressive center blocks, mud and stone ejectors, and Edgetec Grooves improve traction and performance on loose, wet, and snowy surfaces
  • Triple 3D sipes, zig-zag grooves, and single-pitch shoulder blocks enhance grip, reduce road noise, and improve handling and stability across various terrains
  • Three Peak Mountain Snowflake Certification indicates superior performance in severe winter conditions
Rank #4
Cooper Discoverer True North Winter 235/65R17 104T Tire
  • Car, SUV and Pickup Truck Winter Tire
  • Exceptional traction in unpredictable winter weather conditions
  • Performance on highway commutes in winter weather, where slush and black ice are common
  • Shortest stopping distance in snow
  • Incredible grip on snow
Rank #3
Firestone Winterforce 2 Studdable Winter/Snow Tire 185/65R15 88 S
  • Built to Keep You Working Through the Winter
  • Winter Performance and Grip You Can Rely On
  • Long-Lasting Performance
  • Great Value

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.

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