Like the Model 3, the Tesla Model Y is the hottest EV on the market and we are starting to see more and more people wanting to modify them. One of the most common questions people ask us is: “What wheels can I put on my Model Y”. We realize the information out there can be both confusing and a little hard to sort through, so we wanted to put together a comprehensive wheel fitment guide to help you choose the best wheels for your Model Y. With this guide you’ll have a better understanding of what fits, what doesn’t, why it will or won’t, and what kind of effects different wheel setups can have on your Model Y. We realize some of this is elementary to a few of our readers, so bear with us through some of the details you may already know/understand.
Index:
Stock Fitments (Page 1)
Effects of lowering / lifting on fitments (Page 1)
How different setups will affect the Model Y’s Performance and Range (page 2)
Wheel Spacers (page 3)
Stock Height Fitments (page 4)
Lowered / Lifted Fitments (page 5)
Aggressive (lowered) Fitments (page 6)
Recommended Wheel Brands & Models (page 7)
Tire sizing & types (compounds) (page 8)
Stock Fitments:
To give you a reference of what your Model Y is equipped with from the factory we will list the stock wheel specifications. You do not need have a firm understanding of what wheel offsets are and how they affect where the wheel sits in relationship to the fender, you just need to understand the basics. The lower the offset (numerically), the further the wheel will be pushed out. Both Width and Offset affect how flush a fitment is. For example, a 20×9.5 +35 (or et35) will have the same flushness as a 20×10 +41 (or et41).
Model Y Factory Wheel Sizes (diameter x width) + offset | Weight (in lbs each) | Tire Sizes | Tire Weight:
- 19×9.5 +45 | 29.6 lbs | 255/45R19 (Continental ProContact RX) | 26 lbs
- 20×9.5 +45 | 31.55 lbs | 255/40R20 (Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 5 M+S) | 25 lbs
- 21×9.5 +40 | 38.05 lbs | 255/35R21 (Pirelli P Zero PZ4) | 27 lbs (Performance Front)
- 21×10.5 +48 | 38.95 lbs | 275/35R21 (Pirelli P Zero PZ4) | 29 lbs (Performance Rear)
It is important to note that the change in overall diameter of each size is 0% for the 255 wide options and 1.8% smaller for the staggered performance rear tire. When we are selecting aftermarket tire sizes, we ideally would like to keep the new tires as close to the factory diameters as possible. If you do not know how to calculate overall diameters of tires, the formula is simply “[(width x aspect ratio *as percentage* x 2) + inner diameter].”
Example: 235/40R19
The width is 235mm with an aspect ratio of 40% (0.40) and an inner diameter of 19 inches (or 482.6mm)
[((235mm x 0.40) x 2) + 482.6mm] = 670.6mm or 26.4 inches
There are several ways of achieving a more “flush fitment” (outside of the wheel lines up with the fender). You can lower the offset, increase the wheel width, or both.
Effects of Lowering / Lifting on Fitments:
If you haven’t read our Model 3 Wheel Fitment Blog, you may be asking why have we included fitments for both lowered / lifted and stock height Model Ys? The simple answer is that wheels will look better when paired with their intended configuration, and lowering/lifting the Model Y actually has a significant effect on the static position of the wheels within the fenders. We recognize that not everyone will want to lower their Model Y so it is recommended that you only shop for lowered fitments if your car is either already lowered/lifted or you are planning to do so.
You might be asking yourself “Well why does lowering/lift have a significant effect on the static position of the wheels within the fenders?” And that’s a great question! The Model Y uses a front A-Arm suspension which many of you are familiar with. As you lower or lift the vehicle the A-Arm geometry shifts up or down and effectively moves the wheels inboard. This creates more clearance between the wheel/tire and fender (see diagram).
The rear uses a multi-link suspension so it will behave in a similar way creating a little more clearance between the wheel and fender once lowered or lifted.
There are several lowering options available for the Model Y already, so if you are interested in lowering your Model Y you can check out the Model Y suspension section of our website to see our recommended lowering solutions. This page is constantly being updated so be sure to check back periodically to see what new parts we have available. We do not have an offering on lift kits as of now, but are looking at options we feel like we can recommend.
Stock Fitments (Page 1)
Effects of lowering / lifting on fitments (Page 1)
How different setups will affect the Model Y’s Performance and Range (page 2)
Wheel Spacers (page 3)
Stock Height Fitments (page 4)
Lowered / Lifted Fitments (page 5)
Aggressive (lowered) Fitments (page 6)
Recommended Wheel Brands & Models (page 7)
Tire sizing & types (compounds) (page 8)