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Q: Can I run a wider tire on UP aftermarket wheels for better grip?

Yes, and it is one of the most impactful upgrades you can make for performance driving. Several UP wheels are available in widths that exceed the stock Tesla fitment, allowing a wider tire with a larger contact patch, more cornering grip, and better traction under acceleration. This is especially popular on the Model S Plaid and Model 3 Performance for track days and spirited driving, where the extra grip makes a noticeable difference.

That said, wider is not always better, and the right choice really depends on how you use the car. A wider tire is excellent on a Saturday at the track. On Monday through Friday it adds rolling resistance, which translates directly to reduced range. The heavier the tire and the wider the footprint, the more energy it takes to move the car. For most daily drivers the range impact is real enough to consider.

If your priority is OEM+ aesthetics, a smooth daily ride, or maximizing range, a narrower tire at or near the stock width is the smarter call. Several UP wheel configurations are specifically designed for this, running the same section width as the factory tire while upgrading the wheel itself for reduced weight and improved looks.

The sweet spot for most owners is somewhere in between. A modest width increase over stock, properly matched to the wheel, gives meaningfully better grip without the range and comfort penalties of going very wide. The UP Wheel and Tire Guide at unpluggedperformance.com/tesla-wheel-and-tire-guide covers recommended tire widths for every wheel configuration, and the UP team can help you find the right balance for your specific model and driving style.

related FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Find answers to common questions about Unplugged Performance products, services, and policies.

Where can I find the correct tire size for my UP aftermarket wheels?

Do I need different tire sizes if I install Unplugged Performance aftermarket wheels?

What size tires does the Tesla Model S use?

What size tires does the Tesla Model 3 use?

What off-road tires are available for the Tesla Model Y?

What size tires does the Tesla Model Y use?

What size tires does the Tesla Cybertruck use?

Does Unplugged Performance install tires?

How do I know which tires fit my Tesla?

Can you put off-road or all-terrain tires on a Tesla?

What tire brands does Unplugged Performance carry for Tesla?

I’m thinking of upgrading my wheels / tires in addition to springs, is there anything I should know?

How much range loss should I expect from wider wheels and tires on an EV, and how do I minimize it?

What tire size should I pair with a specific wheel size?

Should I go for larger diameter wheels?

Do aftermarket wheels improve performance?

Can I use spacers instead of different wheels?

Do I need hub-centric rings?

What do terms like “bolt pattern,” “offset,” and “backspacing” mean?

Will your Unplugged Performance wheels fit my vehicle?

Square vs staggered: which is better for handling and tire wear?

What is the ideal tire size for a square setup on Model 3?

Do you sell touch up paint?

Will UP Forged Wheels fit over Tesla Performance Brakes?

What is the lug nut torque specification for a Tesla (Model 3, Model Y, Model S, Model X, and Cybertruck)?

Why does my Tesla show a TPMS fault when parked near other wheels?

What are the advantages of titanium lug nuts for my Tesla?

Can UP Forged Cybertruck Wheels like the UP-03 Beadlock, CYBRHEX, or CYBRSPOKE fit other trucks?

Will UP Forged Wheels like the UP-03, UP-05, or UP-RW Road Warrior fit cars other than Teslas?

Can you remove the Aero Disc Covers from the UP Forged UP-RW Road Warrior Wheels?

What kind of construction do Unplugged Performance wheels have?

I’m thinking of upgrading my wheels / tires in addition to springs, is there anything I should know?

What are wheel spacers? Do I need them?

What is a forged wheel? Are they better than OEM Telsa Wheels?

Do I need conical or ball seat lug nuts?

Will Unplugged Performance Aluminum or Titanium Lug Nuts fit my OEM Wheels?

Will my OEM lug nuts fit UP Forged Wheels?

What is a Beadlock?

What is Bead Knurling?

Can I reuse my OEM TPMS?

What is TPMS?

Do I need to replace my tires when upgrading wheels?

What is the benefit of upgrading to wider wheels?

What is the difference between staggered and square wheel setups?

Do UP Forged Wheels come with a warranty?

What is the proper way to clean aftermarket wheels?

Do I need to get an alignment after installing aftermarket wheels?

Can UP Forged wheels affect my car’s performance?

What is the meaning wheel backspace?

What is the meaning of wheel offset?

How do I know what size wheel will fit my car?

Tesla Model S

INSTALLATION guide

For the do it yourselfer or trained mechanic, our in-depth installation guides provide step by step detailed instructions on fitting your Tesla with Unplugged Performance Parts.
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Find answers to common questions about Unplugged Performance products, services, and policies.
Tesla Model S

WARRANTY QUESTIONS

Did you know that 90% of our customers express concerns about their vehicle warranty.
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With real reviews from real customers, shop UP products for your Tesla Model S, 3, X, Y and Cybertruck with confidence. Leave reviews and earn up to 2000 UP Rewards points each, redeemable towards exclusive UP Products.

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Unplugged Performance is the world leader in premium performance upgrades for Tesla vehicles. With our USA-made line of stylish and high-performance parts, our sole focus is on holistic development and improvement of all Tesla cars.
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