Tesla Flat Tire (Essential Repair Tips & Kits)

Last updated on September 12th, 2023 at 03:03 am

Has a flat tire stranded you on your Tesla before? A flat tire can be frustrating, especially if you lack a spare or need to be more knowledgeable about using a repair kit.

If you own a Tesla, you’d know this famous automotive brand doesn’t include a spare tire with their vehicles.

However, this company provides plenty of options for handling yourself when pinched with a flat wheel rubber covering. But what is the best action in such a situation?

Tesla offers road assistance to handle their vehicles’ flat tires and other emergencies. Road users can use a Tesla tire repair kit to temporarily seal and plug patches in tires until they get to a repair shop. In addition, this automobile brand provides a TPMS (tire pressure monitoring system) to inform users of tire air pressure changes.

In this article, I’ll discuss the kits you need to repair your Tesla flat tire and how to use them. Also, I’ll walk you through the tips for fixing a flat Tesla tire.

Ultimately, you’d know what to do first when you’ve got a flat tire on your vehicle.

What Kits Do You Need to Fix a Flat Tesla Tire?

To amend a flat Tesla tire, you’d need an inflator, sealant, or a tire plug to repair punctures.

First, you should know that Tesla doesn’t provide spare tires for their automobiles. However, it had repair kits to handle such emergencies with its vehicle.

These kits contain compressors, sealants, and other tools to fix a flat tire temporarily.

However, Tesla discontinued the production of these items in 2021. But you can always get them from other brands.

Below I’ll explain the kits you need to fix a flat Tesla tire:

#1. Tire Inflator Kit

A tire inflator kit or a compressor is needed to fill air into your tire.

A flat tire means reduced pressure, so this kit helps bring your wheel rubber covering to the proper pressure.

If your tire has reduced air without a puncture,  you’ll only need to inflate the tire with the compressor until you locate a repair shop.

#2. Sealant Kit

Sealant is a latex-based solution that’ll take care of holes in your tire. When there’s a puncture in your vehicle’s wheel covering, it’s unsafe to keep driving.

So, having a sealant kit handy can fix your tire temporarily. Most repair kits have a compressor and a sealant for your flat tire repair.

#3. Tire Plug Kit

A tire plug is another material you can use to deal with holes in your tire. You can get a tire plug kit if you don’t want a sealant to repair your flat Tesla tire. 

However, plug kits don’t come with a compressor. So, you’ll have to get one separately. In addition, it’s also for temporal repair.

Although a tire sealant and a tire plug kit can take care of punctures in your Tesla tire, they have pros and cons.

So, below I’ll compare both repair kits to help you make a choice.

Here is a table showing the comparison between a sealant kit and a tire plug kit: 

Sealant Kit	Tire Plug Kit
It’s costly and sells for about $120	It’s way cheaper and sells for about $20
It’s straightforward to use and requires little effort.	It requires more skill to use, with different tools
You don’t have to get dirty while working.	You’ll have to wear gloves to work
Working further on the tire after using a sealant causes a great mess	It’s straightforward to work on a tire fixed with a plug
Some sealants mess with the tire sensors and TPMS	The TPMS is safe with using a plug

How Do I Use a Tesla Tire Repair Kit?

The type of damage on your Tesla tire will determine the repair you’ll carry out on your automobile wheel covering.

Most times, you may need to fix holes and also inflate the tire, while some other times, you may only need a compressor.

Below are the ways to use a Tesla tire repair kit:

#1.How to Use an Inflator Kit

To use an inflator kit for your Tesla flat tire, first, you should know the right amount of pressure to get into your tire. Most Tesla motors require a tire pressure between 42-45 PSI.

Also, you can consult your user manual to get the correct information. Moreover, underfilling or overfilling your tire with air will wear it out.

Below are the steps to use an inflator kit:

• Remove the cap from the valve stem on the tire once you’re ready to use the compressor.
• Plug your compressor into a power outlet with the correct voltage, usually 12 volts. Ensure you place the inflator close to the tire.
• Attach the air hose to the compressor and add the quick coupler at the mouth.
• Attach the hose to the valve stem and turn on the device; you’ll hear the motor running.
• Many inflator pumps have pressure gauges to guide you so you put in the right amount of air.
• Therefore, ensure you stick around to check the gauge. Press down on the meter to remove some air if you put too much air.
• Turn the device off once the meter reads the correct pressure, and detach the hose.

#2. How to Use a Sealant Kit?

A sealant kit usually contains a compressor and a sealant to fix holes in your tire and inflate it simultaneously.

However, if you own a pressure can or a tire liquid sealant, you’ll still need a compressor to inflate the tire, as they lack compressors.

Conversely, a pressure-can sealant can inflate your tire to a certain amount of pressure.

Below is the way to use the sealant kit:

• Find the hole and check if it’s suitable for repair.
• Most sealants will work for damage between 4–6mm in diameter. Don’t attempt to repair bigger holes with the adhesive.
• Position the wheel by driving forward to place the hole on top of the tire.
• Remove your tire’s valve stem cap and follow the instruction on your kit to connect the sealant to the stem.

• Connect the compressor to the valve or the sealant according to your kit instructions.
• Plug in the compressor. 
• Power on the compressor to push air and glue onto the tire
• Ensure you follow your kit’s instructions, as sealant kits differ.

#3. How to Use a Tire Plug Kit?

To repair your tire with a tire plug, remove the tire before working on it to avoid getting too dirty.

Here is how to use the kit:

• Once you find the puncture, remove any foreign body in the tread with a plier. Your kit should have one.
• If the hole is close to the tire’s sidewall, don’t attempt to repair it with a plug.
• Use the reamer to widen the cut and clear out debris. The reamer resembles a round tool with a handle.
• Next, dip the T-handle tool with an eye at the top into a lubricant to lubricate the hole.
• Now, take the plug and thread through the device’s opening until it’s in the center.
• Next, push the tire plug through the hole in the wheel covering.
• Now, twist the T-handle and pull it out with force.
• Finally, cut off the excess plug until it’s flush with the tread.

Tips for Fixing a Flat Tesla Tire

Here are some tips for fixing a flat Tesla tire:

#1. Inspect the Damage

First, you should know the exact problem with your Tesla tire. Sometimes, you may have a flat tire without a puncture, so you wouldn’t need a sealant or plug.

Also, the width and location of the puncture would determine the best repair for your tire.

#2. Inflate the Tire When It’s Cold

Another tip you should note is inflating your tire at the right temperature. Cold temperatures will give the correct reading in the gauge.

If your wheel covering gets flat while driving, wait about 30 minutes for the tire to cool, as Hot tires show higher temperatures.

#3. Call Road Assistance

Another essential tip is to call road assistance. Suppose you need help carrying out a temporary repair. In that case, Tesla offers road assistance as long as you’ve got a valid warranty.

This service covers flat tires, towing, and lockout.

You can contact them in your Tesla Smartphone App by following these steps:

• Select “Roadside” on the app’s main screen
• Click on “Flat tire.”
• Then answer the question on the screen and follow the instructions

Additionally, you can contact them with the number for your area on the app screen. 

However, Tesla only assists drivers with flat tires up to 80 km (50 miles) from the vehicle’s location.

What Should I First Do if I Get a Flat Tire in My Tesla?

The first thing you should do when you get a flat tire in your Tesla while driving is to park your car in a safe place.

Safety is the first thing you should consider before attempting any other action. Therefore, you shouldn’t continue driving with a flat tire.

It would help if you pulled over before inspecting the tire, repairing it, or calling road assistance.

However, suppose you notice a flat tire while your car is parked. In that case, you should inspect the damage before repairing or calling road assistance.