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Leon’s Cybertruck is eating through tires at a shocking rate—but is it a Tesla Cybertruck problem, or is the real culprit something that owners have control over? Here’s what all Cybertruck owners need to know.
Leon Lee on the Tesla Cybertruck Owners Only Facebook page says,
“I have 37,000 miles on my Tesla Cybertruck, and I’m already on my second pair of tires. The first pair of tires was done at 22,000 miles, and yes, I did the alignment with Tesla Service! Who has the same situation? I don’t think this is normal. Any ideas?”
Leon’s experience with needing a second set of tires at just 37,000 miles, given that the first pair gave up at 22,000, is a major red flag, and he’s right—that’s not normal for a typical pickup truck.
I’ve been digging into this specific issue, and Leon’s not alone. While some of these problems can be attributed to simple misalignment, a lot of what we’re seeing stems from a perfect storm of unique factors inherent to the Cybertruck’s design and performance.
It’s a supercar in the body of a truck, and that combination plays havoc with tires. The good news is that by understanding the “why,” you can take control and significantly improve the situation. I’ll break down the problem and provide Cybertruck owners with a solution.
The factory alignment.
Leon gets an alignment done at Tesla Service and is still having issues. Here’s why.
Rapid Tire Degradation
First, let’s get to the heart of the matter and talk about the causes of excessive tire wear on the Tesla Cybertruck. The Cybertruck is not just another truck; it weighs in at nearly 7,000 pounds. This massive weight puts a tremendous load on the tires, far more than a conventional gas-powered Ford F-150 or Chevy Silverado of a similar size.
The tires are constantly under immense stress, especially when cornering or accelerating. That weight, combined with the instant, unrelenting torque of the electric motors, is a recipe for rapid rubber destruction.
The powertrain’s insane torque, especially in modes like Beast Mode, is another significant factor. Unlike a traditional internal combustion engine that builds power gradually, the Cybertruck delivers a staggering amount of twist force (torque) to the wheels from the first moment the accelerator is pressed.
The Primary Cause
This torque can cause microscopic slips between the tire and the road surface, especially on initial acceleration, which effectively shaves away the tread with every launch. If you’re someone who enjoys using that power, you’ll pay for it in tire tread. This is a primary cause of the Cybertruck’s rapid tire degradation.
Adding to the complexity is the rear-axle steering system. This piece of engineering makes the Cybertruck surprisingly agile for its size. However, when the rear wheels turn in the opposite direction of the front wheels at low speeds, or in the same direction at high speeds, they introduce an additional sideways scrubbing motion on the tire.
Over time, this scrubbing acts like a belt sander, wearing down the edges of the tread and contributing to the premature wear like Leon is seeing. Even with a perfect alignment, this unique dynamic is a constant source of stress on the rubber.
How To Maximize the Cybertruck’s Tire Life
So, what’s the solution? This isn’t just about throwing new tires on the truck. It’s about a complete change in strategy.
1. Re-evaluate Your Tire Choice:
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The stock tires are a balance of on-road performance and off-road capability, but they may not be the optimal choice for longevity. When it’s time for your next pair, consider investing in the best tires for the Tesla Cybertruck to handle high torque. Look for a tire with a higher load rating (load index) and a more durable compound.
A tire designed for heavy-duty commercial applications or a dedicated all-season highway tire with a higher treadwear rating might offer a longer lifespan. Yes, you might sacrifice a bit of the off-road ruggedness or a few miles of range, but for daily driving, it’s a worthy trade-off. Brands like Michelin Defender LTX, as well as some Goodyear and BFGoodrich models, have a reputation for durability under heavy loads.
2. Master the Power Pedal:
While it’s tempting to enjoy the instant acceleration, consider engaging “Chill Mode” for your daily commute. This smooths out the power delivery and significantly reduces the microscopic tire scrubbing that happens during a hard launch.
By being more mindful of the throttle, you can dramatically improve your Tesla Cybertruck tire maintenance and rotation schedule. Gentle starts and stops will protect your tire tread from the immense power of the dual- or tri-motor setup. This simple habit can be the single most effective way to extend your tire lifespan.
3. Get a Professional, Expert Alignment (Again):
Don’t just settle for another alignment at the same place. If you’re still experiencing issues, consider visiting a specialty shop that specializes in performance vehicles or heavy-duty trucks. They have the equipment to handle the Cybertruck’s weight and, more importantly, the expertise to account for the unique rear-axle steering.
A precise four-wheel alignment is non-negotiable for solving common Tesla Cybertruck alignment problems and preventing uneven wear patterns. A proper alignment will ensure your wheels are perfectly perpendicular to the road and parallel to each other, minimizing the scrubbing motion that chews up rubber.
4. Implement a More Aggressive Tire Rotation Schedule:
The 6,250-mile (10,000 km) rotation interval recommended by Tesla is a great starting point, but given the heavy loads and high torque, you should consider doing it even more frequently. I’d recommend rotating your tires every 5,000 miles or so.
Regular rotation is the most important part of maximizing tire lifespan on a Tesla Cybertruck. It ensures that each tire wears evenly across all four positions on the vehicle, preventing any one tire from taking the brunt of the load and wearing out prematurely.
5. Stay on Top of Tire Pressure:
This is a simple but critical point. The Cybertruck’s tires have a recommended pressure of 50 PSI, but always check the specific rating on your tire information label. With such a heavy vehicle, a slight drop in pressure can significantly increase the surface area of the tire touching the road, leading to more friction and faster wear.
Under-inflated tires will also make the truck feel squishy and less responsive. I recommend checking your tire pressure at least once a month, preferably when the tires are cold. Maintaining the correct PSI is essential for the impact of Cybertruck’s weight and torque on tire longevity.
In The End
The takeaway here is that Leon’s experience is not a manufacturing defect but rather a consequence of physics. A 3.5-ton vehicle with instant torque and all-wheel steering is simply a very different animal from a traditional pickup. The stock tires, while capable, are a compromise. The good news is that by taking a more proactive and informed approach to maintenance and driving, you can solve this problem yourself.
A simple alignment might be the first step, but a better solution requires you to consider your driving habits, tire selection, and maintenance schedule. By being a more mindful driver and committing to a more frequent maintenance routine, you can keep your Cybertruck on the road for thousands more miles and save yourself the hassle and cost of premature tire replacement.
How About You?
Here’s a question for Cybertruck owners: For those of you who have owned the high-performance EV Cybertruck, what unique challenges did you face that you were able to overcome by changing your habits or maintenance routine? Share your experiences in the red Add New Comment link below and let us know.
Check out my Tesla Cybertruck story: My Tesla Cybertruck Just Drove Itself Back To the Dealer Because of the Heavy Debt I Owe, Come Back Cybertruck
I am Denis Flierl, a Senior Torque News Reporter since 2012. My 30+ year tenure in the automotive industry, initially in a consulting role with every major car brand and later as a freelance journalist test-driving new vehicles, has equipped me with a wealth of knowledge. I specialize in reporting the latest automotive news, covering owner stories, and providing expert analysis, ensuring that you are always well-informed and up-to-date. Follow me on X @DenisFlierl, @WorldsCoolestRides, Facebook, and Instagram
Photo credit: Denis Flierl via Leon Lee
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Source: torquenews.com
