High tire wear is a common issue faced by performance and electric vehicles, often attributed to excess weight, power, or a combination of both. This problem is not new, but Tesla Cybertruck owners are now expressing concerns after discovering that their vehicles have lost significant tire tread after just 6,000 miles of use.
One member of the Cybertruck Owners Club reported that his nearly new Cybertruck, with only 6,251 miles on the clock, may require a tire replacement. He noted in his post that the minimal tread left “must be a manufacturing defect,” lamenting that “These tires are specially made for the Cyberbeast, so this performance is unacceptable. I have an appointment on Oct 1st to discuss this with Tesla.”
In the United States, tire tread is evaluated in 32nds of an inch, with new vehicles typically boasting a tread depth of 10/32 or 11/32. The tires on the Cybertruck, available as either Pirelli Scorpion ATR all-seasons or Goodyear Wrangler Territory RT all-terrains, were measured by the owner, showing tread depths of 4/32 in the front and 5/32 in the rear. According to TireRack, tires are deemed worn out at a remaining depth of 2/32, a standard that applies not only in the U.S. but also in many regions worldwide.
TireRack recommends replacing tires even earlier if you are driving in wet or snowy conditions, suggesting changes at 4/32 and 5/32, respectively. The Cybertruck owner’s profile indicates he resides in Colorado, leading to concerns that half of his tire tread was consumed during the summer months. It’s worth noting that some trucks, SUVs, and winter tires may come with deeper tread depths when new, which, if applicable to the Tesla, raises additional concerns.
Owners of Rivian vehicles have voiced similar worries regarding excessive tire wear. While vehicle weight is a factor, the “Conserve” driving mode, designed to maximize range, can inadvertently place additional stress on the front wheels, leading to misalignment and negative camber if used for extended periods.
Tesla vehicles come with a “Chill Mode,” which softens acceleration and affects throttle response. Instead of delivering immediate power and torque, this mode provides a smoother acceleration, potentially assisting in tire longevity since there is no need for immediate access to 845 horsepower.
The Cybertruck owner admits to activating “Beast Mode” “a few times” but insists the vehicle has primarily been used on streets and highways, and has never been taken off-road or pushed to its maximum speed. However, it is common for trucks to be utilized for everyday driving rather than heavy-duty hauling.
Ultimately, the reality is that drivers are managing a nearly 7,000-pound vehicle. Even with careful driving habits that minimize sudden braking and avoid stop-and-go traffic, the Cybertruck is still a hefty steel frame, weighing three tons, accompanied by misaligned panels. Therefore, it is unrealistic to expect any set of tires to endure indefinitely, especially when the average tire replacement occurs around 50,000 miles.
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