Can I use a Modern Spare made for a Tesla Model 3 on my Tesla Model Y and vice versa?

Although the Tesla Model 3 and Model Y share many identical specifications, the ways in which they differ are critical. Does this apply to the Model S and Model X?

The official answer to this question is no, the spare tire assemblies are not interchangeable.

What is different between the two spar tire kits?

The Model Y and Model 3 share the same wheel lug pattern of 5x114.3mm (often called the PCD). However, each model has a specific overall tire diameter. The tires on a Model Y are significantly taller than those on a Model 3. This is true regardless of the wheel options you have chosen or the car's trim level. As a reminder, wheel size and tire size are very different measurements. Tire size is not necessarily affected by wheel size, as discussed here.

More than most, Tesla vehicles are less tolerant of having a spare tire too far outside of a specific overall diameter compared to the other three tires on the vehicle. Because of this, Modern Spare uses very specific but different tire sizes for the Model 3 and Y.

The traction control system on your Tesla is quite sophisticated. By using a Model 3 Spare Tire Kit on your Model Y, the system will perceive a loss of traction issue and constantly try and make corrections. This can put a lot of stress on the vehicle drivetrain. The same applies to using a Model Y Spare Tire Kit on a Model 3 with the added concern of adequate steering clearances. The Model Y Spare tire is taller and may not clear the front steering components during use.

Does this apply to the Model S and Model X?

Just as the Model Y and Model 3 are similar to each other, the Model S and Model X are similar to each other. The S and X share the same bolt pattern of 5X120mm. The main difference is tire size but the tire diameter between the S and X is significant and prevents a universal fit between the two models.

I have been told there are some instances where I can use one for the other. Is this true?

There is one exception to the above explanation, and should only be considered for emergency scenarios. A Model 3 Spare Tire Kit could be used on a Model Y, but only after the traction control system is set to its most inactive setting (slip-start mode), and once this is done, the spare should only be used for short distances and only at reduced speeds. Do not use the Model 3 on the Model Y fat or near highway speeds or for distances further than 20 miles. The Model Y Spare Tire Kit should not be used on the Model 3.

What if we have a Modern Spare Kit for one of these models but have since purchased or now own the other model?

If you own a spare tire kit for a Model 3 but now own a Model Y, purchasing an entire new kit is unnecessary. Modern Spare offers replacement tires because the main difference is the tire size. Simply replacing the tire on your spare wheel is a great money-saving option compared to buying a kit for your new model. If going from a Model 3 to a Model Y, you may need to purchase a new storage case as the tire size for the Model Y is too large for the case used on the Model 3 kit.

The Same applies to owners of either the S and X. If you have recently changed between these two models, there may be an option of simply changing the tire rather than purchasing an entire kit. This is not quite as simple as with the Y and 3 but we can assist you further if needed.