How Fast Do Electric Car Tyres Wear Out Compared to Petrol Cars?
How Fast Do Electric Car Tyres Wear Out Compared to Petrol Cars?
Electric vehicles (EVs) offer instant torque, quiet operation, and lower running costs, but they also come with unique maintenance considerations—especially when it comes to tyres. Many EV owners notice that their tyres wear out faster than those on petrol or diesel cars, leading to more frequent replacements and higher long-term costs.
At Andrews Car Centre in Lincoln, we specialise in EV tyre fitting, maintenance, and replacements, ensuring your electric car stays safe and efficient. In this guide, we’ll explain:
✅ Why electric car tyres wear out faster than petrol or diesel car tyres
✅ How tyre choice affects longevity and performance
✅ Signs that your EV tyres need replacing
✅ How to extend the lifespan of your electric car tyres
If you drive an electric vehicle, understanding why tyre wear is different can help you save money and maximise performance.
1. Why Do Electric Car Tyres Wear Out Faster?
Compared to traditional vehicles, EVs place greater stress on tyres, leading to faster wear. The main reasons for this include:
🚗 1. Heavier Vehicle Weight
- EVs are heavier than petrol or diesel cars due to their large battery packs.
- The extra weight increases tyre wear, especially on the front tyres.
- Example: A Tesla Model 3 weighs 1,850kg, compared to a BMW 3 Series (1,500kg)—that’s 350kg more!
📌 Heavier vehicles put more strain on tyres, causing faster tread wear and reducing lifespan.
⚡ 2. Instant Torque & Acceleration
- Unlike petrol cars, which gradually build power, EVs deliver instant torque.
- This rapid power transfer increases stress on the tyres, particularly during acceleration.
- Rear-wheel-drive EVs experience more wear on the rear tyres, while front-wheel-drive EVs wear the front tyres faster.
📌 Hard acceleration can reduce tyre life by thousands of miles!
🔇 3. Increased Tyre Pressure from Regenerative Braking
- Regenerative braking (Regen) uses the electric motor to slow the car down, reducing wear on brake pads but increasing stress on tyres.
- This can lead to uneven tread wear, especially if the tyres are not rotated regularly.
📌 While Regen braking extends brake lifespan, it contributes to faster tyre wear.
🏎️ 4. Softer, Low-Rolling Resistance Tyres
- EVs use specialised tyres with a softer compound for better grip, efficiency, and reduced road noise.
- However, softer rubber wears out faster than traditional tyres.
- Many premium EVs come with acoustic dampening tyres, which prioritise comfort over durability.
📌 Standard tyres may last longer, but they can negatively impact EV efficiency, range, and road noise levels.
2. How Long Do EV Tyres Last Compared to Petrol Car Tyres?
🚗 On average, petrol/diesel car tyres last: 25,000 – 40,000 miles
🔋 On average, EV tyres last: 15,000 – 30,000 miles
📌 EV tyres typically wear out 20-30% faster than petrol car tyres, depending on driving style, tyre type, and road conditions.
💡 Luxury EVs with high torque (e.g., Tesla, Porsche Taycan) wear tyres even faster, sometimes requiring replacement every 10,000 – 15,000 miles.
3. Signs That Your EV Tyres Need Replacing
🚨 Watch out for these warning signs that your electric car tyres need changing:
✔️ Tread depth below 1.6mm – UK law requires a minimum tread depth of 1.6mm (but safety experts recommend changing at 3mm).
✔️ Uneven wear – Regen braking can cause one side of the tyre to wear faster.
✔️ Increased road noise – A worn-out EV tyre loses noise-reducing properties, making the car sound louder inside.
✔️ Reduced grip & longer braking distances – Worn tyres impact stability, acceleration, and braking efficiency.
✔️ Visible cracks or bulges – EV tyres endure extra stress, so sidewall damage is common.
📌 Regular tyre inspections help prevent premature wear and ensure safe driving.
4. How to Make Your Electric Car Tyres Last Longer
Even though EV tyres wear out faster, there are ways to extend their lifespan and reduce replacement costs:
✅ 1. Choose the Right Tyres for Your EV
- Some tyre brands last longer than others—look for EV-specific tyres designed for durability.
- Best EV tyre brands: Michelin e.Primacy, Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance, Continental EcoContact 6, Pirelli Elect.
📌 Investing in high-quality EV tyres can add thousands of extra miles to their lifespan.
✅ 2. Maintain Proper Tyre Pressure
- Check tyre pressure every 2-4 weeks—low pressure increases rolling resistance and wear.
- Follow manufacturer recommendations for optimal tyre pressure.
📌 Underinflated tyres wear out faster and reduce EV range.
✅ 3. Rotate Your Tyres Regularly
- Since EV tyres wear unevenly, rotate them every 6,000 – 8,000 miles.
- This helps distribute wear across all four tyres, improving lifespan.
📌 Front-wheel-drive EVs wear front tyres faster—rotating them extends overall tyre life.
✅ 4. Drive Smoothly & Avoid Hard Acceleration
- Rapid acceleration wears tyres quickly due to high torque.
- Try gentle starts and avoid sharp cornering or harsh braking.
📌 Driving style has a huge impact on tyre longevity—smooth driving extends lifespan.
✅ 5. Get Regular Wheel Alignment & Balancing
- Misaligned wheels cause uneven tyre wear, especially in heavier EVs.
- Get a wheel alignment check every 10,000 miles or if you hit a pothole.
📌 Proper alignment prevents premature wear and improves efficiency.
5. Why Choose Andrews Car Centre for EV Tyres in Lincoln?
At Andrews Car Centre, we provide:
✔️ EV-Specific Tyres – Stocking premium and budget options designed for electric cars.
✔️ Tyre Fitting & Balancing – Ensuring maximum lifespan and performance.
✔️ Wheel Alignment Services – Preventing uneven tyre wear.
✔️ Puncture Repairs & Replacements – Keeping your EV road-ready.
✔️ Competitive Pricing – Affordable options for all budgets.
🚗 Need new EV tyres? Let us help you choose the right ones for your car and driving style!
Book Your EV Tyre Fitting at Andrews Car Centre Today!
📞 Call Andrews Car Centre now or book online for expert EV tyre fitting in Lincoln.
🚗🔋 Andrews Car Centre – Lincoln’s Trusted Electric Car Tyre Specialists.