The Tesla Model 3 is the car most likely to wear through its tyres quicker than others, needing more frequent changes, new research has shown.
Data from Kwik Fit revealed which car models are disproportionately likely to need new tyres in every area of Britain. The analysis shows that this varies from area to area, indicating that driving conditions in certain parts of the country seem tougher on some models than others.
However, The Tesla Model 3 tops the list in significantly more locations than any other vehicle. As an EV, it is already heavier than standard petrol and diesel models. Yet the appearance of the Tesla Model Y in the top 10 suggests the brand is one of the harshest on its tyres.
Tesla harsh on tyres
Kwik Fit used data from its own sites across the UK. However, the results highlight the vehicles that could also turn up in independent workshops. Therefore, garages need to be ready to service these cars, which are most likely to need tyre replacement, according to the study.
The Tesla Model 3 topped the table in terms of tyre requirements in 54 areas across the UK, more than twice as many as the Citroen Berlingo in second place. The French model topped 24 locations across the country. The Tesla Model Y took third, leading in 16 areas.
The presence of two popular Tesla models in the top three also highlights the need for workshops to understand and prepare to work on electric vehicles. While there may not be need for in-depth servicing and maintenance, tyre replacement is still going to be required, possibly often. Being able to work on these vehicles safely will be essential, otherwise work will need to be turned away.
The full rankings in the study are:
| Ranking | Model | Areas topped |
| 1 | Tesla Model 3 | 54 |
| 2 | Citroen Berlingo | 24 |
| 3 | Tesla Model Y | 16 |
| 4 | Mercedes CLA | 9 |
| 5 | Volvo XC40 | 7 |
| 6 | BMW 4 Series | 7 |
| 7 | BMW 2 Series | 5 |
| 8 | Jaguar XE | 4 |
| 9 | Kia Niro | 3 |
| 10 | Skoda Karoq | 3 |
Tesla Model 3 tops London
The 54 locations where the Tesla Model 3 tops the table cover a wide variety of areas, ranging from Aberdeenshire to Devon. It saw its highest score in in Enfield, where it has an index figure of 9.4. In fact, across London it tops the chart in 14 out of the capital’s 32 boroughs and is in the top three places in a further seven.
The Citroen Berlingo comes top in areas from Argyll and Bute to Wiltshire, with its highest index figure of 9.2 being seen in Medway. Intriguingly, despite being top of the table in 24 areas of the UK, the model does not appear in the top three in any of the London boroughs.
When all the models from each manufacturer are combined, five marques account for the vehicles most disproportionately needing new tyres in four fifths of the country Tesla and Citroen remain in first and second place in this combined table, but BMW takes the third position with a range of model families contributing to its score, namely the 2 and 4 Series, as well as the X1, X3 and X5.
The Tesla Model 3 is the main contributor to Tesla topping the brand chart. While this may be due to its popularity, and its increased weight, it is telling that few other EVs made the list.
| Ranking | Manufacturer | Areas topped |
| 1 | Tesla | 70 |
| 2 | Citroen | 24 |
| 3 | BMW | 15 |
| 4 | Mercedes | 14 |
| 5 | Volvo | 13 |
While the top five marques account for 80% of areas, the data reveals some models requiring a disproportionate number of new tyres in one specific area. For instance, the Suzuki Alto tops the table in Dundee, while the Welsh county borough of Torfaen sees the Vauxhall Adam at the top of the list.
In contrast, the MG ZS appears to find the streets of Barking and Dagenham tough on its tyres. None of these models top the table anywhere else in the country.
