Rotate all four tires on a 2024 Model S Plaid in a forward-cross pattern (or front-to-back if directional) to even out wear caused by instant tri-motor torque and the vehicle's high curb weight. Tesla recommends this every 6,250 miles or whenever tread depth differs by 2/32" or more between tires.

Warnings

Tools required

Preparation

1. Park on level ground, place in P, engage parking brake.
2. Exit ALL doors with key fob away from the vehicle. Wait at least 2 minutes for HV systems to fully de-energize, even on this non-HV job.
3. Disconnect the 12V (or 16V lithium on this 2024 Plaid — located under the rear seat or in the frunk; verify by VIN) low-voltage battery. For a tire rotation with no body/electrical disassembly, battery disconnect is optional but recommended if the vehicle will be on stands for an extended period to prevent accidental wake-up and air suspension actuation.
4. DO NOT touch, cut, or pierce ANY orange cable — these are high-voltage and lethal.
5. If at any point you encounter an orange cable, an HV component, or are unsure if a system is de-energized: STOP and consult a Tesla-certified technician.
6. On the touchscreen, go to Controls > Service > Jack Mode (or Service Mode > Air Suspension) to disable the air suspension auto-leveling. The Plaid uses adaptive air suspension and will fight the jack if Jack Mode is not enabled.
7. Verify tire fitment: confirm whether the vehicle has square (same size all four corners) or staggered (different front/rear) wheels, and whether tires are directional. This determines the rotation pattern.
8. Check and record current tire pressures and tread depths at each corner before rotation.

Procedure

1. 1

   Determine rotation pattern
   For square non-directional fitment (most common 19" Tempest configuration): use forward-cross pattern — front tires move straight back, rear tires cross to opposite front. For directional tires: front-to-back same side only. For staggered fitment (different front/rear sizes): side-to-side on same axle only, or do not rotate.
2. 2

   Loosen lug nuts on the ground
   With all four wheels still on the ground, break each lug nut loose approximately 1/2 turn using a 21mm socket and breaker bar. Do not fully remove. The Model S Plaid uses standard lug nuts (not lug bolts) — no aero covers are present on most 2024 wheel designs, but if equipped, pry off the center cap or aero cover first using a plastic trim tool.
   ⚠If the vehicle has wheel locks, ensure the lock key adapter is present in the frunk before starting.
3. 3

   Confirm Jack Mode is active
   Verify on the touchscreen that Jack Mode is engaged. The air suspension should not adjust ride height while in this mode. If suspension hisses or moves while jacking, lower the vehicle and re-enable Jack Mode.
4. 4

   Lift the vehicle at OEM jack points
   Locate the four reinforced jack pad locations on the underside (just inboard of each rocker, marked by a circular indent or puck recess). Insert a Tesla-spec rubber jack puck into the recess, then position the floor jack under the puck. Lift one corner at a time and place a jack stand under the same OEM jack point. Repeat for all four corners, or work two corners at a time depending on shop equipment.
   ⚠️Lifting on the battery pack edge, control arms, or aluminum floor will damage structural components and may breach the HV battery enclosure.
5. 5

   Remove wheels
   Fully remove the loosened lug nuts and pull each wheel straight off the hub. If a wheel is stuck due to corrosion at the hub-to-wheel mating surface, gently rock the vehicle or tap the inside of the tire (not the wheel face) with a rubber mallet. Set each wheel face-down on a clean surface to protect the finish.
6. 6

   Inspect during rotation
   With wheels off, inspect: brake pad thickness through the caliper window, rotor surface condition (look for excessive lip, scoring, or rust ridges), CV boots (front for tri-motor AWD), and any visible air strut leakage or oil residue (known wear point on Plaid air suspension after ~80K mi). Note any findings for the customer.
7. 7

   Clean hub mating surfaces
   Wire-brush or wipe each hub face and the wheel's center bore mating surface to remove rust and debris. A clean interface prevents wheel vibration and ensures even clamping force. Do not apply anti-seize to the wheel studs or lug nut seats — this changes torque-to-clamp-load behavior.
8. 8

   Install wheels in new positions
   Per the rotation pattern determined in Step 1, mount each wheel onto its new hub. Hand-thread all lug nuts until snug to ensure cross-threading has not occurred. Snug down in a star pattern.
9. 9

   Lower the vehicle
   Remove jack stands and lower all four corners to the ground. Keep Jack Mode engaged until the vehicle is fully on its tires.
10. 10

    Final torque to specification
    Using a calibrated torque wrench, tighten each lug nut in a star (criss-cross) pattern to the alloy wheel specification. Make two passes — first to ~50%, then to final torque — to ensure even seating. Do not use an impact wrench for final torque.
    ⚠Over-torquing can stretch wheel studs and warp brake rotors. Under-torquing can cause wheel separation. Use a calibrated wrench only.
    Torque spec

    Lug Nuts - Alloy Wheels130 Nm (96 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Set tire pressures
    Adjust each tire to the placard pressure shown on the driver's B-pillar sticker (typically 42 psi cold for 2024 Model S Plaid, but verify on the actual placard for your wheel/tire combination). Pressures should be set cold.
12. 12

    Exit Jack Mode
    On the touchscreen, disable Jack Mode. The air suspension will re-level to the selected ride height. Allow 30–60 seconds for the system to stabilize before driving.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall any wheel center caps or aero covers that were removed.
2. Reconnect the 12V/16V low-voltage battery if it was disconnected.
3. Stow the jack, pucks, and lug wrench/key.
4. Clear any TPMS or suspension warnings from the touchscreen if present after the first drive cycle.

Verification

• Drive the vehicle at low speed in a safe area and confirm no vibration, pulling, or unusual noise from any corner.
• Confirm no TPMS, ride height, or suspension fault messages appear on the instrument cluster after a few minutes of driving — TPMS auto-locate should re-associate sensor positions.
• Verify all four tires display correct pressure on the touchscreen tire pressure page.
• RE-TORQUE all lug nuts to the alloy wheel specification after 50 miles of driving — this is critical and listed on the verified torque spec.
• Log this rotation in the service record. Tesla recommends tire rotation every 6,250 miles on Model S Plaid due to instant tri-motor torque and high vehicle mass — schedule the next rotation accordingly.
• While the vehicle is being serviced, also check the 2-year service interval items if due: brake fluid (DOT 3/4 — verify by VIN), cabin air filter (3 years if HEPA-equipped with Bioweapon Defense Mode), and drive unit gear oil (initial 12,500 mi service then 25–50K mi).

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