Rotate all four tires on a 2024 Model X Plaid using the manufacturer-recommended pattern to even out wear from the tri-motor's instant torque and the vehicle's significant curb weight. Tesla recommends tire rotation every 6,250 miles or when tread depth difference reaches 2/32 inch.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Lug nut covers / center caps (replace if damaged on removal) × 1 — OEM Tesla Model X cosmetic lug cover

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 low-voltage battery if performing any work beyond a simple rotation. (For tire rotation only, this step may be skipped IF Jack Mode is engaged — but disconnect if you are unsure.) The 12V battery is located in the frunk.
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, navigate to Controls > Service > Jack Mode and enable it. The air suspension will raise to Very High and disable auto-leveling. Confirm the on-screen message before lifting.
7. Verify tire pressures cold (before driving) and record current readings — recommended pressures are listed on the driver's door jamb placard.
8. Inspect each tire for uneven wear, cupping, sidewall damage, and embedded objects before rotating. Note the original position of each tire (chalk mark LF, RF, LR, RR).

Procedure

1. 1

   Confirm Jack Mode and identify lift points
   Verify the touchscreen shows Jack Mode is active. Locate the four factory lift points on the pinch welds — they are marked by reinforced sections inboard of the rocker panels. Position puck adapters at these points only.
   ⚠️Lifting outside of the designated points can crush the rocker, deform the battery enclosure, or puncture the HV pack.
2. 2

   Break lug nuts loose on the ground
   With all four wheels still on the ground, use a 21mm socket and breaker bar to loosen each lug nut approximately 1/2 turn. Do not remove. Loosening on the ground prevents wheel rotation and avoids stressing the hub bearings.
3. 3

   Lift one axle (or full vehicle)
   Place the floor jack with puck adapter under the designated lift point. Lift slowly and place a rated jack stand under the same lift point or the manufacturer-specified secondary support location. Repeat for the opposite side. For full rotation, lift all four corners and support on four jack stands.
   ⚠Never work under a vehicle supported only by a hydraulic jack.
4. 4

   Remove wheels
   Fully remove the loosened lug nuts and pull each wheel straight off the hub. Place wheels face-down on a clean surface to protect finish. Inspect the hub face and wheel mating surface for corrosion or debris — clean with a wire brush if needed. Do NOT apply anti-seize to the studs (Tesla does not recommend it; it alters torque values).
5. 5

   Inspect tires and brakes
   With wheels off, measure tread depth at inner, center, and outer ribs of each tire. Record values. Inspect brake pads through the caliper window — front Plaid pads should have visible friction material remaining; replace if under approx. 3mm. Check rotors for scoring, lip, or heat discoloration. Verify air suspension struts show no oil weeping.
6. 6

   Rotate tires using the correct pattern
   On the Model X Plaid, front and rear tire sizes may DIFFER (square vs. staggered fitment depends on wheel option). VERIFY by reading the sidewall sizes. If staggered (different front/rear sizes), rotate side-to-side ONLY (LF<->RF, LR<->RR), and only if tires are non-directional. If square fitment with non-directional tires, use a rearward cross pattern: rear tires move straight to the front; front tires cross to the opposite-side rear. For directional tires (arrow on sidewall), rotate front-to-rear on the same side only.
   ⚠Installing a directional tire backwards or a staggered tire on the wrong axle will compromise handling and tread life. When in doubt, do not rotate — consult the tire manufacturer's chart.
7. 7

   Mount wheels and hand-thread lug nuts
   Lift each wheel onto the hub, aligning with the wheel studs. Hand-thread all five lug nuts until snug. Never use an impact to start a lug nut on aluminum hubs — cross-threading will damage the stud.
8. 8

   Snug lug nuts in star pattern (off the ground)
   With the wheel still off the ground, snug each lug nut in a star (criss-cross) pattern to roughly 50% of final torque to seat the wheel evenly against the hub.
9. 9

   Lower vehicle and final-torque lug nuts
   Lower the vehicle so the tires just contact the ground (enough to prevent rotation but with most weight still on the jack), then final-torque each lug nut in a star pattern. For factory alloy wheels, torque to 130 Nm (96 lb-ft). If aftermarket steel wheels are fitted, use 140 Nm (103 lb-ft). Refer to verified spec — do not exceed.
   ⚠️Lug nut torque is CRITICAL. Use a calibrated click or digital torque wrench — never an impact gun for final torque.
   Torque spec

   Lug Nuts - Alloy Wheels130 Nm (96 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Fully lower vehicle and exit Jack Mode
    Lower the vehicle completely and remove the jack. On the touchscreen, exit Jack Mode (the suspension will return to normal ride height after the vehicle is driven above approximately 5 mph).
11. 11

    Set tire pressures
    Set each tire to the cold pressure specified on the driver's door jamb placard. Plaid pressures typically differ front vs. rear — follow the placard, not generic values.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall any lug nut covers / aero center caps that were removed.
2. Reconnect the 12V battery if it was disconnected; close the frunk.
3. Confirm Jack Mode is OFF on the touchscreen.
4. Drive the vehicle a short distance (above 5 mph) so the air suspension recalibrates to normal ride height.

Verification

• Recheck all 20 lug nuts in star pattern at 130 Nm (96 lb-ft) after the first 50 miles of driving — this is a CRITICAL Tesla requirement.
• Verify TPMS shows pressure for all four wheels on the touchscreen (Controls > Service or the tire pressure card). If a sensor reads '--', drive 10-15 minutes above 15 mph for the sensors to re-pair.
• Listen for any unusual vibration, pull, or steering wobble at 40-70 mph — could indicate a wheel not fully seated or a directional/staggered tire installed incorrectly.
• Confirm air suspension auto-levels correctly and shows no fault messages on the driver display.
• Log the rotation mileage. Tesla recommends tire rotation every 6,250 miles on the Model X due to the heavy curb weight and instant tri-motor torque. While the wheels are off is also an ideal time to schedule the 2-year brake fluid service and 2-year cabin filter replacement if those intervals are due.

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