Recently bought new wheels for winter — or to bring more style to your Model 3?
I read 19 forum threads back to back and analyzed 9 products to find the best Tesla Model 3 TPMS sensors.
Discover the products Tesla owners recommend the most, how to install them, and how to ensure your Model 3 recognizes them fast (without any programming required).
Best Tesla Model 3 TPMS Sensors Overall: ITM
If you’re like most people, you’d rather have hassle-free TPMS sensors that are recognized immediately, work like the OEM sensors, and last for years.
Look no further.
With 80+ positive reviews, customers report these sensors automatically sync with the car’s computer after a few miles of driving.
After that, you’re done for the next 6 years of battery life.
If you want reliable TPMS sensors that require no programming and will last for years to come, these offer the best value.
There are some caveats, though:
One customer reported a problem on his new Vossen 19×10 VFS1 wheels: the valve stems hit the rear brake caliper.
If you’ve got some racing/bulky caliper or wheels, keep this in mnid.
Such problems has only been mentioned once, though. The sensors have been used successfully with TSportlinee TSS wheels and plenty of winter wheel/tire kits.
It’s likely that this product fits other Teslas but whether programming would be required in such case remains a question.
One kind customer took the time to record his installation process and upload it to YouTube:
Consider rebooting your car’s computer if the sensors aren’t recognized after ~10 miles.
In some instances, that’s what it’ll take for your Model 3 to register the new wheel configuration.
With a very reasonable price, up to 6 years of expected battery life, and a 2-year warranty (twice as much as competitors), you just can’t go wrong with these Tesla Model 3 TPMS sensors.
Pros:
Fits: 2016 to 2020 Model 3 (pre-refresh models)
✅ No programming needed.
✅ Up to 6 years of battery life. Likely to outlast your car ownership.
✅ Backed by a 2-year warranty
✅ Comes with all the nuts and screws tools required
Cons:
❌ Valve stem may hit brake caliper with some racing wheels.
Original Tesla Model 3 TPMS Sensors (From TireRack)
If you’ve had no problems whatsoever with the original TPMS sensors, the serial number S180052068 are the ones you need to look for.
Sold by TireRack and made by Continental, plenty of positive comments can be found on Tesla owners forums across the board.
“I’ve bought two sets from Tire Rack and they worked perfectly. No programming needed,” summarizes the experience owners have had with these TPMS sensors.
Not only will they work for the Model 3 (models from 2016 to 2020), but the Model X & Model S also use the same original part replacement.
To get your hands on the Tesla Model 3 TPMS sensors, call your closest Tesla service center to verify price but it seems that TireRack sells them for considerably less:
“I recall them being much cheaper than OEMs and we’ve had no problems so far. They worked perfectly and automatically calibrated following installation at the local Costco.”
Tesla Owners Online
Although not as affordable as our top pick, these sensors are certainly worth it.
Tesla upgraded its Model Y and refreshed Model 3 with Tesla-branded TPMS sensors, which you can also get from this reputable site.
Pros:
Fits: 2016 – 2020 Model 3’s.
2021+ Model 3 & Model Y available.
✅ Original manufacturer part
✅ No programming needed
✅ Up to 6 years of battery life. Likely to outlast your car ownership.
Cons:
❌ More expensive
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How Do You Reset The TPMS on a Tesla Model 3?
The process of installing new TPMS sensors was witnessed in the YouTube video I included above.
What should you do after you’ve replaced one or more wheels (with your new TPMS sensors)?
Well… nothing!
According to Tesla Model 3 Owners’ Manual, “TPMS sensors reset automatically after driving over 15 mph (25 km/h) for longer than 10 minutes.”
Customers of the sensors described, though, report it may take a while longer — about ~10 miles or more.
You may choose to manually reset the sensors by touching Service > Reset TPMS sensors on your car’s touchscreen. It may or may not speed up the process.
Frequent Buyer Concerns
- Can I install TPMS sensors myself?
As shown above, installing TPMS sensors (both physically and electronically) require little time and work.
Even if you’ve never dealt with sensors like this before, installing sensors is a straightforward process.
- Are TPMS sensors required when replacing tires?
Legal mandates have enforced automakers to produce vehicles with TPMS sensors equipped for years now.
Although as a consumer, you’re unlikely to be penalized for not using TPMS sensors, they’re a safety device.
Use them. Avoid dangerous situations like driving with a flat, overinflated, wore-down set of tires, which can lead to blowouts and accidents.
- What is the recommended tire pressure for Tesla Model 3?
This is a frequent debate in Tesla forums.
Tesla’s recommendation is clear: 42 psi — unless you’re heading to a race track to drive at speeds above 130 mph, in which case 44 psi is more suitable.
Although Tesla’s CEO, Elon Musk, has suggested as much as 45 psi for maximum range — and as low as 39 psi for better handling.
As long as your tires allow, anywhere between 39 and 45 psi should be safe.
Drive with different pressures and choose the one you feel most comfortable with.
- Why does my tire pressure varies so much?
Under extreme climates (specially in winter), you should expect your tire pressure to change.
The general consensus is that tire pressure drops by 1 or 2 psi for every 10 °F drop in temperature.
High altitudes also play a role.
According to TireRack, “traveling from a high, [5000-foot] altitude location to sea level would result in an apparent loss of pressure of about 2-3 psi.”
You can see how variance can be as much 5 or 6 psi during a road trip.
Make sure to monitor your tire pressure closely — and bring a tire inflator kit with you just in case.
- Can I calibrate Tesla’s tire pressure measurements to eliminate low pressure warnings?
Yes.
Some Tesla owners feel that factory Tesla Model 3 TPMS sensors are all over the place.
Although this may be due to temperature and/or elevation, here’s what you can do to “calibrate” your TPMS sensors and let them know what’s your new normal:
- Inflate your tires to your desired pressure using a pressure gauge as reference — rather than Tesla’s sensors measurements.
- Head over to Controls > Service > Reset TPMS Sensors to “calibrate” the system. Any low pressure warning should disappear.
Despite these settings, however, your TPMS sensors measurements won’t change —
But now both you and your vehicle know the pressure is just fine, regardless of what the sensors say.
- Does Model Y uses the same Model 3 TPMS sensors?
Yes, depending on model year.
As seen on TireRack, it appears that Tesla-branded sensors are being used on the Model Y and the refreshed, 2020- Model 3.
The good news is that as long as the sensors use the same frequency, they’ll work with nearly any vehicle.
If you own a Model Y, to be safe and avoid having to program your new sensors, I’d suggest getting the Tesla-branded version right away.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to equip your 2016 – 2020 Model 3 with new wheels and TPMS sensors, ITM sensors will offer the best bang for your buck.
It’s the lowest priced and best-rated Tesla Model 3 TPMS sensors package — and it doesn’t sacrifice reliability or longevity at all.
If you’re a more conservative person who wants nothing but original parts (and are willing to pay the premium),
What you’re looking for are TireRack’s sensors (Part S180052068) (compatible with pre-refresh models),
Or the Tesla-branded pressure sensors for the refreshed Model 3 (and Model Y).
Zac Ludicrous
Mechanical engineer by profession. TSLA shareholder before the hype. EV enthusiast all day long. Zac enjoys learning about the future of battery technology, autonomy, and EVs. He considers Tesla Model 3 the most important vehicle of the 21st century -- and is in a quest to improve the ownership experience of every Model 3 owner he possibly can.These 5 rare tips can save you so much time and stress – and few owners know about them (even after years of ownership). Sign up below to learn more. It's free!
