Surprising Top Performers: These 10 Cars Wear Out Tires the Fastest

The Tesla Model 3 tops the list of vehicles with the most frequent tire changes. A major study reveals which cars wear down their tires the fastest.

Heavy Weight and High Torque = More Wear

• EVs typically weigh more than gas-powered cars
• Their high torque puts extra stress on the tires
• Sporty driving habits can increase tire wear even more

British Study Based on Millions of Data Points

• Based on data from 2 million British car owners
• Collected over a 12-month period
• Tesla Model 3 ranked #1 in 54 local regions
• Tesla Model Y followed closely in 16 areas

Unexpected Models on the List

• Citroën Berlingo also showed frequent tire changes (24 regions)
• Mercedes CLA ranked fourth overall
• It’s not just luxury cars that are tough on tires

Watch Out – Tires Wear Faster Than You Think

• The study measured frequency, not mileage
• Still, the trend is clear: EVs wear tires faster
• Even normal driving can cause faster wear – stay alert

Expensive Tires for EVs

• EV-specific tires are often more costly than standard ones
• Some specialty tires can cost twice as much
• Faster wear combined with higher prices = more expenses

Pro Tip: Keep an Eye on Your Tires

• Check for wear—especially if you drive an EV
• Use a tread depth gauge to stay on top of tire health
• Regular checks help prevent unexpected costs

Top 10 Car Models with the Most Tire Changes

The following models had the highest frequency of tire replacements according to a large UK-based study.
EVs and performance-oriented vehicles dominate the list.
Weight, torque, and driving style play a key role in tire wear.

1. Tesla Model 3

• Most frequent tire changes in the UK
• High weight and powerful acceleration
• Often used for commuting and long drives—adds wear
• Performance version is especially tough on tires

2. Citroën Berlingo

• Surprisingly high on the list
• Common as both family car and work van—lots of stopping and starting
• Heavy loads and daily use take a toll
• Available as gas, diesel, and electric—all can wear tires quickly

3. Tesla Model Y

• Large and heavy SUV with lots of torque
• Often used for family travel and longer trips
• Combo of high torque and weight leads to faster wear
• Shares platform with Model 3 but is taller and heavier

4. Mercedes CLA

• Sporty sedan focused on dynamic handling
• Powerful engines and precise steering increase tire wear
• Many models come with low-profile tires that wear faster
• Luxury and performance come with frequent tire changes

5. Volvo XC40

• Compact SUV available as EV or gas-powered
• The electric version is especially heavy and torque-strong
• Some models have AWD, causing uneven wear
• Popular company car = high mileage

6. BMW 4 Series

• Sporty coupe with rear- or all-wheel drive
• High torque and aggressive driving typical
• Low-profile tires and sport suspension accelerate wear
• Weight and performance mean frequent replacements

7. BMW 2 Series

• Smaller than the 4 Series but still sporty
• Used both privately and for business—adds up in mileage
• Gran Coupé variant is known for dynamic driving
• Rear-wheel drive and powerful engines increase tire stress

8. Jaguar XE

• Luxury sedan focused on comfort and performance
• Heavy body and sporty features stress tires
• Low suspension and strong engines reduce tire life
• Electric and hybrid versions are even heavier

9. Kia Niro

• Comes as EV, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid
• EV model is heavy and rough on tires
• Designed for daily practicality—high usage wears them down
• Regenerative braking in hybrids also affects tire wear

10. Skoda Karoq

Comfort + practicality = increased tire wear over time

Popular SUV with many use cases

Not especially sporty—but often heavily loaded

AWD and extra weight compared to smaller cars