Josefine Bagger Sommerlund
Is your car on the list? These models go through tires more than most.
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
