I just looked at Tire Rack that now has the Model 3 in its database for tire replacement. Here is what I found (All costs mentioned are for a set of 4 tires):
1. The cost of the standard equipment for both the 18" (Michelin) and 19" (Continental) have roughly the same cost to replace. The 19" is actually 10 dollars cheaper. This is the cost to replace the 19" or the 18" with the exact same tire they came with.
2. The 19" Continental have about 20% worse tread ware rating than the 18" Michelin.
3. The same Michelin that comes on the 18" also comes in the same size on the 19" for $200 cheaper.
So if people tell you the 18" will be cheaper for tires that isn't necessarily true. After the Continentals wear out you can buy the same Michelin tire on the 18" and have the same tread wear rating on the 19" for $200 less than the same tires on the 18".
So if you want the 19" don't let the cost of tires justify getting the 18". Now the efficiency of the 18" and possibility of damaging a 19" wheel are still factors that someone should consider when making wheel selection. I am glad I checked this out because I was worried about tire cost but tire cost is not an issue.
1. The cost of the standard equipment for both the 18" (Michelin) and 19" (Continental) have roughly the same cost to replace. The 19" is actually 10 dollars cheaper. This is the cost to replace the 19" or the 18" with the exact same tire they came with.
2. The 19" Continental have about 20% worse tread ware rating than the 18" Michelin.
3. The same Michelin that comes on the 18" also comes in the same size on the 19" for $200 cheaper.
So if people tell you the 18" will be cheaper for tires that isn't necessarily true. After the Continentals wear out you can buy the same Michelin tire on the 18" and have the same tread wear rating on the 19" for $200 less than the same tires on the 18".
So if you want the 19" don't let the cost of tires justify getting the 18". Now the efficiency of the 18" and possibility of damaging a 19" wheel are still factors that someone should consider when making wheel selection. I am glad I checked this out because I was worried about tire cost but tire cost is not an issue.