Tesla Tough On Tyres: Which Cars Have The Most Tyre Trouble?

When was the last time you changed your tyres? If you drive a Tesla, Citroen, or Mercedes, it was probably sooner than other drivers. Recent research from our experts has revealed the car models that disproportionately wear their tyres down the quickest and need more frequent changes.

Over two million British car owners take their vehicles to Kwik Fit centres each year, and we fit more tyres to the nation’s cars than any other company — including EVs, hybrids, and petrol and diesel models. That being said, we were curious to find out which cars have been brought in to see us the most on account of their tyres.

Using our centre data, our analysts have broken down which car models are disproportionately likely to be brought in for tyre changes compared to the average car, covering every UTLA (upper tier local authority) of Great Britain. The output is an index figure for each model, which allows them to be ranked. 

Tesla Model 3 tops the tyre trouble table

Our rankings are led by the Tesla Model 3, which topped the table in 54 of 170 areas across Britain — more than twice as many as the Citroen Berlingo, the model family in second place.

The 54 locations where the Tesla Model 3 tops the table covers areas from Aberdeenshire to Devon, but the model sees its highest score in the Kwik Fit Maintenance Index in Enfield, where it has an index figure of 9.4. 

In London, the Tesla Model 3 tops the chart for the most disproportionate tyre repair numbers in 14 out of the capital’s 32 boroughs, and is in the top three in a further seven. 

Citroën Berlingo owners feeling flat

In second place, the Citroen Berlingo comes top for tyre repairs in 24 locations. Leading in areas from Argyll and Bute to Wiltshire, the Citröen Berlingo has its highest index figure (9.2) in Medway, Kent. Despite being at the top of the table in 24 areas of the UK, the Berlingo model doesn’t appear in the top three in any of the London boroughs.

Tesla Model Y takes third place 

Third on the tyre repair podium is another Tesla, the Model Y, which tops the charts for tyre changes in 16 areas of the UK. When combined with the Tesla Model 3, the marque appears top for needing tyre changes in 70 out of 170 UTLA locations across Great Britain!

Mercedes CLA tyres worn down quicker

The Mercedes CLA is next, standing as the model with the most disproportionate levels of tyre repair in 9 areas across the UK — including Slough, Wokingham, Milton Keynes, Cambridgeshire, and Buckinghamshire.

Volvo & BMW are tied in tyre changes

Bringing up the rear, the top six list is completed by the BMW 4 series and the Volvo XC40. Both of the models top the tyre repair charts in 7 UK areas.

The Top 10...

Below is a list of the top 10 car model families most in need of new tyres in each area of Britain, featuring numerous entries from Tesla and BMW.

Note: Where models were highest for tyre changes in an equal number of areas, table ranking is based on the number of additional areas where model was in second place.

Five brands top the table in 80% of the country 

When combining all models (EG: BMW 4 Series & BMW 2 Series) into their larger ‘marques’ or brands (EG: BMW), it’s revealed that 5 core brands account for the vehicles most disproportionately needing new tyres in 80% of the country. 

Tesla and Citroen remain in first and second place in this combined table, but BMW takes the third position with a range of model families contributing to its score — namely the 2 and 4 series, as well as the X1, X3, and X5.

What do the experts think?

If you’ve seen your car model on the top 10 list, don’t worry. Kwik Fit has plenty of expert advice on how to avoid disproportionate tyre wear. Elliott Smith, Kwik Fit Tyre Expert, says: 

So, if you want to make sure that your tyres stay healthier for longer — and avoid more frequent tyre changes than necessary - remember:

• Keep your tyres at the correct pressure.
• Regularly check your tyre health (with a Free Tyre Check at Kwik Fit).
• Check your wheel alignment.
• Practice better driving habits to reduce tyre wear.

Look after your tyres with Kwik Fit

Kwik Fit is proud to offer the widest range of car tyres in the UK, from budget through to premium brands. We’ve also got one of the largest networks of EV-trained auto technicians in the country.

If your tyres need changing or your tread is looking a little too thin, find the right tyres for your vehicle at Kwik Fit. Worried about the condition of your tyres? Book in for a Free Vehicle Safety Check, Free Tyre Check, or Free Wheel Alignment Check today to make sure everything’s in the best condition possible.

In the meantime, why not use the following guidance to help you stay on top of tyre maintenance yourself? 

• How to Change a Tyre
• What Pressure Should Your Tyres Be?
• How to Check Your Tyre Tread Depth
• Which Tyres Does Your Car Need?

Methodology

For each local area across Great Britain, Kwik Fit’s data analysis team identified the total number of cars registered in that area as at Q3 2023 and what proportion comprised each make and model.

The analysts then compared this with the numbers of each make and model of car from that area visiting Kwik Fit centres for tyres during Feb 2024 – Jan 2025 across the country, filtering out rare makes and models. This comparison enabled the team to calculate which models have a greater than proportionate chance of needing new tyres and allocate an index score.

The car make and model were then ranked on the basis of the number of areas in which that model topped the local area index.