Why is buying EV replacement tires so hard and frustrating?

[Pleonast]

Reposting from the distant past:

@Pleonast

The only real problem I’ve had is a nail in a tire. When it happened the stock tires were unavailable. As in “there’s none anywhere in southern California”. (My service guy was actually swearing on the phone at Chevy corporate.) The choices were buy four new non-stock tires (because the non-stock have different radiuses than stock), or wait for a stock tire to be shipped for afar. By the way, there is no spare tire in a Bolt. But, the tires are “run-flat”. So I bought a 12V air compressor and reinflated the tire before driving anywhere. :smack: Eventually the dealership found a tire for me, and actually gave it to me gratis. That was back in the spring when there were only a few thousand Bolts on the road, so presumably Chevy has their service supply chain operational by now. Anyhow, it may be wise to invest in a 12V compressor for emergencies.

It’s always been a problem finding good tires for EVs.

Tire care is the maintenance you need to do for your EV. As a rough estimate, you’re going to be spending nearly as much on tires as you do for charging. Whether you get cheaper tires, or more expensive, you need to stay aware of their wear state and don’t neglect rotations.

I’ve been keeping OEM Michelins on our Chevy Bolt. They are run-flat, which gives some assurances you can get to a service station under your own power. Our Tesla 3 still has its original tires. I’ll have to investigate if we want to go to Michelins or stay OEM.