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Model Y on Washboard Roads

oipilloi | 2026-02-06 15:49 | 14 views

Good day, community! I’ve searched the threads and nothing spoke directly to washboard or studded-bump road performance. I’ve read a couple of thread about upgrades such as the TEIN EnduraPro Plus shocks, but most everyone refers to pothole it “rough road” improvements, which aren’t the same as washboard. For those who have experienced washboard roads, you know what I’m talking about. My use case is this: My cabin is at 9k feet elevation, requiring a 2k climb for 9 miles up heavily washboard roads. My pickup truck bounces sideways in some instances because the washboards cause loss of traction as the wheels try and stay planted. We want to buy a 2026 Model Y to take to this cabin, which would be twice a week throughout the year, but we’re afraid the ride will be miserable or even damaging to the car. I’d love to hear some thought or input on anyone with a similar experience or general knowledge if this use case is a bad idea for the Model Y. We don’t want to sink $50k into a new car then destroy it. Thanks in advance!

Comments (9)
oz81dog 2026-02-06 15:57

I've driven up some gnarly roads in my Model Y. it's got no ground clearance and i'm paranoid about skewering the battery so i take it pretty easy. I dont know, if you're a decent driver and pay attention you'll be fine with whatever. i got up to the cold springs trailhead on mount adams without scraping and that's got at least a dozen crazy huge rain diverters.

Some_Ad_3898 2026-02-06 16:02

I drive on washboard roads every damn day. It's rough, not gonna lie. My old Mercedes and Volvo float through it. My MYs shake to high heaven. Damage? no idea. I've got about 120k miles combined on 2 MYs. Suspension feels fine. Interior rattles? yea, lots.

ryantids1 2026-02-06 16:10

you can put Falken Wildpeak A/T Trail tires on the stock 19" Gemini wheels of a 2025 Tesla Model Y (non-Juniper/pre-refresh model). This is a popular mild all-terrain upgrade among owners for better off-road capability, snow traction, and a slightly cushier ride without needing new wheels or a lift kit. Recommended Size and Fitment The most commonly successful size on stock 19" Gemini wheels (which are 19x9.5" ET45) is 255/50R19: This is a slight upsizing from the stock 255/45R19 (adds about 0.8–1 inch to overall diameter, roughly 0.4 inches of extra ground clearance). Multiple owners report no rubbing at all—even at full steering lock, over bumps, or during compression—on stock suspension. Examples from Tesla forums and Reddit: Owners confirm "no rubbing at all" with 255/50R19 Falken Wildpeak A/T Trail. It fits cleanly on the Gemini wheels, provides a height bump, and quiets road noise compared to some stock tires. The tire's rim width compatibility goes up to 9.5" (matches stock Gemini exactly in many cases) Much smoother on paved roads and dirt

Var1abl3 2026-02-06 20:15

We drive a few washboard roads around here (PNW, Washington state) and I have found a few things about my Y. First, turn off the traction control (either slip start of off road assist) or every time you loose a little grip the car looses it's shit. Take it a little slow and watch for the deep pot-holes or you will hear your mud flaps rub. I haven't noticed any unexpected issues or wear.

[deleted] 2026-02-06 22:11

Get used to the rattles like the rest of us.

KansasKing107 2026-02-06 22:42

I would say the Juniper isn’t the most pleasant for washboards. If you’re dead set on an EV, the Juniper would be a decent choice. The f150 lightning or Chevy EV trucks would be good and likely take the washboards better.

samchoi924 2026-02-08 03:25

Don't you lower the pressure when you take your truck over those roads? I would get off-road tires and lower the pressure. I have 18" Falken Wildpeaks on my Model Y Performance. Haven't taken it much off-roading as ended up buying a dedicated vehicle but those tires do help quite a bit and less chance of getting a flat.

oipilloi 2026-02-08 04:09

I drive this road at least twice a week. Stopping to deflate then re-inflate isn’t a viable option.

samchoi924 2026-02-08 15:28

Well enjoy the washboards then.:)

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