Model Y AWD (255/45R19) tread question - going to Tahoe from Bay Area. Replace now or can I wait?

Logical-Preference25 | 2026-03-03 21:47 | 4 views

Looking for practical advice from the Model Y community. I have a 2022 Tesla Model Y AWD in the Bay Area. All tires are 255/45R19. I checked tread depth with a gauge and here’s what I’m seeing (32nds): • Front Right: 4/32 (Continental) • Rear Right: 4/32 (Continental) • Rear Left: 6/32 (Pirelli) • Front Left: 7/32 (Continental) So I’ve got a mismatch (right side is worn more than left), and brands are mixed (mostly Continental, one Pirelli - had punctures at various points). I’m planning a Tahoe trip soon (Bay Area → Tahoe, winter conditions possible). Questions: 1. Do I need to replace tires now before Tahoe, or is it reasonable to wait a bit and just drive carefully / monitor? 2. If I should replace, is it smarter to replace all 4 now (for AWD + matching tread), or is replacing just the two 4/32 tires acceptable? 3. Would you recommend getting an alignment immediately given the uneven wear pattern? Priority is lowest total cost over the next 2–3 years, but obviously I don’t want to do something unsafe for Tahoe. Any advice from people who’ve been in a similar situation would be super helpful. Thanks!

Comments (16)

JustAcivilian24 2026-03-03 21:55

ask r/tires

yardshark09 2026-03-03 21:56

Will you be encountering freezing temps or snow at any point on this trip? I’m unfamiliar with the weather over there.

OverlyOptimisticNerd 2026-03-03 21:57

I don’t like the brand mismatch. That aside, the general recommendation is to replace below 4/32”. So I’d rotate the two with deeper tread to the rear tires if you want a little more life out of the tires.

jaqueh 2026-03-03 21:58

you'll be fine

Logical-Preference25 2026-03-03 21:59

Thank you!

Logical-Preference25 2026-03-03 21:59

Ah - apologies!

Logical-Preference25 2026-03-03 21:59

Looks like it will be right around freezing

SpiritualCatch6757 2026-03-03 22:03

At a minimum before your trip. I would replace the 2 4/32" Continentals with new and mount on the back. America's Tires will actually insist on it if you get it done there.

TheDIYFix 2026-03-03 23:08

Sunshine your fine wetshine\* your not.

Logical-Preference25 2026-03-03 23:17

Thanks!

pinchy74 2026-03-03 23:34

Perfect advice.

doakills 2026-03-03 23:36

Honestly I would send it, they look fine. The real question is what does the inside of the wheel look like as they like to wear harder there and will likely be more bald than the outside to middle (like your picture was showing)

Logical-Preference25 2026-03-04 00:06

Thank you - i just assumed the outside was the most worn (that's what it felt like visually) - will check again!

pigeon30 2026-03-04 01:56

So the ones with more tread are recommended to be moved to the back? Is that a rule of thumb?

SpiritualCatch6757 2026-03-04 04:10

For safety, you want better grip in the rear because it is easier to recover from loss of traction in the front than in the rear.

laceyboy8054 2026-03-05 21:13

Check your alignment and get a new set. That's what I would do no matter what conditions I'm driving on.

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