Tire replacements needed on a 2024 Rivian R1S after just 21,000 miles; seeking alternative solutions to improve durability.
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Heavy electric SUVs, like the Rivian R1S, tend to go through tires quickly due to their significant weight, power delivery characteristics, and regenerative braking systems that cause uneven tire wear, particularly on the front tires.
The R1S's heavy weight and strong torque put more stress on tires, and regen braking intensifies wear on the front tires because it applies braking force through the front wheels, leading to faster tread wear there. Owners have reported that the recommended tire rotation interval (7,500 miles) is crucial for extending tire life, as delaying rotations can exacerbate uneven wear.
To combat this, some Rivian R1S owners have found success in rotating tires more frequently, such as every 4,000-5,000 miles. Bill, one R1S owner, suggests rotating tires more frequently and using Michelins instead of Pirellis to improve tire life. His Michelins have 40,000 miles on them and are still over 50% tread depth.
Another R1S owner, Natalie, has driven 50,000 miles on her 20-inch Pirellis with fewer rotations and an alignment done around 30,000 miles. Despite this, she has experienced faster tire wear than some other R1S owners.
Considering switching to Michelins or Continentals might improve tire life for Rivian R1S owners. Yokohama Geolandar CV 4S tires have received positive long-term reviews, with about 20,000 miles showing considerably slower tread wear and an expected total mileage of around 33,000 miles, which is significantly better wear than Pirelli in comparable use.
Sticking to more balanced modes could be the easiest no-cost way to add thousands of miles to your tires. Rivian's all-wheel-drive system constantly sends power where it's needed most, which can cause uneven wear if not rotated often. Modes that deliver more torque or change suspension behavior, like Sport or certain off-road settings, can increase tire wear.
To summarise:
- Why heavy electric SUVs like Rivian R1S wear tires quickly:
- Heavy vehicle weight and torque stress tires more
- Regen braking focuses wear on front tires
- Without timely tire rotations, wear becomes uneven and faster
- Recommended tire alternatives for improved wear:
- Yokohama Geolandar CV 4S tires provide better tread life and slower wear rates than Pirelli Scorpion all-seasons
Additionally, proper tire maintenance such as regular rotations every 6,000–7,500 miles, monitoring tire pressure, and possibly switching to tires designed for heavy-use electric SUVs can help mitigate rapid tire wear. Keeping an eye on alignment, especially if wear is uneven, can help extend tire life for Rivian R1S owners.
Sarah, an R1S owner, plans to set a reminder on her phone for every 6 months for tire rotation to ensure she maintains her tires and gets the most mileage out of them. By following these tips, Rivian R1S owners can improve their tire life and save on replacement costs.
- A regular tire rotation schedule can significantly extend the lifespan of the tires on a heavy electric SUV like the Rivian R1S, with some owners choosing to rotate every 4,000-5,000 miles for better results.
- To achieve optimal tire wear and potentially reduce replacement costs, Rivian R1S owners might find it beneficial to consider alternative tire brands, such as Michelins, Continentals, or Yokohama Geolandar CV 4S, which have shown promising longer-lasting tread life compared to other brands.
