A Tesla driver in LA County with a flat tire gets different help depending on whether the car has run-flat tires. Most Model 3 and Model Y cars don’t have run-flats. The basic roadside program tows those cars to a tire shop. Here’s what Tesla roadside actually does for a flat tire and what to expect.
What the basic program covers
Tesla’s basic roadside covers tire changes for cars with run-flat tires. The contractor comes out and changes the tire on the shoulder. The driver gets back on the road.
Tesla’s basic roadside also covers tire repair for cars with the tire repair kit. The driver can fix small punctures with the kit. The basic program doesn’t cover on-site flat tire changes for cars without run-flats.
What the basic program doesn’t cover
The basic program doesn’t cover on-site flat tire changes for cars without run-flats. Most Model 3 and Model Y cars use the tire repair kit, not run-flats. A driver with a flat tire on the 405 gets a tow to a tire shop.
The driver pays for the tire repair at the shop. The tow is covered under the basic program as a courtesy. The driver pays for the tow out of pocket if the courtesy doesn’t apply.
Tesla roadside app or phone: which one actually dispatches help covers the dispatch in more detail.
What about Model S and Model X
The Model S and Model X use run-flat tires on some trims. The basic program covers on-site tire changes for those cars. The contractor comes out and changes the tire.
The Model S and Model X without run-flats use the tire repair kit. The basic program doesn’t cover on-site changes for those cars.
What about the Cybertruck
The Cybertruck uses different tires than the other Tesla models. The Cybertruck’s tires are larger and more expensive to replace. The basic program tows the Cybertruck to a Service Center or a tire shop for repair. The driver pays for the tire at the shop.
The Cybertruck’s tire repair kit is different from the other Teslas. The basic program doesn’t cover on-site changes for the Cybertruck in most cases.
What the driver can do
A driver with a small puncture can use the tire repair kit. The kit is in the trunk. The driver inflates the tire and seals the puncture. The repair is temporary. The driver should still take the car to a tire shop for a permanent fix.
A driver with a large puncture or a sidewall damage can’t use the kit. The driver needs a tow. The basic program covers the tow as a courtesy in many cases.
A driver without run-flats who can’t change the tire themselves needs a tow. The basic program tows the car to a tire shop.
What AAA covers
AAA covers tire changes for any car. The AAA dispatch sends a contractor who changes the tire on the shoulder. The driver gets back on the road.
AAA’s coverage depends on the membership level. Basic AAA covers tire changes. Premier AAA covers more. The driver confirms with AAA what the plan covers before the dispatch.
AAA also covers tows longer than the basic Tesla program covers. A Tesla driver with AAA as a backup has more options for long tows.
Tesla, AAA, or a local mobile rescue: how the three actually differ compares the three columns in more detail.
What a local mobile rescue covers
A local mobile rescue fills the gaps the basic program leaves. The local operator brings a charger to the car. The driver gets 10 to 20 miles at the curb.
A local mobile rescue doesn’t change tires. The operator isn’t a tire service. The operator confirms on the call whether they can help with the specific situation.
We’re a referral line for Los Angeles County. We match stranded EV drivers with independent local operators. The pros we connect you with are licensed and insured. We hold no license for the work. We own no trucks and employ no technicians. We set no prices and publish no arrival time.
The operator quotes you before they start. They bill you directly. No dollar figure belongs here. They quote you on the phone and confirm access before they roll.
What mobile EV charging can’t fix
A flat tire isn’t a charging problem. A flat tire needs a tire change or a tow. The operator can’t fix a flat tire on site. The operator confirms on the call whether their help fits the situation.
A driver with a flat tire gets a tow. The tow goes to a tire shop or a Service Center. The driver pays for the tire at the destination.
The combined answer
Tesla’s basic roadside covers tire changes for cars with run-flats. Most Model 3 and Model Y cars don’t have run-flats. Those cars get a tow to a tire shop. A driver who needs a tire change at the shoulder needs AAA or a tire service, not a Tesla basic dispatch. A local mobile rescue helps with charging, not tires.
The number to call for a Tesla flat tire is the basic program or AAA. The number to call for a mobile charge is (213) 410-1991.