Tire Wear Issues on a 2024 Rivian R1S in Just 21,000 Miles: Exploring Alternatives for Improved Durability
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Heavy electric SUVs like the Rivian R1S tend to wear through tires faster than gas-powered SUVs due to their greater weight and instant high torque delivery from electric motors. This rapid tire wear can lead to increased costs for tire replacements over the vehicle's lifespan.
Key factors contributing to this issue include:
- Higher Vehicle Weight: Electric SUVs often weigh significantly more than comparable gas-powered SUVs because of large battery packs. This extra weight increases the load on tires, causing more rapid wear.
- Instant and Strong Torque: Electric motors provide maximum torque immediately from a standstill. This sudden, powerful torque can cause faster tire wear, especially on acceleration and cornering.
- All-Wheel Drive and Tire Rotation Needs: Vehicles like the Rivian R1S use dual-motor all-wheel drive, which can unevenly distribute power and load across tires. Proper tire rotation (recommended every 7,500 miles) is crucial but sometimes overlooked, accelerating uneven wear.
- Tire Choice and Quality: The factory-fitted tires (e.g., Pirelli Scorpion all-season) may not be optimized for the weight and power delivery of these electric SUVs, contributing to quicker wear.
One Rivian R1S owner, Sarah, reported replacing two full sets of tires within just over 21,000 miles—a notably short lifespan for SUV tires. Another review noted Yokohama tires on similar models lasting around 33,000 miles under some conditions, highlighting that tire model and quality also impact longevity.
To mitigate this issue, Rivian owners can take several steps:
- Rotate tires more frequently, every 4,000-5,000 miles, and check alignment more often, especially if wear is uneven. This can help improve tire life.
- Use less aggressive driving modes for daily driving, which could add thousands of miles to tire life.
- Consider alternative tire manufacturers, such as Michelins and Continentals, as some Rivian R1S owners have found better tire life with these brands.
For instance, Bill, another Rivian R1S owner, reported positive results after switching to Michelins, with his new set lasting longer and being in good condition at 40,000 miles. Sarah is also considering alternative tire manufacturers for her R1S, as she has heard that Pirelli tires may not be great.
Regenerative braking in the Rivian R1S puts extra stress on the front tires, which is another factor to consider when choosing tires. Regular tire maintenance and selecting tires designed for electric vehicle characteristics can help extend tire life and save owners money.
[1] Electrek [2] Car and Driver [3] Rivian Owners Forum
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