Tesla Model 3 driver exposes major problem with car
A Tesla driver shared how a series of unfortunate events left her stranded on the side of the road.
The driver of the Model 3 was trapped when the EV label – a blue triangular badge – fell off her license plate and punctured the right rear tire.
The label serves as a safety measure for emergency responders in the event of an accident involving an electric vehicle. It ensures that the correct measures are taken to prevent potential hazards caused by the car’s large battery.
However, the driver not only got a flat tire due to her car’s EV label, but also had to call a tow truck, as Tesla vehicles are not equipped with a spare tire.
“What are the odds? I vote for round, EV plates,” she wrote on social media.
The driver explained that this was the second time her electric car had to be towed due to a flat tire.
‘I had to buy two new rear tyres last time and arrange an overnight stay as they were no match for the original tyres unless I wanted to wait three days in Bairnsdale for a return flight from Melbourne. An expensive proposition,’ she wrote.
Many Australians criticized Tesla for not including a spare tire with all of its models.
“It’s crazy that these have to be towed away because there’s no spare tire. I know most modern cars do this but it’s just insane,” said one.
A Tesla driver had her Model 3 towed after the ‘EV’ logo fell off her license plate and her tire went flat, even though she didn’t have a spare
‘They should provide a spare tire for situations like this. Then you can just change the tire and get back on the road.’
Other social media users explained that Tesla offered a roadside assistance service that helped them when they had a flat tire.
“I recently had a flat tire, the car recognized it immediately and contacted Tesla service,” said one of them.
“They sent a tow truck with a spare tire. It took about 40 minutes for them to get there and put it on.”
Most electric cars do not come with spare tires because they add extra weight to the vehicle and increase the space the tire takes up.
“The reason is that it’s difficult to get enough physical space above the brakes to fit a spare wheel. These large and massive spare wheels are also very heavy – and the extra weight costs vary in an EV,” explained Tom Baker, editor of ChasingCars.com.au.
“For people who live in urban areas, where they can easily get roadside assistance and replacement tires, that’s not necessarily a big problem.”
Mr Baker suggested that one solution might be to purchase a spare tyre through an electric vehicle dealer.
“You can then put this kit in the trunk of your car, but it takes up a lot of space and can be a huge hazard if you don’t secure it properly,” he said.
