Tesla Model Y Tuning Guide
The Tesla Model Y is an impressive electric vehicle straight off the production line, offering excellent performance, range, and a minimalist interior. However, many owners look to personalise their cars or enhance performance with modifications. While there’s no traditional engine tuning to be done on an electric vehicle, there are several areas in which you can modify and upgrade your Model Y. In this guide, we’ll explore popular tuning options, segmented into styling modifications, brakes, and chassis upgrades, to help you make informed decisions about how to enhance your Model Y.
Are you looking to improve your Model Y? Check out our dedicated parts page here.
1. Styling Modifications
Customising the look of your Model Y is one of the most popular ways to make it stand out. Whether you want to add a sportier edge, improve aerodynamics, or personalise the interior, there are plenty of styling options available.
Wheels and Tyres
One of the most noticeable styling upgrades is the wheels. Tesla offers several wheel options for the Model Y, but many owners opt for aftermarket wheels to enhance the car’s aesthetic or improve performance. When selecting new wheels, it’s important to consider the size, weight, and material.
- Larger Wheels: Upgrading to larger wheels can enhance the look of the car, but it’s important to be mindful of how it might affect ride comfort and range. Larger wheels may provide a more aggressive stance but can reduce the car’s overall range due to increased weight and rolling resistance.
- Performance Tyres: If you plan on enhancing your Model Y’s handling, you may consider upgrading to performance tyres. These tyres offer better grip, especially in wet conditions, and can improve cornering performance. However, performance tyres often have a shorter lifespan than standard tyres.
Body Kits and Spoilers
To give your Model Y a sportier or more aggressive appearance, you can consider installing a body kit or rear spoiler. These modifications can improve the car’s aerodynamics, enhancing both aesthetics and performance. Common upgrades include:
- Front Splitters: A front splitter helps to direct airflow and improve downforce at higher speeds.
- Side Skirts: These help with aerodynamics, reducing drag and improving stability.
- Rear Spoilers: A rear spoiler can add a sporty touch while also improving airflow, which may slightly enhance stability at high speeds.
Consider checking out our range of exterior styling modifications for the Tesla Model Y
Window Tinting
Window tinting is a popular upgrade for both aesthetic and practical reasons. It can improve privacy, reduce glare from the sun, and help keep the cabin cooler during the summer months. In the UK, there are legal restrictions on the degree of tint allowed on front windows, so ensure any tinting complies with local laws.
Lighting Upgrades
Enhancing the lighting system on your Model Y can improve both functionality and style. Consider upgrading to brighter, more energy-efficient LED headlights or adding additional accent lighting. There are also options for custom interior lighting, such as LED footwell lighting or ambient lighting strips, which can create a modern, personalised feel inside the cabin.
2. Brakes and Performance Modifications
While electric vehicles like the Model Y rely on regenerative braking, many owners opt for brake upgrades to enhance performance, particularly if they plan to track the car or simply want improved stopping power.
Performance Brake Pads
Upgrading the brake pads is one of the most straightforward ways to improve braking performance. Performance brake pads are designed to offer better heat resistance and stopping power, especially during hard braking. This can be particularly beneficial if you use your Model Y for spirited driving or track days.
JXL Performance recommends the EBC Yellowstuff Performance Front Brake Pads for your Tesla Model Y
Big Brake Kits
If you’re looking for significant performance improvement, a big brake kit can provide larger rotors and upgraded calipers. This upgrade increases braking power and reduces brake fade during repeated high-speed braking. If you’re considering this type of upgrade, be aware that it can be expensive and may require additional modifications to the wheel setup.
JXL Performance recommends the V-Maxx 365mm Tesla Model 3 & Tesla Model Y Big Brake Kit Upgrade
Brake Fluid
Upgrading your brake fluid can improve performance, particularly under heavy use. Performance brake fluid is designed to withstand higher temperatures, which is essential for maintaining effective braking performance during high-speed driving or track use. Tesla recommends replacing the brake fluid every two years, but high-performance fluid can help ensure consistent braking performance.
Consider swapping out to Motul's RBF600 brake fluid for a superior brake fluid product
3. Chassis and Suspension Upgrades
The suspension and chassis play a vital role in the driving dynamics of any vehicle. While the Model Y comes with a well-balanced suspension from the factory, there are several upgrades that can improve handling, comfort, and overall driving performance.
Lowering Springs
Lowering the suspension can improve the car’s handling by lowering the centre of gravity. This reduces body roll and can provide a more planted feel, especially when cornering. It can also enhance the car's appearance by giving it a sportier stance. However, lowering your Model Y may impact ride comfort, especially on rough or uneven UK roads.
JXL Performance recommends Eibach Pro-Kit Lowering Springs for Tesla Model Y AWD
Coilovers
If you're looking for a more adjustable suspension setup, coilovers are an excellent choice. Coilovers allow you to adjust the height and damping of the suspension, giving you more control over how your Model Y rides and handles. This is ideal for those who want to fine-tune their suspension based on driving preferences or track use.
Check out our range of coilovers kits for the Tesla Model Y here!
Sway Bars (Anti-Roll Bars)
Upgrading the sway bars (also known as anti-roll bars) can improve the handling of your Model Y. These bars help reduce body roll when cornering, giving the vehicle a more stable and responsive feel. An upgraded sway bar will enhance balance and handling, particularly when cornering at high speeds.
Upgraded Bushings
Suspension bushings play a crucial role in the car’s handling. Upgrading to stiffer bushings made from materials like polyurethane can improve the responsiveness and precision of the suspension. While this upgrade can enhance performance, it may also result in a firmer ride, so it's essential to consider whether you prioritise comfort or performance.
4. Additional Considerations
Before making any modifications, there are a few important factors to keep in mind:
- Warranty and Tesla’s Terms: While many modifications won’t void the general warranty, some upgrades could impact specific parts or systems. Always check with Tesla or a professional installer to ensure that the modifications you want to make won’t affect your warranty coverage.
- Regulations: Some modifications, such as window tinting or lighting upgrades, may be subject to local laws. Ensure that any changes you make comply with UK regulations to avoid fines or issues with insurance.
- Performance vs. Comfort: Modifications that improve performance, such as lowering springs or performance brake pads, can make your Model Y handle better, but they may also compromise comfort. Think carefully about whether you want a more track-focused setup or a comfortable daily driver.
- Professional Installation: While some upgrades, like wheel changes or window tinting, can be done at home, others, such as suspension modifications or brake upgrades, are best handled by professionals. Ensuring proper installation is crucial for both safety and performance.
Conclusion
While the Tesla Model Y is already an exceptional vehicle in its standard form, there are plenty of modifications available to suit different driving styles and preferences. From aesthetic upgrades like new wheels and body kits to performance improvements in the form of upgraded brakes and suspension, there’s no shortage of ways to personalise and enhance your Model Y. When making modifications, it’s essential to consider the impact on comfort, performance, and warranty, as well as to ensure that any changes comply with local laws. With the right modifications, your Model Y can become an even more dynamic, unique, and enjoyable vehicle to drive.