The Volkswagen ID.3 wears out tyres faster than you’d expect, especially at the rear. Owners report clicking noises from the back, pointing to problems with the driveshaft. Read on to find out why this happens and how you can prevent it.
Rapid rear tyre wear
The ID.3 has a reputation as a real tyre eater. In many cases, the rear tyres wear out remarkably quickly, sometimes after just 15,000 to 20,000 kilometres. This is due to a combination of factors. The high torque of the electric motor puts extra load on the rear tyres during acceleration. The weight of the battery pack also plays a role. The heavy battery presses on the rear wheels, putting the tyres under more pressure.
Owners on Dutch and international forums report similar experiences. One user says that his rear tyres were already worn below the minimum tread depth after 18,000 kilometres, while the front tyres still had sufficient tread left. With electric cars with rear-wheel drive this pattern is familiar. Regenerative braking causes additional wear, because when slowing down the motor works as a generator and transfers forces through the rear axle to the tyres.
‘ Excessive pressure actually wears the centre faster. ’
Incorrect tyre pressure makes the problem worse
Tyres wear faster when the pressure is too low. The shoulders of the tyres then carry extra load and wear more quickly on the outer edges. Check the pressure every month according to the specifications in your owner’s manual. Always measure when the tyres are cold, so before you start driving. Excessive pressure actually wears the centre faster.
Wheel alignment is also important. If the geometry is not correct, the car pulls to one side and the tyres wear unevenly. Have this checked at the MOT (APK) or by a garage.
Clicking noises indicate driveshaft problems
As well as rapid tyre wear, ID.3 owners report clicking or knocking noises from the rear. These sounds often come from the driveshaft and indicate worn constant velocity joints, also called CV joints. This component ensures power is transferred smoothly from the motor to the wheels. When it wears, vibrations develop which put uneven load on the tyres.
The noise is especially audible when cornering or when accelerating from a standstill. This is a known issue with electric cars with high torque. The extra forces load the shaft more heavily than with conventional combustion engines.
When to replace the driveshaft
Always have clicking noises checked immediately at an authorised Volkswagen service centre. A faulty driveshaft can cause further damage to the suspension and tyres. Depending on the garage, replacing a driveshaft costs between 600 and 1,200 euros including labour.
Symptoms of a worn driveshaft are:
- Clicking or knocking noises when cornering
- Vibrations in the steering wheel or pedals
- Uneven tyre wear on one side
- Grease on the inside of the wheel due to leaking boots
‘ Electric cars require tyres with reinforced rubber. ’
How to prevent rapid tyre wear and shaft problems
Regular maintenance extends the service life of your tyres and driveshaft. Follow these tips:
- Check tyre pressure every month and adjust if necessary
- Rotate the tyres every 8,000 to 10,000 kilometres for even wear
- Have the wheels aligned at the MOT (APK) or when you notice the car pulling
- Drive smoothly, avoid wheelspin and hard acceleration from a standstill
- Have the driveshaft inspected at every service for cracks or grease
- Choose tyres with higher wear resistance, specifically suitable for electric cars
Electric cars require tyres with reinforced rubber. These are designed to cope with the higher weight and torque. When choosing tyres, check whether they are suitable for EV applications.
Costs of tyre replacement
New tyres for the ID.3 cost between 100 and 180 euros per tyre, depending on the brand and specifications. So for a set of four tyres you pay 400 to 720 euros, excluding fitting. Premium brands such as Michelin or Continental are at the top end of this range, but often offer a longer service life.
When you replace only the rear tyres due to uneven wear, pay attention to the tread on the front tyres. A difference of more than 3 millimetres in tread depth between front and rear affects handling.
Experiences of ID.3 owners
On forums, owners share their frustrations about the rapid wear. One user reports that his first set of tyres had to be replaced after 22,000 kilometres, much sooner than the 40,000 kilometres expected for electric cars. This pattern occurs more often with ID.3 models from the first years of production.
Volkswagen in some cases accepts warranty claims, especially when the wear is extremely uneven and points to manufacturing defects. Contact your dealer if you have to replace tyres within 20,000 kilometres.
On the Carnews website you will find more articles about maintenance costs, common problems with electric cars and practical tips for ID.3 owners. Discover what other car enthusiasts experience and how to get the best out of your electric car.
Frequently asked questions
Hidden causes of unexpectedly rapid tyre wear include incorrect tyre pressure (too high or too low) and poor wheel alignment, which you do not always notice straight away. Imbalance in the wheels and worn suspension or shock absorber components also silently cause extra vibrations and uneven wear. In addition, driveshaft problems, such as worn CV joints, can put extra forces and vibrations on the tyres. Finally, road and environmental factors such as hot asphalt and rough road surfaces also play a role without you directly noticing.
You can often recognise early driveshaft problems by a soft ticking or clicking sound when steering into a corner or accelerating, which follows the rotational speed of the wheels rhythmically. You may also feel a light vibration in the steering wheel or bodywork at certain speeds or when accelerating, which is more subtle than severe. In addition, a dull knocking or thudding sound may occur when pulling away or during load changes (off-throttle/on-throttle). If these noises and vibrations become clearly stronger or more frequent over time, there is a good chance that the driveshaft or CV joints are wearing.
Check tyre pressure monthly (cold) and follow the factory specifications to prevent uneven and accelerated wear. Watch out for vibrations in the steering wheel or car and then have the wheels balanced and aligned, and rotate the tyres every 8,000–10,000 km for even wear. Visually inspect your tyres for cupping, uneven wear and damage to the shoulders; this may indicate suspension or alignment problems. When cornering and accelerating, listen for clicking or knocking sounds around the wheels and, if you notice such symptoms, have the driveshafts and CV joints checked to limit further tyre wear.
Continuing to drive with rapid tyre wear increases the risk of a blowout, significantly longer braking distances and loss of grip, especially on wet roads. With a faulty driveshaft you may experience strong vibrations, unstable steering and eventually complete loss of drive. In extreme cases, this can cause you to lose control of the car and have an accident. That is why you should have worn tyres and driveline problems checked and repaired as soon as possible.
A sporty or aggressive driving style (rapid acceleration, hard braking, taking corners fast) increases the forces and heat in the tyres, so they wear noticeably faster and often unevenly. Heavy or powerful cars, front-wheel-drive cars, and cars that are often heavily loaded or used for towing put extra load on tyres and driveshafts and thus increase the sensitivity to wear and driveshaft problems. A calm, smooth driving style with timely gear changes and moderate cornering speeds actually reduces the load on tyres and drivetrain. The type of tyres and the correct load and speed rating must match your car and usage; otherwise, problems are made worse.
