Whether you're looking to reveal the sleek alloy wheels beneath or simply need to access your lug nuts for a tire change, removing your Tesla's wheel covers (often called "aero covers" or "hubcaps") is a straightforward process. Let's get started and transform the look of your Tesla!
Step 1: Prepare for Success and Safety First!
Before you begin, always prioritize safety. This isn't just about protecting your car, but more importantly, protecting yourself.
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| How To Take Off Tesla Wheel Cover |
Sub-heading: Choose Your Location Wisely
Flat, Level Surface: Ensure your Tesla is parked on a completely flat and level surface. This prevents any unintended rolling or movement while you're working.
Safe Environment: If you're near traffic, turn on your hazard lights to make your presence known. Keep a safe distance from other vehicles and pedestrians. A well-lit area is also crucial, especially if it's getting dark.
Sub-heading: Engage the Parking Brake ️
Secure Your Vehicle: Always make sure your Tesla is in Park (P) and the parking brake is engaged. This is a non-negotiable step to prevent the vehicle from moving.
Sub-heading: Gather Your Tools (Optional but Recommended) ️
While Tesla wheel covers can often be removed by hand, having a few tools can make the process easier and prevent damage.
Gloves: Protect your hands from dirt, grime, and any sharp edges.
Soft Pry Tool (Plastic Trim Tool): While not always necessary, a plastic pry tool can be helpful for stubborn covers or to get initial leverage without scratching the wheel or cover. Avoid using sharp metal objects like screwdrivers, as they can easily mar the finish of your wheels or covers.
Suction Cup (for center caps): If you're only removing the center cap, a strong suction cup can be incredibly effective.
Step 2: Grasp and Pull – The Core Technique
QuickTip: Read actively, not passively.
This is where the magic happens! The key to removing Tesla wheel covers lies in understanding how they're secured. They use a series of retaining clips around the perimeter that snap into place.
Sub-heading: Firm Grip with Both Hands
Locate Handholds: Position your hands firmly on opposite sides of the wheel cover. Some covers have small notches or cutouts that provide a better grip.
Avoid the Aluminum Rim: Make sure your hands are behind the cover and that you're not grabbing the aluminum rim underneath. You want to pull on the cover itself.
Sub-heading: The Gentle Yet Firm Pull
Pull Towards You: With a firm, steady grip, pull the wheel cover directly toward you. The goal is to release the retaining clips that hold it in place.
Listen for the "Pop": As you pull, you'll likely hear a series of "pops" or clicks. This is the sound of the clips disengaging from the wheel.
Work Around (if needed): If the entire cover doesn't come off with one pull, gently tug around the perimeter of the cover, focusing on areas where you feel resistance. You might need to loosen one section at a time.
Be Patient: Don't use excessive force or yank aggressively. This can damage the clips on the cover or the wheel itself. A controlled, firm pull is much more effective.
Sub-heading: Special Consideration for Stubborn Covers
Leverage with a Pry Tool: If a cover is particularly stubborn, you can carefully insert a plastic pry tool into a notch or gap along the edge. Gently apply outward pressure while simultaneously pulling with your hands.
Working Each Clip (Advanced): Some users find success by trying to push in the individual clips from behind the cover while pulling. This can be more challenging due to limited space but can be effective for extremely tight covers.
Step 3: Revel in the New Look or Prepare for the Next Step ✨
Once the wheel cover is off, you'll reveal the bare alloy wheel. This is a great opportunity to admire the different aesthetic or prepare for further work.
Sub-heading: Cleaning Your Wheels
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Wipe Down: With the cover off, it's an ideal time to clean any accumulated dirt, dust, or grime from your alloy wheels. A microfiber towel and a suitable wheel cleaner will work wonders.
Inspect for Damage: Take a moment to inspect your wheels for any curb rash or other damage that might have been hidden by the cover.
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Sub-heading: Lug Nut Access
Exposed Lug Nuts: If your goal was to access the lug nuts for a tire rotation or change, they are now fully exposed.
Lug Nut Covers: Some Teslas (and aftermarket kits) also have small plastic caps over each lug nut. If yours do, you'll need to remove these as well. Tesla often provides a small specialized tool in the glovebox for this purpose. If not, a pair of pliers with a cloth to protect the cap can work.
Sub-heading: Considering Aftermarket Options
Many Tesla owners choose to replace their aero covers with different styles of wheel caps or entirely new wheel covers to personalize their vehicle's appearance. There are numerous options available, from simple center caps to full wheel covers that mimic other Tesla wheel designs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to put Tesla wheel covers back on?
To install a Tesla wheel cover, align it with the valve stem, then firmly press the center until it snaps into place, working your way around the perimeter to ensure all clips are secured.
How to remove Tesla lug nut covers?
Tip: Train your eye to catch repeated ideas.
Tesla usually provides a specialized tool in the glovebox for removing lug nut covers. Insert the curved end of the tool into the hole in the lug nut cover and pull it away from the wheel.
How to avoid damaging Tesla wheel covers during removal?
To avoid damage, use a firm, steady pull with both hands, avoid using sharp metal tools, and be patient rather than using excessive force. Plastic pry tools can be helpful for stubborn areas.
How to tell if my Tesla has wheel covers or alloy wheels?
Tesla vehicles often come with aero wheel covers that sit on top of alloy wheels. If your wheels have a large plastic cover extending to the edge, it's likely a wheel cover. If you see distinct spokes and a more intricate design directly on metal, it's likely the alloy wheel itself.
How to clean underneath Tesla wheel covers?
Once the wheel covers are removed, you can use a car wash solution and a soft brush or microfiber towel to clean the alloy wheels and any debris accumulated behind the cover.
How to remove aftermarket Tesla wheel covers?
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Aftermarket wheel covers generally use a similar clip-on mechanism as OEM ones. Follow the same principles of firm, even pulling. Some aftermarket covers might have slightly different clip designs, so refer to the product's instructions if available.
How to get a better grip on a stubborn Tesla wheel cover?
Wear gloves for a better grip and try to position your hands to pull directly outward from the strongest points of the cover. You can also try wiggling it slightly while pulling.
How to know if all clips are released when removing a Tesla wheel cover?
You'll typically hear distinct "pops" as each clip releases. Once the cover feels loose and can be easily pulled away from the wheel, all clips are likely disengaged.
How to prevent wheel covers from rattling after reinstallation?
Ensure the wheel cover is fully seated and all clips have audibly snapped into place during reinstallation. Press firmly around the entire perimeter and the center to secure it.
How to choose new wheel caps for a Tesla after removing aero covers?
Consider the size and style that complements your Tesla. Many aftermarket options are available that snap directly into the center of the exposed alloy wheel, often covering the lug nuts as well.
Learn how to remove Tesla hubcap covers by watching this
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