Taking off a Tesla tire, whether it's for a flat, rotation, or replacement, requires careful attention to detail due to the vehicle's unique design, particularly the location of its high-voltage battery. Improper jacking can cause severe and costly damage to the battery pack. But don't fret! With the right tools and a systematic approach, you can safely remove your Tesla's tire.
Step 1: Prepare for the Task – Let's Get Ready!
Before you even think about touching a lug nut, let's make sure you're properly equipped and the environment is safe. This isn't just about having the tools; it's about having the right tools and the right mindset.
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| How To Take Tesla Tire Off |
Gather Your Essentials:
Tesla-Specific Jack Pads (Crucial!): These are non-negotiable. Tesla vehicles have specific jack points that protect the battery. Using a regular jack without these pads can easily damage the battery, leading to extremely expensive repairs not covered by warranty. Ensure your jack pads are the correct size for your Tesla model (some models had a change in hole size around 2023).
Floor Jack: A sturdy, low-profile hydraulic floor jack with a minimum 2.5-ton rating is recommended.
Jack Stands: Once the car is lifted, never rely solely on the jack. Always use jack stands for safety.
Torque Wrench: Essential for properly tightening lug nuts to the manufacturer's specifications. This prevents overtightening (which can warp rotors or strip threads) and undertightening (which can lead to a wheel coming loose).
21mm Socket: Tesla lug nuts typically require a 21mm socket. Ensure it's a 6-point socket, not a 12-point, to avoid stripping the lug nuts. A polymer-coated socket can help prevent scratching your wheels.
Breaker Bar (for loosening): Lug nuts can be very tight. A long breaker bar provides the leverage needed to loosen them.
Wheel Chocks: To prevent the vehicle from rolling when lifted.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Gloves (cut-resistant are a good idea) and safety glasses are recommended.
Flashlight or Headlamp: For better visibility, especially if working in dimly lit conditions.
Aero Cover Removal Tool (if applicable): If your Tesla has aero wheel covers, you'll need the small hooked tool (often found in your glovebox or available for purchase) to remove them. Alternatively, you might be able to carefully pull them off by hand.
Lug Nut Cover Removal Tool (if applicable): Some Tesla models have small plastic caps covering the lug nuts. A specific tool (often a small Allen wrench or a tool included with your car) is needed to remove these.
Gloves and Clean Rags: To keep your hands clean and wipe off any grime.
Safety First!
Flat, Level Surface: Always work on a hard, flat, and level surface. Avoid sloped driveways or soft ground.
Park Safely: Engage the parking brake.
Disable Smart Air Suspension (Models S & X): If your Tesla has air suspension, it will self-level. You must disable it before lifting. Go to Controls > Suspension on your touchscreen, press the brake pedal, touch Very High to maximize height, then touch Controls > Service > Jack Mode. A red air suspension indicator will light up on the instrument panel.
Disconnect Charging Cable: Ensure no charging cables are connected.
Chock the Wheels: Place wheel chocks on the wheels opposite the one you're removing. For example, if removing the front left tire, chock the rear right tire.
Step 2: Accessing the Lug Nuts and Preparing the Wheel
Once your workspace and tools are ready, it's time to get to the nuts and bolts – literally!
Removing Wheel Covers (if applicable):
Aero Covers: If your Tesla has aero covers, grasp the cover firmly with both hands and pull it directly towards you to release the retaining clips. Be gentle but firm.
Lug Nut Covers: If you have small plastic caps covering the lug nuts, use the lug nut cover tool. Insert the curved part into the hole at the base of the Tesla "T" logo on the cover, twist slightly, and pull it away from the wheel. Store these safely so you don't lose them.
Loosening the Lug Nuts (Pre-Lift):
Do NOT lift the car yet! It's safer to loosen the lug nuts while the car is still on the ground.
Place the 21mm socket onto a lug nut, connect it to your breaker bar, and turn counter-clockwise to loosen.
Apply firm, steady pressure. You might hear a "crack" as they break free – this is normal.
Loosen each lug nut about a quarter to half turn. You just want to break them free, not remove them entirely.
Follow a star pattern when loosening (and tightening later). This ensures even pressure and prevents warping the rotor. Start with one nut, then move to the one directly opposite it, then skip one and go to the next, and so on.
QuickTip: A short pause boosts comprehension.
Step 3: Safely Lifting Your Tesla
This is arguably the most critical step. Get it wrong, and you risk serious damage.
Locating the Jack Points:
All Tesla models have four designated lift points, located near each wheel. These are typically small, circular holes or reinforced areas on the vehicle's frame, specifically designed to accommodate the jack pads.
For Models S and X: There are typically three holes per jack point. Place the jack pad in the middle hole.
For Models 3 and Y: There is usually one hole at each jack point.
Consult your Tesla owner's manual or a reliable online resource (like Tesla's service manual or owner forums) if you're unsure about the exact location for your specific model. Do NOT lift from under the battery pack or side rails!
Positioning the Jack and Pads:
Place a jack pad into the designated jack point closest to the tire you need to remove.
Position your floor jack directly under the jack pad, ensuring the jack pad is centered and stable on the jack's lifting plate.
Double-check that the jack pad is seated correctly in the jack point.
Lifting the Vehicle:
Slowly and steadily pump the floor jack handle to raise the vehicle.
As you lift, continuously monitor the jack pad and the jack point to ensure they remain aligned and stable.
Lift the vehicle just enough so the tire is off the ground and you can comfortably work on it.
Place jack stands securely under the vehicle, adjacent to the jack point, providing secondary support. Never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack.
Step 4: Removing the Tire
Now that the Tesla is safely lifted, you can proceed with removing the wheel.
Unscrewing the Lug Nuts:
With the wheel off the ground, use your 21mm socket and a ratchet (or a power tool only for removal after they've been broken loose by hand, as per Tesla's recommendation) to fully unscrew the lug nuts.
Continue to work in a star pattern to maintain even pressure as you remove them.
Place the lug nuts in a clean, safe place where they won't get lost or dirty.
Taking Off the Wheel:
QuickTip: Read with curiosity — ask ‘why’ often.
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Once all lug nuts are removed, carefully grasp the tire and pull it straight off the wheel studs.
Tesla wheels can be heavier than average due to the vehicle's weight and performance tires. Be prepared for the weight and use proper lifting techniques to avoid injury. A typical Tesla Model 3 18-inch wheel and tire assembly can weigh around 45-50 lbs (20-23 kg). Larger wheels and tires, especially for Models S/X, will be heavier.
Set the removed tire aside, preferably on a flat surface, away from your working area.
Step 5: Installation (Putting the Tire Back On)
Once you've done what you needed to do (e.g., swapped a flat with a spare, rotated tires, or replaced with a new one), it's time to re-install.
Positioning the Wheel:
Carefully lift the tire and align it with the wheel studs on the vehicle.
Slide the wheel onto the studs, ensuring it sits flush against the hub.
Hand-Tightening the Lug Nuts:
Thread each lug nut onto its stud by hand. Make sure they thread on smoothly; do not force them. If there's resistance, you might have cross-threaded it. Remove it and try again carefully.
Hand-tighten all lug nuts until they are snug.
Initial Tightening (Lowering the Vehicle Partially):
Remove the jack stands.
Slowly lower the vehicle with the floor jack until the tire just makes contact with the ground, but the full weight of the vehicle is not resting on the tire yet. This provides enough friction to prevent the wheel from spinning when you begin to tighten the lug nuts.
Using your 21mm socket and a ratchet, lightly tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern. This helps ensure the wheel is properly seated.
Final Torque – The Most Important Step!
Lower the vehicle completely to the ground.
Now, using your torque wrench, tighten each lug nut to the specified torque. For most Tesla models, the lug nut torque specification is 175 Nm (129 lb-ft).
Again, tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern to ensure even clamping force across the wheel hub.
Listen for the click of your torque wrench, indicating the desired torque has been reached. Do not over-tighten!
Repeat the star pattern sequence once more with the torque wrench to double-check that all lug nuts are at the correct torque.
Re-installing Covers and Finishing Up:
If you removed lug nut covers, push them firmly back into place until they snap in.
If you removed aero covers, align them with the valve stem, then firmly press the center and work your way outwards to each spoke until all clips are secured. Give each spoke a quick pull to ensure they are secured.
If you put the vehicle in Jack Mode, remember to turn off Jack Mode on your touchscreen. It will automatically cancel if you drive over 4 mph (7 km/h), but it's good practice to turn it off manually.
Check Tire Pressure: Before driving, always check the tire pressure of the newly installed tire and adjust to the recommended PSI (found on the tire information label on the driver's side door pillar).
Road Test and Re-check: Drive for a short distance (5-10 miles) at moderate speeds, then re-check the lug nut torque to ensure they haven't loosened. This is a crucial safety step after any wheel removal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
QuickTip: Pause before scrolling further.
How to put a Tesla in Jack Mode?
To put your Tesla in Jack Mode, go to Controls > Suspension on the touchscreen, press the brake pedal, touch Very High to maximize height, then touch Controls > Service > Jack Mode. A red air suspension indicator will confirm it's active.
How to find the Tesla jack points?
Tesla jack points are located on the vehicle's frame near each wheel. They are reinforced areas or small circular holes designed specifically for lifting. Refer to your owner's manual for precise locations, but generally, they're just inward from the sill under the door.
How to loosen stubborn Tesla lug nuts?
Use a long breaker bar for increased leverage. Apply steady, firm pressure in a counter-clockwise direction. Ensure the car is on the ground when initially loosening the lug nuts.
How to know the correct lug nut torque for a Tesla?
For most Tesla models, the lug nut torque specification is 175 Nm (129 lb-ft). Always confirm this in your specific model's owner's manual or Tesla service documentation.
How to prevent damaging the Tesla battery when lifting?
Always use Tesla-specific jack pads that fit into the designated jack points. These pads provide a safe buffer between your jack and the sensitive battery pack. Never lift directly on the battery or side rails.
Tip: Break long posts into short reading sessions.
How to remove Tesla aero wheel covers?
Grasp the aero cover firmly with both hands and pull it straight off. Some come with a small tool to help pry them off.
How to remove Tesla lug nut covers?
Use the small lug nut cover tool (often an Allen wrench-like tool provided with the vehicle) by inserting it into the small hole on the cover, twisting slightly, and pulling the cover off.
How to re-tighten Tesla lug nuts properly?
After hand-tightening, lower the vehicle partially so the tire just touches the ground. Lightly tighten in a star pattern. Then, lower completely and use a torque wrench to tighten to 175 Nm (129 lb-ft) in a star pattern. Re-check torque after a short drive.
How to ensure tire safety after removal and installation?
Always torque lug nuts to specification, re-check torque after 5-10 miles of driving, and ensure tire pressure is correct.
How to deal with a flat tire on a Tesla if I don't have a spare?
Tesla vehicles typically do not come with a spare tire. You can purchase a temporary tire repair kit (often includes sealant and an air compressor) from Tesla or an aftermarket supplier for a temporary fix. For punctures larger than 1/4 inch, sidewall damage, or if the tire comes off the rim, contact Tesla Roadside Assistance.
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