Do you own a Tesla with those sleek, aerodynamic wheel covers, and are you wondering how to take them off without damaging a thing? You're in the right place! Removing Tesla aero covers is a common task, whether you're looking to clean your wheels, install a different set of covers, or simply prefer the look of the exposed alloy wheels. It's a straightforward process, but knowing the right technique is key to avoiding scratches or broken clips.
Step 1: Gather Your Tools (and Your Patience! )
Before you begin, let's make sure you have everything you need. While it's possible to remove these covers with just your hands, a few simple tools will make the process much easier and safer for both you and your Tesla.
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Gloves: Protect your hands from dirt and potential scrapes. Gardening gloves or work gloves work perfectly.
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A Soft Cloth or Microfiber Towel: This is crucial for protecting the aero cover and your wheel from scratches. You'll want to place it between your pry tool and the cover if you use one.
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A Plastic Pry Tool (Optional, but Recommended): While you can use your hands, a plastic trim removal tool or a non-marring pry tool designed for automotive use is ideal. Avoid using metal screwdrivers or anything that could scratch your wheels or covers!
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Your Tesla Key Fob (or Phone Key): You'll want to ensure your car is in "Park" and ideally locked to prevent any accidental movement.
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| How To Remove Tesla Aero Covers |
Step 2: Prepare Your Tesla for the Transformation
Safety first! Before you start tugging on anything, let's make sure your Tesla is ready.
Sub-heading: Park Safely and Securely ️
Make sure your Tesla is parked on a level surface and is in Park (P). Engage the parking brake for an extra layer of security. While you won't be lifting the car, stability is always important when working around it. It's also a good idea to lock the car, as this typically disables the vehicle's "creep" function and ensures it won't accidentally move.
Sub-heading: Assess the Situation – Understand Your Aero Cover
Take a moment to look at your aero cover. You'll notice they are designed to snap onto the spokes of your alloy wheels. There are usually multiple clips around the circumference that hold them firmly in place. Understanding where these clips are will help you apply pressure in the right spots.
Tip: Break long posts into short reading sessions.
Step 3: The Moment of Truth – Removing the Aero Cover
This is where the magic happens! There are a couple of popular methods, and we'll cover both.
Sub-heading: Method 1: The "Pull and Wiggle" (Hand-Only) Approach
This method is great if you don't have a pry tool or prefer a more "hands-on" approach.
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Locate the Valve Stem: This is a good starting point as it often indicates where the aero cover clips onto a spoke.
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Grip Firmly: With both hands, firmly grip the aero cover at opposite sides, ideally near the outer edge where the clips are.
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Pull Outward with Gentle Wiggling: Apply steady, even pressure and pull the cover directly outward from the wheel. As you pull, gently wiggle the cover from side to side. You'll feel the clips start to release with a series of distinct "pops."
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Work Your Way Around: Once a few clips release, shift your hands and continue pulling and wiggling until all the clips are free.
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Catch It! The cover will eventually come completely off. Be ready to catch it so it doesn't fall and get damaged.
Remember: The key here is gentle, even pressure. Don't try to rip it off in one go, as this can damage the clips or the cover itself.
Sub-heading: Method 2: The "Pry Tool Precision" Approach (Recommended) ️
This method offers more control and reduces the risk of damage.
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Identify a Starting Point: Look for a small gap or a section where the aero cover meets the wheel's edge.
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Protect Your Surfaces: Place your soft cloth or microfiber towel over the edge of the aero cover where you intend to insert your pry tool. This will prevent any scratches to both the cover and your alloy wheel.
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Insert the Pry Tool: Carefully insert the thin edge of your plastic pry tool into the gap between the aero cover and the wheel.
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Leverage and Pry Gently: Slowly and gently pry the cover outward. You should hear a clip or two release.
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Work Your Way Around the Circumference: Once you've released the initial clips, remove the tool and move to the next section, repeating the process. Continue working your way around the entire circumference of the cover, releasing clips as you go.
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Final Release: Once most of the clips are free, you can usually pull the rest of the cover off by hand. Again, be ready to catch it.
Pro Tip: If you're struggling to get the initial clips to release, try applying a little more firm, outward pressure while leveraging the pry tool. Just remember to always protect your surfaces with the cloth!
QuickTip: Reading carefully once is better than rushing twice.
Step 4: Admire Your Exposed Alloys (or Install New Covers!) ✨
Congratulations! You've successfully removed your Tesla aero covers. Now you have a few options:
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Enjoy the Look: Many Tesla owners prefer the look of the exposed alloy wheels. They can give your car a sportier and more aggressive stance.
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Clean Your Wheels: This is the perfect opportunity to give your alloy wheels a thorough cleaning. They might be a bit grimy underneath the covers!
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Install Aftermarket Covers: If you're replacing your aero covers with a different style, now's the time to install them. Installation is usually the reverse of removal: align the cover with the wheel, and firmly push it into place until all clips audibly click.
Step 5: Storage and Maintenance
If you're not planning on putting your aero covers back on immediately, proper storage is important to prevent damage.
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Clean Them: Wipe down the aero covers to remove any dirt or brake dust.
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Store Flat: Ideally, store them flat in a safe place where they won't be scratched or bent. A large cardboard box or even a clean garbage bag can work.
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Inspect the Clips: Before reinstalling, always inspect the clips on the back of the aero covers to ensure none are broken or bent. Damaged clips can lead to a loose cover or even loss while driving.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How to remove Tesla Model 3 aero covers?
Tesla Model 3 aero covers are removed using the same "pull and wiggle" or "pry tool precision" methods described above, as the design is consistent across models.
How to tell if my Tesla has aero covers?
QuickTip: Look for lists — they simplify complex points.
If your Tesla wheels look like a solid, smooth disk with small cutouts rather than distinct spokes, you likely have aero covers. They are typically standard on many Tesla models.
How to clean Tesla wheels after removing aero covers?
After removing aero covers, use a good quality car wash soap, a wheel cleaner designed for alloy wheels, and a soft brush or microfiber cloth to clean the exposed wheels thoroughly.
How to prevent scratches when removing Tesla aero covers?
To prevent scratches, always use a plastic pry tool (never metal) and place a soft cloth or microfiber towel between the tool and the aero cover/wheel surface.
How to reinstall Tesla aero covers?
To reinstall, align the aero cover with the wheel, ensuring the valve stem aligns with its cutout on the cover, then firmly push on the center and then around the edges until all clips click into place.
How to know if Tesla aero cover clips are broken?
QuickTip: Read actively, not passively.
Visually inspect the clips on the back of the cover; if they appear bent, cracked, or missing, they are likely broken and the cover may not secure properly.
How to get a better grip on stubborn Tesla aero covers?
For a better grip, consider using rubber-palmed gloves and applying firm, even pressure with both hands at opposite sides of the cover.
How to choose the right plastic pry tool for Tesla aero covers?
Choose a non-marring, automotive-specific plastic trim removal tool set, which often includes various shapes and sizes to handle different angles.
How to store Tesla aero covers safely?
Store them flat in a clean, dry area, ideally in a protective bag or box, to prevent bending, scratching, or damage to the clips.
How to customize Tesla wheels after aero cover removal?
After removal, you can leave the alloy wheels exposed, install different aftermarket wheel caps, or even consider painting or powder coating the wheels for a custom look.
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