You've decided to give your Tesla a fresh new look, or perhaps you need to access your lug nuts for a tire rotation or flat repair. Whatever the reason, removing those stylish Tesla hubcaps (often referred to as "aero covers" due to their aerodynamic design) is a straightforward process, but it requires a bit of care to avoid damage. Let's dive in!
The Why and What: Understanding Your Tesla Hubcaps
Before we jump into the "how," let's quickly understand why these hubcaps are even there. Tesla's aero covers are designed to improve aerodynamic efficiency, which in turn helps maximize range and energy efficiency. They can contribute to a few extra miles of range, which is pretty neat!
You'll typically find these on Model 3 and Model Y vehicles, often on the 18-inch Aero wheels or 19-inch Gemini wheels. Underneath these covers, you'll find the actual alloy wheel. Many owners choose to remove them for a sportier, more exposed wheel look, or to replace them with aftermarket wheel cap kits.
 |
| How To Take Tesla Hubcaps Off |
Step 1: Getting Ready for the Transformation! ✨
Alright, let's get down to business! Are you excited to see those bare alloy wheels or swap out for some new caps? Before you start tugging, let's prepare properly to ensure a smooth and scratch-free process.
Sub-heading: Safety First, Always! ⛑️
-
Park on a Level Surface: Ensure your Tesla is on a flat, stable surface. This prevents any accidental rolling or movement during the process.
-
Engage the Parking Brake: Absolutely crucial! Make sure your car is securely in Park (P) and the parking brake is engaged.
-
Wear Gloves (Optional but Recommended): While not strictly necessary, gloves can give you a better grip and protect your hands from any dirt or sharp edges.
-
Consider Eye Protection (Optional): If you're particularly concerned about debris, safety glasses are never a bad idea.
-
Gather Your Tools:
-
Your Hands! For most Tesla aero covers, your hands are the primary tools.
-
Soft Cloth or Microfiber Towel: To wipe down the area or protect surfaces.
-
Optional: Plastic pry tool or trim removal tool. While not always needed for the full aero covers, a plastic pry tool can be helpful for stubborn clips or for removing the smaller center caps if you have them. Avoid metal tools like screwdrivers directly on the hubcap, as these can easily scratch or damage the finish.
-
Step 2: The "Pull and Release" Technique
This is where the magic happens for most Tesla aero covers. The design typically relies on a series of clips that hold the cover securely to the wheel.
Sub-heading: Locating Your Grip Points
QuickTip: Slow down when you hit numbers or data.
-
Identify the Spokes: Look for the "spokes" of the hubcap. These are the sections that radiate out from the center.
-
Find the Edges: The outer edge of the hubcap is where the retaining clips are located.
Sub-heading: The Gentle (but Firm) Pull
-
Grasp Firmly with Both Hands: Position your hands on opposite sides of the aero cover, gripping it firmly but not so tightly that you can't adjust your grip. You can also try grasping it between the spokes.
-
Pull Towards You: Apply a steady, even pull directly outwards, towards your body. Don't twist or yank violently.
-
Listen for the "Pop": As you pull, you'll hear a series of satisfying "pops" as the retaining clips release. You might feel the cover gradually loosening.
-
Work Your Way Around (If Needed): Sometimes, a single strong pull will release the entire cover. Other times, you may need to shift your hands and pull from different sections around the perimeter to release all the clips. Be patient!
-
Remove the Cover: Once all the clips are released, the entire aero cover should come off cleanly, revealing your alloy wheel underneath.
Sub-heading: A Note on Stubborn Covers
If a cover feels particularly stuck:
-
Try applying slightly more even force.
-
You can sometimes gently wiggle the cover while pulling to encourage the clips to release.
-
If you have a plastic trim removal tool, you can try to gently pry near a clip, but be extremely careful not to scratch the wheel or the hubcap.
Step 3: Inspecting and Maintaining
Once the hubcaps are off, it's a great opportunity to give your wheels some love!
Sub-heading: Cleaning Your Exposed Wheels
-
Wipe Down: Use a soft cloth and a gentle car-safe cleaner to wipe down your alloy wheels. You'll likely find accumulated brake dust and road grime that was previously hidden.
-
Check for Scratches: Briefly inspect the hubcap and the wheel for any scratches or damage. If you were gentle, there shouldn't be any.
Sub-heading: Storing Your Hubcaps
-
Clean Before Storing: Wipe down the inside and outside of the hubcaps to remove any dirt.
-
Store Carefully: If you plan to re-install them later, store them in a way that prevents them from getting scratched or warped. Many owners keep them in the car's trunk bag or in a safe place in their garage. Avoid stacking them directly on top of each other without protection.
 |
Step 4: Re-installing Your Hubcaps (or Installing New Caps)
Reminder: Focus on key sentences in each paragraph.
Putting them back on is generally easier than taking them off!
Sub-heading: Aligning the Cover
-
Locate the Valve Stem Cutout: On the back of the aero cover, you'll see a small cutout or notch. This needs to align with the tire's valve stem on the wheel. This ensures proper orientation and fitment.
-
Position the Cover: Hold the aero cover in front of the wheel, aligning the valve stem cutout.
Sub-heading: The "Press and Secure" Method
-
Start from the Center: Firmly press the center of the aero cover onto the wheel. You should hear a satisfying "click" as the central clips engage.
-
Work Your Way Outward: Once the center is secure, work your way around the outer perimeter of each spoke, firmly pressing until all the clips snap into place. You might need to apply a bit of pressure with your palm on each spoke.
-
Confirm Security: As a final check, quickly pull on each spoke to ensure they are all securely fastened. You want to make sure there's no wobbling or looseness.
Sub-heading: Installing Aftermarket Wheel Cap Kits
If you're replacing the aero covers with smaller center caps and lug nut covers, the process is slightly different:
-
Lug Nut Covers: These usually just snap onto each individual lug nut. Some kits come with a small tool to help press them on or remove them.
-
Center Caps: These pop directly into the center of the wheel. They typically have clips that engage with the hub. Some aftermarket kits come with a suction cup tool for easy installation and removal.
Related FAQ Questions
Here are some common questions about Tesla hubcaps and their removal:
How to remove Tesla Model 3 hubcaps?
To remove Tesla Model 3 aero covers, firmly grasp the cover with both hands on opposite sides and pull it directly towards you to release the retaining clips. You may need to work your way around the perimeter.
QuickTip: Don’t just consume — reflect.
How to remove Tesla Model Y hubcaps?
Similar to the Model 3, grasp the Model Y aero cover firmly with both hands and pull outwards to release the clips. Align the valve stem cutout when reinstalling.
How to take off Tesla aero wheel covers without tools?
For most Tesla aero wheel covers, you can remove them without special tools by simply grasping the cover firmly with both hands and pulling it straight off the wheel to disengage the clips.
How to remove stubborn Tesla hubcaps?
If a Tesla hubcap is stubborn, apply a steady, firm, and even pull. You can try gently wiggling the cover while pulling, or for extreme cases, use a plastic trim removal tool with caution to gently pry near the clips.
How to prevent scratching wheels when removing Tesla hubcaps?
To prevent scratching, avoid using metal tools directly on the hubcap or wheel. Use only your hands, or a plastic pry tool if necessary, and ensure clean surfaces.
How to install Tesla hubcaps back on?
QuickTip: Go back if you lost the thread.
To reinstall Tesla hubcaps, align the cover's valve stem cutout with the tire's valve stem, then firmly press the center of the cover onto the wheel, followed by pressing around the perimeter of each spoke until all clips engage.
How to remove Tesla center caps (not the full aero cover)?
If you have smaller Tesla center caps (e.g., as part of an aftermarket kit), they often require a specialized suction cup tool or a small plastic pry tool to gently lift them out of the wheel hub.
How to clean Tesla wheels after hubcap removal?
After removing hubcaps, use a car-safe wheel cleaner and a soft microfiber towel to thoroughly clean the exposed alloy wheels, removing brake dust and grime.
How to store Tesla hubcaps when not in use?
Clean the hubcaps and store them in a cool, dry place. Many owners keep them in a bag or stacked carefully with protective material in between to prevent scratches and warping.
How to know if my Tesla has aero wheel covers or actual alloy wheels?
If your Tesla wheels have a large, plastic-like cover that extends from the center to the edge, covering the entire wheel, these are aero wheel covers. If you see distinct metal spokes and an exposed rim design, you likely have bare alloy wheels or smaller center caps.
 |
This page may contain affiliate links — we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
💡 Breath fresh Air with this Air Purifier with washable filter.
