Some car problems are associated with production while others are inherent, and there is only so much that we can do about those. When it comes to Tesla cars, a similar situation exists with the wheels. Some exist in the models manufactured within a particular period, while others are generally present in all Tesla vehicles manufactured to date.
Tesla wheels cause issues when they come off due to bad fore links, rims suffer scratches and bends due to curb and bad roads, or the tires wear and tear quicker than the normal rate due to the added weight and torque.
Most Reported Problems in Tesla Wheels
- Whomping Wheels: Some older Tesla cars have suffered the ‘whomping’ wheel syndrome in which the whole wheel comes off while driving. The problem is mostly seen in the 2013-17 Model Ss and 2016 to 17 Model Xs.
- Rim Scratches and Bends: Tesla wheels are notorious for suffering bends and scratches upon hitting curbs.
- Tires Wear and Tear: Like all electric vehicles, Tesla cars are also notorious for accelerating the wear and tear of the installed tires.
Tesla Wheel Problems Explained
Whomping Wheels
Production issues and poor-quality maintenance seem to be the precursors of wheels coming off in Tesla cars. According to the NHTSA report, some vehicles might have been manufactured with the fore links incapacitated to bear the strength of these cars. This shows that the problem lies with the suspension, not the wheel itself. Tesla cars are known for their immense weight due to added batteries, overburdening the suspension. In such cases, if the fore links give in, the wheels can easily come off.
Rim Scratches and Bends
Rims get bent when hitting a curb, inducing various problems such as vibrations and disbalance. A couple of reasons lead to frequent curb rashes in Tesla cars, namely:
- Illusion: Some users have reported that their Tesla appears less wide than it is, giving them an illusion. In such situations, drivers can easily hit the road curbs while taking turns.
- Rim Thickness: Tesla rims are more prone than the tires to hit the curbs. The metal on the rim sticks out further than the rubber on the tire. Hence, when the wheels hit the curb, the rims suffer damage.
- Self-Driving Feature: Some Tesla owners have reported that their cars have suffered curb rashes while self-parking or driving.
Tires Wear and Tear
Due to the instant boost in torque and added battery weights, tires wear and tear quickly in electric cars, including Tesla. It is a persistent problem in electric cars as they ‘consume’ the standard tires 30 percent faster.
In the gasoline counterparts, torque takes time to reach its full potential. Moreover, it never reaches the tires quickly—the gear is in between. But that is not the case with electric cars. The torque is instant and reaches the wheels directly. Though it is useful in many aspects, it does not suit the tires well.
How to Solve Tesla Wheels Problems?
Whomping Wheels
You need to fix the suspension if your car suffers a whomping wheel issue. However, reaching the service center to fix the issue is highly recommended. Doing the complex suspension works yourself can be fraught with doing more harm than good unless you are an expert. Besides, if your Tesla has a valid warranty, getting the job done should not be a problem.
Rim Scratches and Bends
Rim bends can be fixed easily if they are not of a greater degree. Scratches, however, can be fixed through polishing and painting, regardless of their depth. Though several ways can fix a bent rim, getting a professional’s help is always recommended.
You can also resort to some preventive measures to not let the bends and scratches happen in the first place. Just be more careful while driving your car. You can also install a rim guard on the wheels. It will protect the wheels from any damage. It will also improve operating efficiency while reducing tire wear and tear.
Tires Wear and Tear
As evident from the discussion above, the accelerated wear and tear in Tesla tires is an inherent problem, and you cannot do much about it. Get new ones when you notice the signs of depreciated tires in your car. But you can also stick to some key habits that can reduce the depreciation rate.
- Maintenance: Check the pressure regularly. Also, maintain the proper alignment and balance of the wheels.
- Be Easy: No, do not accelerate your Tesla hard. Besides saving the tires, this simple habit can save some of your car’s range.
- Align With the Seasons: Summer tires are soft in hot climates, while they get hard in the winter. On the other hand, winter tires are soft in the cold and get even softer in the summer. Continuing with the same tires, regardless of the seasons, can increase wear and tear.
How to Care for Tesla Wheels
- Keep the rust away from the rims. When driven in a muddy area or salty water near beaches, wash off the wheels thoroughly and dry them in the sunlight. To be on the safe side, consider washing the wheels every week or two.
- Avoid dust formation on the wheels. It can destroy the paint of the rims. Spray the rims with a WD-40 and clean them with a soft cloth often.
- Consider spraying the wheels with mild products. It will not only remove dirt and restore the shine but will also preserve the paint on them.
- Be mindful of the warning signs that your tires need replacement. If your car makes noise and vibrates at high speeds, you need to get the tires replaced. Remember, bad tires risk accidents and damage the suspension elements.
- Never load your car beyond its capacity. Electric vehicles, especially Tesla cars, are already very heavy. Putting additional weight on it can lead to increased wear and tear on the tires.
- Regularly look for signs of bad rims in your car. These include bending, rust, etc. If you spot any of these, get the rims replaced.
Read: Can You Drive a Tesla on the Beach? Probably Yes—Know Why
Concluding Remarks: Why Are My Tesla Wheels Causing Issues?
Tesla wheels cause issues due to manufacturing defects, driving issues, and tires wear and tear. If your Tesla gets the notorious whomping wheels issue, you would need to contact a mechanic. For other issues, you can postpone them through careful driving habits. Moreover, with proper maintenance, you can extend the life of your car’s wheels.
