As any Tesla owner knows, aerodynamics are key to low power consumption and efficiency. The most efficient wheels Tesla makes for the Model 3 are the 18” Aero wheels. And anyone that has them also knows that the Aero caps are removable! Shocking, I know.
Underneath the Aeros is a great looking factory Rim, that in my opinion makes the car look better than with the Aero caps on. The advantage of having the Aeros installed, is that you gain about 5% efficiency, which for a long trip can be the difference between running out of power or making it to the next charger, especially with a loaded down car. While the Rims under the Aeros are great looking, removing the Aeros leaves the rims underneath without a center cap, and that looks pretty bad. Have no fear, Tesla sells a kit with 4 center T caps and 16 black lug nut covers, for about $50.
So far so good. You bought the center caps from Tesla, pulled the Aeros off, installed everything so it looks great and you’re on your way. Later on you decide you want to go back to the Aeros as you may have a longer trip and want to maximize efficiency. Hey options are good. Now you go to install the Aeros and notice that you have to 1st remove the small T center caps, as the Aeros have a center hub that is meant to go inside the center cap hole and the T Caps are blocking it. Removing the small T caps is not easy and while some have tried with small suction cups, or rolled up duct tape (I am not kidding), the best way is with a small screwdriver, but that can leave scratches and it’s a pain to do every time, not to mention possibly losing or crushing the small center T caps.
The solution I came up with is pretty obvious but it took getting over the fear of destroying something to get it done. Please do not do this if you are not handy with power tools, are afraid of making permanent modifications, or cannot afford to buy replacement Aeros in case I am wrong. The good news is that the mod is on the Aero caps alone so you ca always buy replacements from Tesla.
The process is simple, just use a Dremel or similar tool and remove the center hub of the Aeros then polish a bit with a sanding disk.
Some of you may think this is crazy to do, and while I cannot be 100% certain that the Aeros will not fly off the wheels, I do plan on driving as fast as legally possible to test them. As of now they do seem pretty secure, even without the center hub, so I am feeling positive that they will be fine, even over some potholes or bigger bumps. I am also keeping a spare, just in case 🙂
IMAGES:
Here is a picture of the 18” Aero and Rim with the T cap on. I no longer need to remove the T center caps, and can place and secure the Aeros right on top to make both installation and removal easy and simple, without ever touching the center T caps.
Here is the back of the Aero Cover, you can see the Center Hub
Closeup of the Aero Center Hub
Dremel removal of the Center Hub
Polishing the cuts
