Replacement Wheel Covers Change The Driving Experience

[TooTheMax]

This last weekend I picked up the Wheel Covers from my local dealership (by the way, they don't have them at Used Tesla dealerships, just the main sales/service locations). I installed them myself after reading some threads that the techs have been hit or miss with how they install them at the locations. When driving the FS CT I immediately noticed two things.

1. I can feel a big difference in the wind resistance when driving on the highway (it feels like I'm really fighting the wind the entire time)
2. I can hear a lot more wind noise

As we all know, the spacer thing now adds a good centimeter or so of space between the cover and the tire to ensure it doesn't rub against the outer wall of the tire damaging it. But I kinda feel like the trade off of esthetics vs functional use might not be worth it. The drag that's created definitely impacts the driving experience negatively and I'm willing to bet it also impacts the range.

Does anyone else feel this way or am I overreacting?

Sponsored

 

[TeslaKen]

Have not noticed either of the items you pointed out. I don't have side mirrors making noise in the wind either so if there was a significant wind noise by adding wheel covers I think I would have heard it. Then again, I'm getting older so maybe my hearing is going or I have the stereo turned up...

 

[jb15]

My efficiency improved with the covers. Never noticed wind noise etc.

 

[sharpgator]

My average efficiency improved very slightly since I installed the covers

 

[getsometom]

I have not experienced any additional wind noise or a decrease in efficiency after installing the wheel covers.

 

[Stuck4ger]

Have not noticed either of the items you pointed out. I don't have side mirrors making noise in the wind either so if there was a significant wind noise by adding wheel covers I think I would have heard it. Then again, I'm getting older so maybe my hearing is going or I have the stereo turned up...

I have my beast configured like yours and don’t notice any noise form the wheel covers, either.

 

[mahdir35]

My efficiency improved with the covers. Never noticed wind noise etc.

Same here!

 

[BrockN]

Those who are indicating an efficiency/range improvement, are you able to quantify it?

I've got a set of Amazon center covers that I am planning to use, because I'm finding the Tesla covers are a bit of a problem with snow buildup behind, if you are off the plowed road. And being unable to get to the valve stems is a bit annoying too.

 

[HaulingAss]

Those who are indicating an efficiency/range improvement, are you able to quantify it?

The efficiency improvement from the wheel covers will depend upon the speed through the air. At 70 mph it's around 2-3% and will go up from there at higher speeds. They probably have a very slight negative impact to efficiency in typical low speed city driving where there is regular stopping and starting.

 

[DJAlan2000]

Ours came with them already, but I tried taking them off and the only thing I noticed was that the mileage got WORSE so we put them back on. Now, we'll only take them off if we're going off road... But even then, first time we did, left them on and they were fine (didn't pop off!).

Putting them ON is 'different'... Follow the instructions to put the locking ring onto the wheel FIRST, before attaching the 'cover' part to the ring... It's not hard, just different... I can do it in less than 1 minute per cover...

 

[Woodrick]

This last weekend I picked up the Wheel Covers from my local dealership (by the way, they don't have them at Used Tesla dealerships, just the main sales/service locations). I installed them myself after reading some threads that the techs have been hit or miss with how they install them at the locations. When driving the FS CT I immediately noticed two things.

1. I can feel a big difference in the wind resistance when driving on the highway (it feels like I'm really fighting the wind the entire time)
2. I can hear a lot more wind noise

As we all know, the spacer thing now adds a good centimeter or so of space between the cover and the tire to ensure it doesn't rub against the outer wall of the tire damaging it. But I kinda feel like the trade off of esthetics vs functional use might not be worth it. The drag that's created definitely impacts the driving experience negatively and I'm willing to bet it also impacts the range.

Does anyone else feel this way or am I overreacting?

Interesting that you could feel the additional wind resistance of about a sqft of extra material. (The wheels have a lot of metal as well)

But the really interesting one, as others have pointed out, is that the "drag" created by the wheel covers is actually negative, they smooth the airflow around the wheels and actually decrease the vehicles drag.

 

[Bobo_LaDouche]

And being unable to get to the valve stems is a bit annoying too.

Two choices for the valve stem access - Rip the outer cover off to access the stem, which takes about 5 seconds, or drill a hole. This hole would be rquired on the outer cover only. If you are trying to deal with both rings, then it is a hassle. )))

 

[JohnDutoit]

you can drill a hole and add valve stem extender

 

[Macgreiner]

Does that impact tire balancing?

 

[BrockN]

Does that impact tire balancing?

Given the ridiculous mass of those tires, I doubt it would be detectable.

Sponsored