Tesla has temporarily suspended the delivery of Cybertrucks with wheel covers due to a newly identified issue causing wear on the tire sidewalls. Deliveries will proceed without the covers until a redesign, anticipated no earlier than March.
Tesla’s incorporation of wheel covers across its vehicle range is aimed at optimizing efficiency, potentially boosting the range by up to 10 miles. These removable covers afford owners the choice of sacrificing a slight efficiency gain for an enhanced aesthetic appeal, revealing the underlying rim.
The Cybertruck, sporting 35-inch tires with accompanying wheel covers, is currently being delivered to new owners without this feature, owing to an issue that escaped detection during testing.
According to reports on the CybertruckOwnersClub forum, deliveries without aero covers began as early as last week. Initially, Tesla Advisors offered no explanation, stating that installations would commence from February 1. However, this date has been revised to March.
Contrary to initial speculation about cover detachment during driving, the root cause appears to be different. The Cybertruck’s aero covers, unlike those on other Tesla models, extend beyond the rim’s edge, leading to friction with the tire sidewall during flexing while driving. A video by T-Sportline illustrates this issue, highlighting the potential for significant sidewall marks and raising safety concerns.
See also: After 10,000 Miles: Unveiling the Tesla Cybertruck – In-Depth Analysis of Range, Charging, and More
Tesla has acknowledged the problem, classifying the situation as “parts containment pending new revision” rather than a recall. Existing owners with wheel covers are not mandated to return them, with Tesla indicating a likely free replacement once a solution is devised.
In response, Tesla is contemplating the release of smaller aero covers for non-Foundation Series Cybertrucks, while concurrently working on a fix to maintain the distinctive appeal of the Foundation Series variant. This development underscores the challenges faced by automakers in addressing unforeseen issues promptly in the pursuit of innovative designs.
