2024-2026 Cybertruck Wheel Covers: Issues with Rubbing, Damage, and Replacement

What is the Cybertruck Aero Wheel Cover?

The 2024-2026 Tesla Cybertruck comes standard with distinctive plastic wheel covers known as Aero Wheel Covers. These are not traditional hubcaps; they are a functional component designed to reduce aerodynamic drag. By making the wheel surface smoother, they help the truck cut through the air more efficiently, which can lead to a small but measurable increase in driving range, often estimated around 2-3% at highway speeds. 🎬 Watch: See how these covers impact real-world driving range. Underneath these large covers are the truck's 20-inch alloy wheels, 6 lug nuts, and a small center hub area. The aero covers are held on by a series of clips and a central mounting ring.

Common Problems and Failure Symptoms

Early versions of the Cybertruck aero covers were subject to a design issue that caused them to be temporarily removed from new vehicle deliveries. Owners should be aware of the following common problems:

• Tire Sidewall Damage: The most significant known issue with the original aero covers is that the edges, or "fingers," of the cover could rub against the tire's sidewall. This rubbing action, caused by the tire bulging under the truck's weight, could wear down the rubber on the sidewall over time. Tesla addressed this by redesigning the covers with shorter fingers to provide more clearance.
• Scratched Alloy Wheels: Some owners have reported that the plastic clips and contact points on the back of the aero covers can scratch the finish of the underlying alloy wheels. This damage becomes visible only when the covers are removed.
• Detachment or Falling Off: While less common after the redesign, there were early reports and videos of the aero covers detaching from the vehicle while driving, posing a significant safety risk to other motorists. This is typically caused by broken or improperly seated retaining clips.
• Cracking and Curb Rash: Like any wheel cover, the Cybertruck's aero covers are susceptible to cosmetic damage from hitting curbs. The plastic can crack, scuff, or break, particularly around the outer edges and spokes.
• Noise: A loose or damaged cover can create rattling or clicking sounds as the wheel rotates. This usually indicates that one or more of the mounting clips are broken or not fully engaged.

Buying a Used 2024-2026 Cybertruck Wheel Cover

With the high cost of new OEM replacements, a used aero cover can be a good value. However, a thorough inspection is critical to avoid buying a part that will fail again.

Physical Inspection Checklist

• Inspect All Mounting Clips: This is the most critical step. Flip the cover over and carefully examine every plastic clip that snaps it onto the wheel. Look for hairline cracks, stress marks (white-ish lines in the plastic), or fully broken tabs. A cover with even one compromised clip may not seat securely and could detach while driving.
• Check the Center Mounting Ring: Ensure the separate mounting ring is present (if applicable to the design you're buying) and that its clips are also intact.
• Examine for Cracks and Warping: Check the entire surface, especially along the spokes and outer edge, for cracks. Lay the cover on a flat surface to ensure it is not warped, which could prevent it from sitting flush against the wheel.
• Verify It's the Redesigned Part: If possible, compare the used cover to a known redesigned part. The updated versions have shorter rubber "fingers" on the spokes to prevent tire rubbing. Buying an original-design cover may lead to the same tire-wear issues.
• Assess Cosmetic Damage: Scuffs and light scratches are common on used covers and can often be accepted for a lower price. However, deep gouges or missing chunks of plastic compromise the part's integrity.

Why Used OEM is a Smart Choice

For a component like this, a used Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) part is often superior to a new, cheap aftermarket one. The OEM covers are made from a specific grade of plastic (often with UV inhibitors) designed to withstand the elements and road stress. Aftermarket copies may use more brittle plastic that can crack easily or may not fit as precisely, leading to rattles or detachment. A good-condition used OEM cover provides the same fit and durability as a new one at a lower cost.

Cost Comparison: New vs. Used Cybertruck Wheel Covers

Prices can vary based on availability and condition. The aero covers are often sold individually.

How to Replace the Cybertruck Aero Wheel Cover

Replacing a wheel cover is a simple DIY task that requires no special tools, though some find certain tools helpful.

• Installation Difficulty: 1 out of 5
• Estimated Time: 5 minutes

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Removal: Tesla's official method is to grasp the cover firmly with both hands and pull it straight toward you to release the clips. Some owners find this difficult and worry about breaking the plastic. An alternative is to use needle-nose pliers to gently release the clips through the small notches.
2. Separate Mounting Ring (If Needed): Sometimes the inner mounting ring will stay attached to the wheel. If so, pull it off in the same manner.
3. Installation: First, align the new mounting ring with the wheel spokes and press it firmly into place. Next, align the main aero cover with the design on the tire sidewall. Press firmly in the center to engage the main lock, then work your way around, pressing firmly on each spoke to snap it into place.
4. Final Check: Once installed, give each spoke a quick pull to confirm it is securely attached.
🎬 Watch this quick walkthrough of the removal and installation process.

A Note on Lug Nuts and Center Caps

The Cybertruck uses a 6-lug wheel pattern. When the aero cover is removed, the six lug nuts and the center hub are exposed. This is different from other Tesla models (S, 3, X, Y) which use a 5-lug pattern. Aftermarket companies sell kits that include 24 lug nut covers (for all four wheels) and four center caps to give the wheels a more finished look when the aero covers are not being used.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)