Can you change wheels and perform tire changes on a Tesla yourself?
Yes, you can, and it's actually easier than many people think. When changing wheels or performing a tire change on a Tesla, it's mostly about using the right equipment and doing it safely.
Many people use the terms "wheel change" and "tire change" interchangeably, and in practice, they refer to the same thing. The difference mostly lies in what one is accustomed to calling it.
A Tesla is not so different from other cars when it comes to the job itself, but there are some details you need to be extra careful with, especially when it comes to jacking.
If you are unsure about the procedure itself, you can view the full guide here: How to change tires on a Tesla Model Y.
Equipment you need for wheel and tire changes
To make the job both easier and safer, you need the right equipment. This often determines whether it feels cumbersome or quite straightforward.
When lifting the car, it's important to use the correct support.
A Jack pad for Tesla ensures you hit the correct lifting point and protects the car.
See how to choose the correct jack pad here.
Make the job easier with the right aid
Tesla wheels can be heavy, and it's easy to exert unnecessary effort.
The Wheely tire changing lift makes it easier to lift and position the wheel correctly without having to bear the full weight yourself.
See how the Wheely works in practice here.
When the bolts are stuck
Sometimes the bolts are tight, especially after a season on the road.
A breaker bar gives you extra leverage and makes it easier to loosen the bolts without using unnecessary force.
Correct tightening of bolts
One of the most common mistakes when changing wheels is tightening the bolts either too little or too much.
For Tesla, it is recommended to tighten with the correct torque, so that everything is securely fastened without unnecessarily stressing threads or rims.
A torque stick 175 Nm for Tesla makes this easy, as it ensures you reach the correct level without having to guess.
See how to use a torque stick here.
How to change wheels step by step
Start by putting the car in park and securing it well. Loosen the bolts a little before jacking up the car.
Once the car is lifted, you can unscrew the bolts and remove the wheel. Here, many people notice how heavy it actually is – and how much easier it becomes with the right equipment.
Put on the new wheel, tighten the bolts lightly first, and then lower the car back down. Finally, tighten to the correct torque.
A small tip many overlook
Before putting on new wheels, it can be smart to thoroughly clean the rims.
Koch-Chemie Reactive Rust Remover is effective for removing brake dust and particles.
This not only gives you cleaner rims but also makes future maintenance easier.
What many do wrong
A common mistake is tightening the bolts too hard or too loosely. Another is using the wrong jack or placing it incorrectly.
Many also forget to re-tighten after a few miles, which is actually recommended.
Make it easier with the right equipment
If you have the right equipment available, changing wheels will be both faster and safer.
If you want to see everything in one place, you can find it here: Tire change equipment.