Leased car, scratched wheels. Covers?

[njcardsfan]

I leased a 2022 Model 3 with 19 inch wheels. I scratched both wheels while parking. Actually, my “friend” did! I’m guessing I’ll have to pay for new wheels when my lease is up? A friend suggested that I put wheel covers over them. Would they not remove wheel covers to look at the original wheels? I also can’t find wheel covers for 19 inch model 3s.

Thoughts?

 

[stopcrazypp]

I leased a 2022 Model 3 with 19 inch wheels. I scratched both wheels while parking. Actually, my “friend” did! I’m guessing I’ll have to pay for new wheels when my lease is up? A friend suggested that I put wheel covers over them. Would they not remove wheel covers to look at the original wheels? I also can’t find wheel covers for 19 inch model 3s.

Thoughts?

If you have the newest version of 19 inch, there are some covers that recently came out, see this thread:
Aero Covers For 19" Sport Wheels

However as you say, they may lift to check anyways, so whether you get a cover should really depend on if you want them (for styling, aero, or protection from further curbing).

Depending on how bad it is, they may just treat it as common wear and tear, given Tesla's with curbed wheels are extremely common. If you want a quick fix you can look up touch up paint. Depending on how deep, you may need some filler.

 

[jjrandorin]

I leased a 2022 Model 3 with 19 inch wheels. I scratched both wheels while parking. Actually, my “friend” did! I’m guessing I’ll have to pay for new wheels when my lease is up? A friend suggested that I put wheel covers over them. Would they not remove wheel covers to look at the original wheels? I also can’t find wheel covers for 19 inch model 3s.

Thoughts?

My thought is, you should read through the lease return wear guides and make a determination. You are not going to put covers on something and not pay for damage, though.

Excess Wear and Use Guide | Tesla Support

Learn how to do a self-inspection using our guidelines to see if your vehicle wear and tear is normal or excessive.

www.tesla.com

 

[Watts_Up]

If it's only a scratch, not a dent like what driving above a pothole will make,
you might be able to DIY fix it, see numerous Youtube videos,
or to get it professionally repaired, it might cost from $50 to $200 per wheel.

Note: When doing parallel parking, I added a profile where I set my side rearview mirrors
to be slented in such a way that I can see the rear wheel and the street curbside.
Also the rear view camera video shows clearly on the Tesla screen the track of the car with two white lines.

Note: Compared to other cars that I have been driving, the Tesla steering circle is much wider,
so when doing parallel parking, the car don't let you steer the car close to the side curbside.
You often need two or three manoeuvers to complete a parallel parking or a U-Turn compared to other cars.

 

[njcardsfan]

These responses are hugely helpful. Thank you all.

 

[beachsideev]

Tesla seems to charge $85 per wheel to repair scratches. If the damage is small (<3" iirc), there is no charge.

at this point, you are already on hook to get them repaired. I'd just leave them alone and pay the $85 per wheel. It is possible that wheel covers could do more damage to other parts of the wheel and will end up costing you more.

 

[njcardsfan]

Tesla seems to charge $85 per wheel to repair scratches. If the damage is small (<3" iirc), there is no charge.

at this point, you are already on hook to get them repaired. I'd just leave them alone and pay the $85 per wheel. It is possible that wheel covers could do more damage to other parts of the wheel and will end up costing you more.

This is hopeful. I'd take $85 a wheel in a heartbeat. Here are some pics, along with some bumper damage. Any thoughts on the bumper?

 

[beachsideev]

That wheel damage is a lot worse than mine. The $85 quote might not apply to you.

Is the bumper cracked?

 

[njcardsfan]

That wheel damage is a lot worse than mine. The $85 quote might not apply to you.

Is the bumper cracked?

Oooh. Well whatever it is, it is. I'll report back at the end of my lease!

The bumper isn't cracked; it has a tear, i.e. there's a piece torn enough to go all the way through.

 

[Stirthepot]

you are going to get charged for a new bumper/repair. that's not normal wear, or get it fixed prior. the same goes for the wheels IMO.

 

[njcardsfan]

you are going to get charged for a new bumper/repair. that's not normal wear, or get it fixed prior. the same goes for the wheels IMO.

Yikes. Sounds like a lot of money. Thanks.

 

[beachsideev]

The bumper can be repaired. They can weld/glue it up and make it look like new. As me how I know...

 

[njcardsfan]

The bumper can be repaired. They can weld/glue it up and make it look like new. As me how I know...

How do you know?

 

[beachsideev]

Someone dragged their boat trailer across my front bumper. The body shop had this special plastic welder/filler that made it look good as new. Obviously they had to paint the whole thing afterwards.

The end result was actually better than new as the paint was a much closer match. Also, there was a perfect rectangular section at the center of the bumper where the clear coat was missing. It looked like a protective cushion was taped to the bumper when the clear coat was still soft. When the cushion was removed, it took the clear coat with it. At least that's what it looked like.

 

[njcardsfan]

Do you think Tesla would charge me more than $150/wheel for pretty deeply gouged wheels? I can get them repaired for that independently.

 

[beachsideev]

Only Tesla can answer that for you.