Model S 21” Wheels : Risk of theft and damage

[FutureShock]

Just wondering how often this comes up. Yes, I know, I know, it varies by locale. But some wheels/cars do seem to get targeted more than others.

Such info would come in handy when deciding whether or not to pony up for the 21" turbine rims, at an additional cost of $4,500. Y'know?

Oh, and in other news... all car thieves should be live-fed to rabid wolverines. Just sayin'.
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[kort677]

Just wondering how often this comes up. Yes, I know, I know, it varies by locale. But some wheels/cars do seem to get targeted more than others.

Such info would come in handy when deciding whether or not to pony up for the 21" turbine rims, at an additional cost of $4,500. Y'know?

Oh, and in other news... all car thieves should be live-fed to rabid wolverines. Just sayin'.
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not too common, but it appears that your part of the world is totally out of control. so a report like yours doesn't seem too far fetched.

 

[Doug_G]

The rims won't fit on any other car, so the target market for rim thieves is limited.

If you have any issues with potholes in your area, don't get the 21" rims. I learned that the hard way.

 

[FutureShock]

The rims won't fit on any other car, so the target market for rim thieves is limited.

If you have any issues with potholes in your area, don't get the 21" rims. I learned that the hard way.

They got dented/messed up? Eek.

Though maybe that's due to the fact that they're paired with super-low profile tires (which is necessary, to maintain the same wheel diameter vs 19" rims paired with a somewhat taller tire).

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[boaterva]

They got dented/messed up? Eek.

Though maybe that's due to the fact that they're paired with super-low profile tires (which is necessary, to maintain the same wheel diameter vs 19" rims paired with a somewhat taller tire).

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One reason I got the normal wheels/tires on my X. Glorious to not worry about potholes or bumps any longer after 10 years of BMW 3’s where anything would bottom out the low profile tires. The larger S and X wheels look great but tires don’t last long and do have pothole issues!

 

[FutureShock]

One reason I got the normal wheels/tires on my X. Glorious to not worry about potholes or bumps any longer after 10 years of BMW 3’s where anything would bottom out the low profile tires. The larger S and X wheels look great but tires don’t last long and do have pothole issues!

Yep. Makes me wish Tesla would offer the grey turbine wheels in 19". They'd still look good, and the taller tires would be easier to live with.

Or maybe in 20", and split the difference in terms of tire profile. That might be perfect, in fact.

Did they ever do that/consider that once upon a time, I wonder?

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[boaterva]

I coulda swore I saw something about this but it had to be a third party or maybe someone dipped their wheels. I’d like that also. Definitely not giving up the comfort of the big tires!

 

[Doug_G]

They got dented/messed up? Eek.

Though maybe that's due to the fact that they're paired with super-low profile tires (which is necessary, to maintain the same wheel diameter vs 19" rims paired with a somewhat taller tire).

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Destroyed four of them in four years. Two were simply dented and were replaced. Two others hit a pothole (same hole), and not only bent but shredded the tires. New rims, new tires.

You can be careful as you want, but if there's a brand-new pothole on a rainy night, it can still find you.

 

[K-MTG]

Our taxes are so high but our roads are garbage....even in Irvine....a new city but the roads are crap

 

[FutureShock]

Destroyed four of them in four years. Two were simply dented and were replaced. Two others hit a pothole (same hole), and not only bent but shredded the tires. New rims, new tires.

You can be careful as you want, but if there's a brand-new pothole on a rainy night, it can still find you.

Awful. Who paid for the rim and tire replacements, you or Tesla? Is there even any recourse there?


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[Doug_G]

Me. That was expensive. And it happened a week before I traded it. I was being really careful, but still got nailed. Also ended up stranded on the side of the road just 3 km from home, for two hours, late at night.

 

[THXULTRA]

Yep. Makes me wish Tesla would offer the grey turbine wheels in 19". They'd still look good, and the taller tires would be easier to live with.

Or maybe in 20", and split the difference in terms of tire profile. That might be perfect, in fact.

Did they ever do that/consider that once upon a time, I wonder?

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I agree really like the look of the turbine wheels but I want more tire because of pot holes especially in winter when they are snow covered they can sneak up. Had a car with low profile wheels before and learned my lesson.

 

[kort677]

Me. That was expensive. And it happened a week before I traded it. I was being really careful, but still got nailed. Also ended up stranded on the side of the road just 3 km from home, for two hours, late at night.

it's not a problem that is inherent to tesla, any car that has bigger wheel and low profile tires will be prone to being damaged from road hazards. I've driven almost 50K miles in 2 teslas with 19" rims and OEM tires and I've never has any sorts of wheel issues. the moral to the story is to stay away from those low profile tires, especially if you live in an area where there are many potholes and poorly maintained roadways.

 

[gg_got_a_tesla]

This is a thread that has gone really off-topic. Needs a title change?!

To the OP, Tesla does offer 19” Grey Slipstreams now, not Turbines.

 

[Doug_G]

It’s not really off topic. The OP is trying to decide whether to pop for the 21’s. He expressed concerns aboit theft but we are pointing out other risks.

The 21’s are beautiful but if your area is subject to potholes (usually due to freeze-thaw cycles) then it is a pretty safe bet you will get bent rims.

 

[Doug_G]

I’ve modified the thread title to more accurately describe the thread contents.

 

[pvazquez03]

I really like the look of the 21" turbine wheels and purchased them when I received my new Tesla. I have both sets now (19 and 21") but the 21" are just a better feel and look over the 19", so I use those most of the time . BTW, Ebay or Amazon both have them for a lower price if you're looking to purchase them. Remember to purchase wheel locks!!!!!

 

[FutureShock]

Getting back to the theft side of the equation... Thoughts? Experiences?

Especially experiences.

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[bishoppeak]

Since they don't fit anything else, little chance of theft. Wheel locks are cheap insurance just in case.

 

[pvazquez03]

Getting back to the theft side of the equation... Thoughts? Experiences?

Especially experiences.

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I would definitely purchase wheel locks and I have experienced people trying to take my tires with "Wheel Locks" on a different car but they couldn't!