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Would powdercoated Gemini wheels be scratched by the covers?
- Thread starter bluestonex
- Start date
Mateo83
Active Member
I'm sure metal will hurt, but the typical damage is from plastic parts of the cover though.
Mateo83
Active Member
fiehlsport
Tire Guy
Yes. If there is any dirt on the wheel, putting the wheel covers on will scratch the paint. Even if they are clean, the plastic is not forgiving, it will mar the surface for sure.
The clips are plastic with metal tensioners inside of them.
I get that the original painted finish of the wheel is damaged easily by the plastic and debris, but I'm wondering if powdercoating will hold up better than the paint (to at least the plastic and debris). I'm debating whether to have them powdercoated and take on/off the covers for roadtrips. If the powdercoating itself will be damaged by the covers then it would be a waste of money.
I know that you get more range with them on, but if you like the looks with them off, does the extra range, even on long trips really matter? It's not as if you are getting an extra 30 miles range, it's maybe 10 miles. And that isn't going to make a difference in which Supercharger you choose.
To be honest I'm not crazy about how they look without covers - part of the reason for powdercoating is just to make them look good enough to use without the covers. Then on top of the efficiency benefit I have the option to change the look by switching from original cover, to aftermarket cover, to no cover.
For anyone else wondering, it seems like the pressure from the plastic clips is enough to even damage powdercoating. I spoke to a local powdercoater who mentioned his customers did experience it and will only use without covers, and others have commented here:
19" Gemini wheel covers - A recommendation to end all others?
After 100,500 miles on my beloved 2019 M3, I traded in "The Tesla" today for a new MY. I'm actually writing this from the waiting room in the Tesla dealership, waiting for the registration and plates to be transferred. In the last few weeks, I have read A LOT of threads on Gemini wheel covers...
teslamotorsclub.com
My point is that if you like it one way, just leave it that way. If you powder coat, it and don't like it, then put them back on.To be honest I'm not crazy about how they look without covers - part of the reason for powdercoating is just to make them look good enough to use without the covers. Then on top of the efficiency benefit I have the option to change the look by switching from original cover, to aftermarket cover, to no cover.
For anyone else wondering, it seems like the pressure from the plastic clips is enough to even damage powdercoating. I spoke to a local powdercoater who mentioned his customers did experience it and will only use without covers, and others have commented here:
19" Gemini wheel covers - A recommendation to end all others?
After 100,500 miles on my beloved 2019 M3, I traded in "The Tesla" today for a new MY. I'm actually writing this from the waiting room in the Tesla dealership, waiting for the registration and plates to be transferred. In the last few weeks, I have read A LOT of threads on Gemini wheel covers...
I kept mine on for awhile, then took them off and put them back on when travelling. And then back off while in town. Well, the range difference doesn't bother me and I've been way too lazy to put them back on.
I'm about to sell the car, so I guess I need to find them!
