Storing Tesla wheels is the step we tend to rush through on the day we finally fit our winter tyres. Yet four summer wheels that have been stored incorrectly for five months can end up warped, pitted or cracked. Cleaning, positioning and storage location: here are the rules to ensure they’re still in perfect condition come spring.
Storing Tesla wheels: it all starts with cleaning
Never store a dirty wheel. Brake dust – fine and metallic – becomes embedded in the rim’s finish and will eventually corrode it if left for several months. Rinse the wheels, then apply a ferrous decontaminant such asIron 7 HD Alchimy 7 (€16.90), which dissolves these particles without the need for scrubbing. Finish by using a soft brush between the spokes, then rinse thoroughly. Take this opportunity to inspect each tyre: bulges, cuts or uneven wear are much easier to spot on a clean wheel.
Dry and mark each position
Leave them to dry completely before storing: moisture trapped inside a cover can cause corrosion of the valve nuts and mounting surfaces. Then mark each wheel with chalk or a label: AVG, AVD, ARG, ARD. In the spring, this labelling allows you to sensibly rotate the least-worn tyres to the front or rear, depending on your drive system. Also note the tread depth measured, to track wear from one season to the next.
Flat or suspended?
A complete wheel, with the tyre mounted on the rim, should be stored flat, stacked in piles of no more than four, or suspended by the rim from a suitable hook. Avoid leaving them standing upright for several months without rotating them: the weight will always rest on the same area of the tyre. When storing Tesla wheels flat, place a piece of cardboard or a board under the stack rather than on bare, cold and damp concrete. Maintain a tyre pressure close to the recommended operating pressure.
The right place to store your wheels
Rubber is sensitive to light, heat and ozone. Choose a dry, dark and temperate location: a well-ventilated cellar, an insulated garage or a storeroom. Avoid placing them near a boiler, compressor or electric motor, as these produce ozone and accelerate the ageing of the tyre sidewalls. Storage bags for 4 wheels (€29.90) protect against dust and UV rays, and make it easier to carry them to the boot. In a flat, a cupboard or a covered balcony can do the trick, provided you protect the wheels from direct sunlight and temperature fluctuations: slip them into their covers and place them on an insulated surface; never leave them directly on a damp floor.
The Tesla wheel storage checklist
- wheels washed, decontaminated and completely dry;
- position of each wheel noted;
- tread depth recorded;
- covers or bags sealed and protected from UV rays;
- A dry, dark room, away from any sources of ozone;
- anti-theft nuts and spanner stored with the wheels.
Sensors, nuts and accessories
If your summer wheels retain their pressure sensors, they remain valid for the car: this topic is covered in detail in our article on Tesla TPMS sensors. Store the key for the anti-theft nuts in a wheel bag rather than in a drawer: it’s the one item you’re always looking for in the spring. Well-organised storage of Tesla wheels saves precious time when refitting them, especially if you change the wheels yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can Tesla wheels be stored for? One season is no problem; ifstoring for several years or more, have the tyres’ age checked, as indicated by the DOT code.
Should tyres be deflated for storage? No, keep the pressure close to that used when driving to preserve the tyre’s shape.
Is a tyre storage facility a good idea? Yes, if you’re short of space, provided you check the storage conditions.
What should you do with worn tyres? Return them to a retailer, who is obliged to take them back; the recycling process is explained on ademe.fr.
Green Drive’s advice
Ten minutes of cleaning and a suitable storage area are all it takes to look after wheels that are often worth over a thousand euros; you can also find our Tesla maintenance tips. Covers, rims and complete wheels are available in the Model Y complete wheels section.
