What To Know
- Tesla recommends that owners purchase a lug wrench separately or use the roadside assistance service if they need to change a tire.
- Tesla owners can purchase a lug wrench separately or use the roadside assistance service if they need to change a tire.
- Park the vehicle, engage the parking brake, raise the vehicle with a jack, loosen the lug nuts with a lug wrench, remove the lug nuts by hand, remove the flat tire, replace with the spare tire, tighten the lug nuts by hand, lower the vehicle, and fully tighten the lug nuts with a lug wrench.
Tesla vehicles do not come with a lug wrench as standard equipment. This is because Tesla vehicles are equipped with special lug nuts that require a specific type of lug wrench to remove. Tesla recommends that owners purchase a lug wrench separately or use the roadside assistance service if they need to change a tire.
Why Doesn’t Tesla Include a Lug Wrench?
There are several reasons why Tesla does not include a lug wrench with its vehicles:
- Weight savings: Lug wrenches are heavy and bulky, and Tesla prioritizes weight reduction to improve vehicle performance and efficiency.
- Space constraints: The trunk of a Tesla vehicle is relatively small, and Tesla wants to maximize space for cargo and other essentials.
- Safety concerns: Tesla believes that it is safer for owners to use the roadside assistance service than to attempt to change a tire themselves.
Where Can I Get a Lug Wrench for My Tesla?
Tesla owners can purchase a lug wrench from several sources:
- Tesla Service Centers: Tesla service centers sell lug wrenches specifically designed for Tesla vehicles.
- Online retailers: Amazon and other online retailers sell lug wrenches that are compatible with Tesla vehicles.
- Auto parts stores: Some auto parts stores carry lug wrenches that fit Tesla lug nuts.
How to Use a Lug Wrench on a Tesla
To use a lug wrench on a Tesla, follow these steps:
1. Park the vehicle on a flat, stable surface.
2. Engage the parking brake.
3. Use a jack to raise the vehicle.
4. Locate the lug nuts on the wheel you need to change.
5. Place the lug wrench on the lug nut and turn it counterclockwise to loosen it.
6. Remove the lug nuts by hand.
7. Remove the flat tire and replace it with the spare tire.
8. Tighten the lug nuts by hand.
9. Lower the vehicle.
10. Use the lug wrench to tighten the lug nuts fully.
What if I Don’t Have a Lug Wrench?
If you do not have a lug wrench, you can call Tesla roadside assistance. Tesla roadside assistance will send a technician to your location to change your tire.
Other Tools for Changing a Tesla Tire
In addition to a lug wrench, you may also need the following tools to change a Tesla tire:
- Jack: A jack is used to raise the vehicle so that you can access the flat tire.
- Wheel chocks: Wheel chocks are placed behind the wheels that are not being changed to prevent the vehicle from rolling.
- Torque wrench: A torque wrench is used to tighten the lug nuts to the correct specification.
Safety Precautions
When changing a Tesla tire, always follow these safety precautions:
- Park the vehicle on a flat, stable surface.
- Engage the parking brake.
- Use jack stands to support the vehicle after raising it with a jack.
- Never crawl under a vehicle that is supported only by a jack.
- Tighten the lug nuts to the correct specification using a torque wrench.
- Do not overtighten the lug nuts.
Key Points
Tesla vehicles do not come with a lug wrench as standard equipment. Tesla owners can purchase a lug wrench separately or use the roadside assistance service if they need to change a tire. It is important to have the right tools and follow safety precautions when changing a Tesla tire.
Common Questions and Answers
1. Why doesn’t Tesla include a lug wrench with its vehicles?
Tesla prioritizes weight reduction, space constraints, and safety concerns.
2. Where can I get a lug wrench for my Tesla?
Tesla service centers, online retailers, and auto parts stores.
3. How do I use a lug wrench on a Tesla?
Park the vehicle, engage the parking brake, raise the vehicle with a jack, loosen the lug nuts with a lug wrench, remove the lug nuts by hand, remove the flat tire, replace with the spare tire, tighten the lug nuts by hand, lower the vehicle, and fully tighten the lug nuts with a lug wrench.
4. What if I don’t have a lug wrench?
Call Tesla roadside assistance.
5. What other tools do I need to change a Tesla tire?
Jack, wheel chocks, torque wrench.
6. What safety precautions should I follow when changing a Tesla tire?
Park on a flat surface, engage the parking brake, use jack stands, never crawl under an unsupported vehicle, tighten lug nuts to spec, and do not overtighten.
