Aftermarket Wheels
Wheel Bands Review: Tesla Model S Curb Rash Protection
True Tesla Model S curb rash protection with a unique twist.
Finding the right rim protection for your Model S can be a challenge considering the number of options that are available, but do they really get the job done?
I’ve tested a variety of products designed to protect the Model S wheels from “kissing the curb”, and came across Wheel Bands by RimPro-Tec. Many owners within the Tesla community are touting it as a true lifesaver and best wheel protector for the Model S, so naturally I had to give it a try.
Wheel Bands
The Wheel Bands arrive in a flat corrugated shipping box affixed with a fairly large label that clearly identifies the brand.
The excitement of unboxing the product will quickly give way to a feeling of just blasé since there’s really not much inside the box itself. This won’t be an Apple unboxing experience so set aside those expectations before opening your new set of Wheel Bands. Two coiled tracks wrapped together along with a small bag containing a plastic tool and alcohol wet wipes is what awaits you.
Contents:
- 1 x Coil of mounting track (enough for 4 x 22″ wheels)
- 1 x Coil of color insert
- 1 x Application tool (used for pressing the coil insert into the mounting track)
- 2 x Surface prep wipes
But I soon found out that my expectation for something that would be more than just wheel protection was spot on. Akin to a high-end case for your iPhone or Android device – even the fanciest of cases feel uninspiring by itself – the Wheel Band really comes to life when mounted on the Tesla Model S wheel. Simply put, it somehow just looks right.
List price: $99.99
Installation
Having already experienced other wheel protectors in the past, including a review of the “RimBlade”, I was already well-versed with applying the adhesive-backed product onto the circumference of the wheel. But that’s where the similarities end. Unlike the RimBlade which is a soft and pliable compound that feels similar to the rubbery part of your windshield wiper, the Wheel Band is a very solid and rigid plastic track. There’s no question that this thing can take curb abuse and come back for more. It’s what wheel protection should be like; durable, solid and instills confidence that your $1,200 wheel is now outfitted with some extra body armor.
However, the downside with having nearly 8ft (2.4m) of durable and rigid wheel protector track (in a single coil) is the difficulty in which it gets unraveled and spliced together so that it forms a perfect seam where both ends of the track join together.
Wheel protectors that adhere via mounting tape to the wheel’s surface require a perfect seam where the two ends come together. This is usually the point of failure with any type of wheel protector as experienced first hand with our previous test of the RimBlade which had to be replaced twice (not to be mistaken with the Wheel Band). Both times the RimBlade came undone at the seam despite our best efforts to ensure a clean and perfect install.
As for installation of the Wheel Band, it’s easy. Well, somewhat. If you choose to take the DIY’er route by starting the track from one end and circling back to it, that’s simple. But what’s less obvious is that you won’t get a perfect seam because of the rigidity of the hard plastic track which tends to have a natural curl in it. In other words, by the time you make it all the way back around to the other end, the track would have sagged a little making it near impossible to have them butt up against one another perfectly.
Proper installation requires using a “bridge piece” to temporarily hold the starting end in place. Pictured here is what would happen without the bridge.
I won’t go into too much detail on the installation procedure itself but after speaking with Wheel Bands directly, they mentioned that professional installation shops (ie. Tesla-experienced M&N in SoCal) whom are trained on Wheel Bands use a “bridging method”, whereby a short and temporary piece of track is used to prevent the starting end from curling down.
This allows for a perfect seam as seen in the following photos (I decided to re-do the install after learning of the technique):
Only time will tell whether the Wheel Bands continue to stay fixed to the wheel, but my initial impression is that the adhesive backing is much more industrial grade than other products I’ve seen. The compound also has a much larger surface area to attach to since the Wheel Band adheres to the full face of the wheel as opposed to “cupping” the outer rim of the wheel where there’s less “meat” to grab onto. Not only does the Wheel Band mounting location do a better job protecting the wheel from curb rash, since it resides in a position where scrapes are more likely to happen, it’s also much more secure.
Total installation time: 45 minutes
Wheel Bands Unique Differentiator
When I think Tesla Model S curb rash protection, I don’t often think about the aesthetic component to it, however having seen the Wheel Bands on the factory 21″ Tesla turbine wheels, I think it looks absolutely amazing. This is largely due to the fact that I can pick and choose the color of the track + insert that I’m in the mood for, each of which comes in varying colors. I chose to go with a more unique RED track with BLACK insert. Why?
For one, I always thought that the more popular red on red or black track with red insert was just too bold of a look for the elegant Model S. I wanted to try something more subtle and less in-your-face and was able to achieve that by using the Wheel Bands red track with black insert.
From a distance, you can see just a subtle hint of red along with the factory wheels. The black insert covers up a majority of the red track thereby leaving only the outer red portion of the track visible. In fact, this set up actually makes the wheel appear .5″ larger in diameter.
Having the ability to mix and match the insert also allows you to color-match the Wheel Band with your seat stitching.
Aside from being able to swap colors by merely popping out the colored insert, the unique lock and channel design of the Wheel Bands track allows one to easily splice in a new piece should a section get damaged. Go figure. Tesla Model S curb rash protection that actually serves as curb rash protection. Excellent!
Summary
Unlike other wheel protectors on the market, especially those that are being marketed to Tesla owners, I find Wheel Bands to be the most effective in terms of giving the Tesla Model S true curb rash protection. Some wheel protectors clamp directly onto the wheel itself and require complete deflation and removal of the tire. I find this counterproductive since it not only dangerously interferes with the bead of the tire, but you’re essentially marring the wheel by clamping onto it. Other products adhere to the wheel via adhesive tape but are more decorative pieces, due to their soft rubberlike compound, than true rim protection.
At $119, the Wheel Band is priced slightly higher than some competing products, but in my opinion having that peace of mind knowing that it will actually do what it’s supposed to do – provide curb rash protection for your precious Model S wheels and look good while doing so; now, that’s absolutely priceless.
Aftermarket Wheels
Pirelli unveils its first-ever replacement tire for EVs: the All Season Plus with Elect marking
Pirelli, the Italian tire maker, announced today the introduction in North America of its first-ever replacement tire for electric vehicles: the P Zero All Season Plus with Elect Marking.
The Elect marking on Pirelli’s tires indicates several distinct advantages. First, the tire has low rolling resistance, which increases driving range and reduces energy consumption, making stops at electric vehicle chargers less frequent. When coupled with a high-range vehicle, like the Lucid Air Dream Edition or Tesla Model S All-Wheel Drive, the Pirelli Elect series decreases road contact, making the vehicles more efficient. When non-Elect P Zero All Season Plus tires have been fitted on vehicles, the Pirelli product has shown a reduction of rolling resistance by 15 percent, translating to direct improvement of the EV battery life cycle.
One of the most important and distinct advantages is also the reduction of road noise, creating a more peaceful a quiet experience in the EV’s cabin. In electric vehicles, road noise is more noticeable as the lack of a loud combustion engine, which drowns out these noises in a gas-powered car, provides more noise within the cabin. This was a main focus of Tesla for several years, as many consumers had stated road noise had gone to nearly intolerable levels. Tesla eventually worked with tire manufacturers for insulated rubber and made changes with its build processes to alleviate some of the cabin noise complaints.
Road noise won’t be a concern for those who utilize the Pirelli All Season Plus, as it features the company’s PNCS, or “Pirelli Noise Cancelling System.” Pirelli developed this technology to reduce interior noise thanks to a sound-absorbing material applied to the inside of the circumferential wall. It offers improved driving comfort, which is another feature appreciated by EV drivers. Tires equipped with PNCS have shown a 5 percent reduction in cabin noise versus the leading OEM competitor.
Pirelli’s new All Season Plus replacement tire, especially for EVs! (Credit: Pirelli)
Another incredible advantage of Pirelli’s Elect tires is the immediate grip it provides for EVs, helping support the notoriously fast acceleration of electric powertrains. Along with the traction control and launch grip advantages, Pirelli’s tires support the weight of a battery-powered vehicle, the company said.
Pirelli continues to develop new tires and technology for EVs, especially as the automotive industry continues to show a massive transition to more sustainable powertrains. Pirelli was the first tire manufacturer to homologate a dedicated technology for EVs. It also has the highest number of homologations of tires for electric vehicles.
“Developing a tire specifically for electric vehicles requires a number of considerations you do not encounter when working with internal combustion engines,” Ian Coke, Chief Technical Officer at Pirelli North America, said. “Electric vehicles are heavier, have more powerful and faster acceleration off the line, and require lower rolling resistance.”
Pirelli developed a new compound formulation that increases abrasion resistance of the tire, which compensates for the high torque and increased weight, which EVs both have. The tire is built to offer “long-lasting performance in every condition,” the company said.
The new P Zero All Season Plus Elect will fit some of the most popular EV high-performance models and will be available from 18 to 20 inches. In addition to the clear EV vehicle benefits, the new P Zero All Season Plus Elect comes with a 50,000-mile limited treadwear warranty.
I’d love to hear from you! If you have any comments, concerns, or questions, please email me at joey@teslarati.com. You can also reach me on Twitter @KlenderJoey, or if you have news tips, you can email us at tips@teslarati.com.
Aftermarket Wheels
Tesla launches Model 3 Track Package with ‘Zero-G’ wheels and race-focused brake mods
Tesla has launched a new Model 3 Track Package for racing enthusiasts looking to maximize track performance of their all-electric sedan with Zero-G Performance wheels and race-focused brake and tire modifications.
The new performance package is being offered for the Tesla Model 3 Performance variant at $5,500 and includes stickier Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires that are popular among track junkies, high-performance brake pads and racing brake fluid.
“Optimize the track performance of your Performance Upgrade Model 3. Track Package is a complete hardware package designed to give you maximum cornering force, braking performance and high-speed stability for the best lap times,” reads the description on Tesla’s online Shop for the upgrade.
Tesla Model 3 Track Package Includes:
- 4 x 20″ X 9″ Zero-G Performance wheels
- 4 x Tesla logo center caps
- 20 x Lug nut covers
- 4 x 245/35ZR20 XL Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires
- 4 x tire pressure sensors
- 1 x front and rear high-performance brake pads
- 1 x track-focused brake fluid
Included in the Model 3 track package are a set of 20-inch diameter “Zero-G Performance Wheels” in a “square set up”, whereby all four wheels and tires are of equal size. The upgraded Zero-G wheels in a 20″ x 9″ set up are 0.5 inches wider than the factory 20″ x 8.5″ Model 3 Sport Wheels. Combined with wider and stickier rubber from the Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires, drivers are able to negotiate more aggressive cornering speeds in their Model 3 Performance as well as higher entry speeds.
While Tesla’s single-pedal driving capability through regenerative braking means that a driver rarely needs to use the brakes, the demands of track driving at high speeds into turns on a race circuit require the heavy use of brakes, often leading to brake fade due to higher brake temperatures.
Tesla’s Model 3 Track Package includes high-performance front and rear brake pads that are designed to withstand more aggressive braking and higher temperatures, paired with Tesla-branded, track-focused brake fluid.
Model 3 Performance owners looking to purchase the $5,500 track package can coordinate shipping and installation with their local Tesla Service Center.
Shipments for the Model 3 Performance Track Pack is expected to begin in April 2020.
H/T @model3owners
Tesla Model 3 snow chains for 20″ Performance wheels have been added to the company’s online store.
The Maggi Trak Sport 214 snow chain is a unique type of self-adjusting and easy-to-install chain that utilizes four clamps and one fixing point for installation. Rather than wrapping the chains around the inner portion of the tire, the outer wheel side of the drive wheels is used as the single fixing point over complex inner side attachments. Excellent traction and durability in snowy conditions are to be expected from the aftermarket addition. Previously, snow chains were only available for Model 3 with 19″ wheels in a dual motor and rear-wheel drive configuration and were produced by a different manufacturer.
Tesla’s store also notes that the Maggi Trak Sport chains are only approved for Model 3 Performance 20” wheels and Tesla-approved 235/35R20 tires. Additionally, they should only be installed on the rear wheels. For $290, the snow chain package includes a nylon protective bag, one pair of chains, and an installation guide, and delivery is anticipated to take 2-3 weeks.
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- Tesla now offers snow chains for Model 3 AWD tires. | Credit: Tesla Motors
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- Tesla now offers snow chains for Model 3 AWD tires. | Credit: Tesla Motors
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- Tesla now offers snow chains for Model 3 AWD tires. | Credit: Tesla Motors
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- Tesla now offers snow chains for Model 3 AWD tires. | Credit: Tesla Motors
According to the manufacturer, the self-adjusting nature of the Maggi Trek snow chains ensures a perfect grip between the chain and the tire tread. The gripping unit design has a smaller profile that won’t compromise the minimal space between the outer tire and inner wheel well, resulting in a safe and quiet drive. The Maggi Trak Sport snow chain system is also available for the Model S.
Watch the video below for how to install the Model 3 AWD Maggi trek snow chains, as demonstrated on a Model S:
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