Despite their low installation cost, locking wheel nuts are not present on the Tesla model 3.
Does Tesla Model 3 Have Locking Wheel Nuts? Tesla Model 3 does not have locking wheel nuts because they result in challenging tire replacement, require specific unlocking keys, provide insufficient safety, and have high torqued built-in nuts. They take more maintenance time and are unnecessary due to the fewer crimes.
They do not offer optimized protection because thieves have managed alternative ways. High torqued OEM nuts stabilize the tires and are easily replaceable.
What are locking wheel nuts?
They are alloy lug nuts, originally manufactured equipment by automakers to secure the wheels in one position. They protect themselves from thieves because their removal is challenging.
Also, they have a specific design with plastic covers and built-in locks. They are only removable with the specific keys, which are present in the trunk of your car.
They are like tiny bolts and can open the nuts from the tires. However, without the correct tools, you cannot detach them and the tires from the frame.
In such circumstances, the lug nuts protect from thieves because they do not have the removal tools. They have three different types with distinctive removal techniques.
The first type has a head that requires the bolt key for removal. The secondary has a rotating collar. Without an identical key, you cannot remove them. The third type of these bolts has a shear head.
Why Tesla Model 3 does not have locking wheel nuts?
They are not a part of Model 3 and its wheels by default. Due to the following reasons, the manufacturing company does not supply them as a standard feature.
Challenging tire replacement
Reduced inflation leads to tires bursting and damage to the rubber parts. In such circumstances, people change their tires with spare options.
In emergencies, they do not facilitate quick removal. They require specific tools and identical keys for their removal.
The manufacturers have not installed them in this model to reduce the complexity of the procedure. With a misplaced key, you cannot loosen them from the tires.
Some of them stick in their positions and resist loosening. In such circumstances, people can remove 1 to 2, and others remain fixed.
In emergencies, the locking nuts complicate the procedure and frustrate the car owner.
Insufficient safety
The manufacturers install them on different models to protect the tires and vehicles because their removal is tool specific. But, the thieves make strategies against the safety features.
The upgrades have become useless due to frequent thefts. So, despite their low installation cost, the automakers find them unnecessary.
The thieves target these vehicles in a specific area and arrange matching tools to bypass the pattern. Also, they break them off with different sharp tools.
In such circumstances, the upgraded equipment cannot provide an optimized defense against theft.
The built-in safety features of these vehicles protect them by notifying the owner about the stealing activities.
The high torque of built-in nuts
Torque is the measurement of a twisting force applied to a lug nut. With their installation, they improve the value of torque.
But, the Model 3 already has high-performance nuts with high torque. According to manufacturing specifications, they have a torque of 129 lb. ft.
It determines the tightening of the bolts with the tires and keeps them in one position at different speed levels.
Time consumption in maintenance
They consume multiple hours for their maintenance, cleaning, and replacement. In such circumstances, they demand specific keys and tools.
A few mechanics lack this equipment due to unawareness. However, a few of them do have a specific key for a particular model.
However, they can arrange the tools to service the tires. But, it makes the procedure hectic by consuming multiple hours.
Reduced crime ratio
Due to efficient cops and strict regulatory authorities, the crime ratio has reduced in the USA in the past few years.
Considering the tendency, Tesla does not install protective equipment on the tires of their cars.
In such circumstances, the auto-makers have reduced the up-gradation cost. This is because they have followed the traditional design of their vehicles.
The stealers do not attack the alloy wheels anymore. By checking the criminal history, the manufacturing company reduced their theft by built-in original manufacturing equipment.
Can you install locking wheel nuts on a Tesla Model 3?
Tesla shops offer them in the form of two pairs for four wheels. They are less expensive and cost you around $55 to $65. The package includes a removal key to unlock the tires.
The keys have versatile and different patterns. The thieves cannot access them due to modifications that prevent the vehicles from being stolen.
However, you can purchase them to install on your electric car. For their installation, I have described a stepwise guide. It is a quick procedure and consumes around 15 to 18 minutes.
Remove the conical bolts from the Tesla model three.
The conical nuts have a cone-shaped design that fits in the holes. For their removal, park the car on a stable surface in your garage or backyard.
Then, get inside the cabin, apply the brake and make the car stationary. Next, fix a socket on the bolt, attach a breaker bar, rotate it counterclockwise and clockwise, and remove the bolts.
Also, you can use a wrench to discard them. Next, check the compatibility of new lug bolts with the holes, thread, and length. Remove their caps, and engage the locking key on the tire’s lock head.
Then, push it inside the rim and tighten it manually. Next, securely engage the key on the wheel lock and head. Then, use a torque wrench, adjust it over them, and rotate clockwise.
Once they adjust in their standard position, put the stainless steel covers over the bolts. Then, repeat the procedure for all wheels and tighten the new nuts.
What Tesla cars have locking wheel nuts?
Tesla offers four different models of cars, and none has to lock wheel nuts. The manufacturing company does not add them due to manufacturing specifications and reduced theft of alloy wheels.
Each model has its OEM nuts with specific torque and lifespan. In addition, you can differentiate between standard and locking lug nuts.
Then, inspect the tires and their pattern. The locking nuts have a specific pattern and plastic covers.
These caps provide them uniformity and distinct appearance. You cannot find this pattern, plastic coverings, and bolts on Tesla cars.
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