How to Repair Tesla Wheel Hub Scratches?
2 Answers
Check the scratches. If they haven't reached the inner side of the wheel hub, they can be easily repaired. Use paint thinner to wipe around the scratches and remove dirt. The deepest part of the scratch may be difficult to clean. In this case, use a toothpick to thoroughly clean it. To avoid accidentally painting unrelated areas, carefully apply masking tape around the scratches. Trim the brush tip and apply touch-up paint. Since the paint will shrink slightly as it dries, it's best to apply it slightly raised. After painting, allow it to dry completely, which may take about a week. Once dry, use waterproof paper soaked in soapy water to smooth the surface, then apply wax.
A few days ago, I scratched the curb while driving my Model 3, and the alloy wheel got badly scuffed—it was heartbreaking. Actually, there are three types of wheel repair scenarios: minor scratches can be fixed by polishing with a specialized repair paste, costing around 200-300 RMB; moderate scratches exposing the primer require filling with putty and repainting, which needs professional shop service, costing about 800 RMB; the most troublesome are deformations or cracks—these require high-temperature reshaping with a wheel repair machine, but the safety factor will decrease. I recommend replacing the wheel if the deformation exceeds 2mm. Ordering forged wheels from Tesla’s official website costs over 8,000 RMB, but you can find original factory take-off parts on Xianyu for around 3,000-4,000 RMB. After repair, a dynamic balance test is a must; otherwise, the steering wheel may vibrate at high speeds.
