Scratch That: The Easiest Way to Fix (and Hide) Tesla Kerb Rash

It is the sound every Tesla owner dreads. You are parking a little too close to the pavement, and then you hear it—SCRAAAAAPE.

The "Tesla Kerb Rash" is practically a rite of passage for Model Y and Model 3 owners. Whether it’s because the Gemini and Aero wheels stick out further than the tyre sidewall, or just tight UK parking spaces, it happens to the best of us.

Once the damage is done, you are usually left with two painful options: look at the ugly silver scratches every day, or pay a fortune for professional repair.

But there is a third option that costs less, looks better, and can be done in your driveway in 5 minutes.

The Problem: Why Tesla Wheels are "Kerb Magnets"

Unlike many other cars, the standard 19-inch Gemini wheels (Model Y) and 18-inch Aero wheels (Model 3) are designed with the alloy rim sitting flush or even protruding slightly past the tyre.

To make matters worse, the factory plastic covers provided by Tesla do not cover the very edge of the rim. They leave a silver "halo" exposed. This means when you touch a kerb, metal meets stone directly.

Option 1: The Expensive Fix (Professional Repair)

You could take your car to a wheel specialist.

• The Process: They sand down the damage, fill it, and repaint/diamond-cut the alloy.
• The Cost: In the UK, mobile alloy repair typically costs £80 - £120 per wheel.
• The Downside: It takes time, your car is off the road, and if you kerb it again the next week (which happens!), you have wasted that money.

Option 2: The "Smart" Fix (Full-Coverage Wheel Covers)

This is the secret that leasing companies don't want you to know. Instead of repairing the metal underneath, you can simply upgrade your wheel covers to a style that fully encloses the rim.

At Electric Wheels, our Model Y and Model 3 covers are designed differently from the factory originals. They feature an oversized outer lip that snaps right over the edge of the alloy wheel.

1. Instant "Repair" (See the Proof)

Real-world result: Hiding kerb rash instantly with full-coverage hub caps.

 

You don't just have to take our word for it—the results speak for themselves.

We spotted a perfect example of this transformation in a Tesla owners' group on Facebook. In the "Before" photo, you can clearly see the dreaded "silver halo" scuff marks on the rim edge of a standard Tesla wheel. It makes the whole car look tired.

The "After" photo?
The owner snapped on a set of electricwheels.store matte black covers. The result is immediate:

• Damage Gone: The scuffs are completely hidden behind the new rim protection lip.
• New Look: The car instantly looks sportier. As one commenter on the post noted, the change "absolutely transforms the car."

We can send the link to the page if you want to verify for yourself!

2. Protection from Future Damage

This is the biggest benefit. If you hit a kerb again with our covers installed, the plastic cover absorbs the impact, not your expensive alloy wheel. It acts as a sacrificial shield. It is much cheaper to replace a plastic hubcap than to refurbish a metal wheel.

3. What Do Owners Think?

When these transformations get posted on social media, the buzz is immediate. As seen in the example above, the top question from other owners was immediately: "What style wheel covers are they?"

Addressing the "Plastic vs. Alloy" Debate
One user in the comments validly pointed out: "If the wheel hits the curb badly it will still damage the alloy underneath and warp the plastic trim."

This is true—physics is physics. If you hit a kerb at high speed, no plastic cover will stop the force of the impact. However, for the daily low-speed "grazes" that happen while parallel parking, the cover acts as a sacrificial shield.

We would much rather replace a single £20 wheel cover that absorbed the scratch than pay £100+ to refurbish a metal alloy (or worse, live with the damage!).

Which Covers Fit My Car?

• For Tesla Model Y (2021-2024):
  Check out our 19" Tornado or Blade covers. These are specifically designed to fit the Gemini wheels.
• For Tesla Model 3 (2017-2023):
  Look at our 18" Uberturbine Style covers. They replace the standard Aero caps.
• For Tesla Model 3 Highland (2024+):
  We have new stock for the Photon Wheels that match the new facelift design.

Conclusion

Don't let a little kerb rash ruin the look of your Tesla. You don't need to spend hundreds at a body shop. Cover it up, protect your rims, and upgrade your style all at once.

Ready to transform your wheels?
Shop our full collection of UK-Stocked Tesla Wheel Covers here.