Tesla Cybertruck Owner Warns, “If You Go To Tesla Service For a Tire Rotation, Take Your Wheel Covers Off and Leave Them At Home, They Broke Two Of Mine”

A simple Cybertruck tire rotation cost one owner two broken wheel covers—and it serves as a crucial warning for every owner heading to Tesla Service.

The Broken Cybertruck Aero Cover Issue

If you own a Cybertruck, you need to be aware of a critical, frustrating issue that is leading to damage during routine maintenance: broken aero wheel covers during tire rotation.

This isn't just an inconvenience; it's a costly issue reported by multiple owners, including a warning from Vinh Nguyen on the Cybertruck Owners Only Facebook page, who stated: "If you go to Tesla service for tire rotation, take your wheel covers off and leave them at home. They broke two of mine."

The Cybertruck's required tire rotation and balancing every 6,250 miles (10,000 km) means this is a recurring risk.

When a Fragile Design Meets Service Pressure

The Cybertruck's 20-inch wheels feature distinctive, large aero covers designed to optimize aerodynamics and range. The problem is twofold:

• Fragile Design: The covers use internal clips and a mounting ring that must be removed to access the lug nuts and valve stem. These complex clips are prone to snapping or warping if not handled with precise care.
• Workflow Friction: Tesla Service Center and Mobile Service technicians often work under high volume and time pressure. When rushing through a rotation, the extra steps required to carefully remove the large plastic covers significantly increase the risk of human error and breakage.

This is not a defect in the metal wheel itself, but a failure point in the peripheral plastic accessory and the maintenance procedure. Moreover, improper handling can cause the mounting ring tabs to scratch the foundation wheels underneath, necessitating expensive wheel repair.

Unfortunately, the owner is responsible for minimizing variables that can lead to preventable damage in the service bay.

Pre-Service Checklist for Owners

To minimize your risk and avoid the cost of replacing the Cybertruck 20" Core Wheel Cover, which retails for about $75 per cover, I've developed a three-point protocol. This is your checklist for flawless maintenance:

1. Remove the Covers Yourself

• The single most effective solution is to remove the aero covers before your service appointment.
• If you're using Mobile Service, place them securely in the frunk or cargo bed.
• If you're dropping the truck off at a Service Center, leave them at home.
• The Tesla Owner's Manual provides the removal instructions: grasp the cover firmly with both hands and pull toward you to release the retaining clips. Take this small, proactive step to eliminate the risk of technicians handling and damaging them.

2. Document Everything: 

• Before any service begins, use your phone to capture high-resolution photos and video of all four wheels.
• Focus on the condition of the exposed foundation wheels and the integrity of the aero covers (if you chose to leave them on).
• This documentation is your non-negotiable baseline. If damage occurs, you have instant, verifiable proof, which is vital for navigating a warranty or damage claim with Tesla Service.

3. Pre-Service Communication 

• Use the Tesla app's service request notes field to clearly state your preemptive action and reinforce key service requirements. This serves as a vital written reminder to the technician before they begin work.
• Suggested Note: "Aero Covers HAVE BEEN REMOVED (or are at home) to prevent damage. Please ensure technicians use correct jack points and torque specifications for the 20-inch wheels."

By implementing this simple pre-service protocol, you are minimizing the risk of unnecessary wheel damage and service disputes, ensuring you have full control over your Cybertruck's maintenance destiny.

Given the truck's weight and high torque, proactive maintenance like this is vital for Cybertruck tire maintenance and longevity. As I reported here, the massive tires face significant wear, making the regular 6,250-mile rotation a crucial service.

What the Community is Saying

The experience of Vinh Nguyen is far from isolated. Owners across multiple platforms are discussing these issues, and the common thread is that new owners must be hyper-aware. My job is to bring you those unfiltered voices so you can benefit from shared knowledge.

• Reddit User (Jolly_Line): "Fix them at a wheel shop. In Seattle, it ranges $90–$150 per wheel. Then ditch the dumbass wheel covers." (Reflecting the desire to skip the headache entirely.)
• YouTube Commenter (TK's Garage Channel): "The level of fit and finish on these early trucks is definitely a mixed bag. Watch out for the small stuff, like the aero covers not seating right." (Emphasizing the variable quality of early components.)
• Quora User: "The steer-by-wire and four-wheel steering make it feel surprisingly car-like to drive, which is great. But trying to clean that massive stainless windshield is a nightmare." (Showing that while the truck is revolutionary, basic maintenance like cleaning and careful service are the real-world frustrations.)

Conclusion: Take Control of Your Ownership Experience

The Cybertruck is a disruptor, but, like any new technology, it has friction points where the ownership experience meets routine maintenance. The aero cover issue is a perfect example: a small design fragility compounded by service expediency. 

My goal is to ensure you have complete control over your truck's maintenance destiny. By implementing this simple pre-service protocol, you are drastically mitigating the risk of unnecessary wheel damage and service disputes.

Remember, this is part of the Cybertruck journey. 

For an in-depth look at other ownership challenges, be sure to read my previous piece, Tesla Took My Cybertruck FSD Away, Said My Driving Data Was "Too Risky," But Here's My Bizarre Fix - The Sandwich Test, and to understand the unique financial challenges of this vehicle, check out the article I wrote on being Welcomed Into the Upside Down Financial Club.

My question to you is this: 

Have you experienced any damage to your Cybertruck at the Tesla Service Center, and what did you do about it? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below. 

I'm Denis Flierl, a Senior Torque News Reporter since 2012, bringing over 30 years of automotive expertise to every story. My career began with a consulting role for every major car brand, followed by years as a freelance journalist test-driving new vehicles—equipping me with a wealth of insider knowledge. I specialize in delivering the latest auto news, sharing compelling owner stories, and providing expert, up-to-date analysis to keep you fully informed.

Follow me on X @DenisFlierl, @WorldsCoolestRides, Facebook, and Instagram

Photo credit: Denis Flierl via Vinh Nguyen