① Introduction 🚗
Larger wheels look better—no question.
Yet Tesla owners often hear that upgrading wheel size reduces driving range.
Many accept this as fact,
but few understand why it happens.
This article explains the mechanics behind wheel size,
Tesla’s design choices, and what drivers should know before making a decision.
② Main Explanation ⚙️
Two factors matter most:
🌀 Rotational inertia
🌬 Aerodynamic drag
Larger wheels place more weight toward the outer edge,
making them harder to rotate—especially during acceleration.
This extra effort directly increases energy consumption.
At higher speeds, exposed wheel designs also disturb airflow,
further reducing efficiency.
③ Practical Tips ⚠️
🛞 The Role of Tesla Aero Covers
Tesla’s aero covers are functional, not decorative.
They smooth airflow around the wheels and improve efficiency.
Removing them can reduce range by 3–5%.
⚙️ Essential Setting After Wheel Changes
After switching wheels or tires, update the vehicle setting:
Service → Wheel & Tire Configuration
Without this step, range and arrival battery predictions become inaccurate.
④ Why This Matters 🤔
Wheel size affects more than appearance.
It influences efficiency, range prediction, and overall driving experience.
Understanding this prevents unnecessary surprises.
⑤ Summary ✅
Standard wheels + aero covers: best efficiency
Larger wheels: improved appearance, reduced range
There is no single correct choice—only informed decisions.
⑥ Social Proof
Discussions about wheel size and range frequently appear on social media,
with many drivers surprised by the impact.
【意外としらない：なぜ大きいホイールは航続距離が短くなるの？テスラのホイールに隠された秘密を解説！】
— MODUFY - TESLA Sidekicks (@modufy_official) February 21, 2026
テスラのホイール選び。「大きい方がカッコいいけど、航続距離が短くなる」という話を聞いたことはありませんか？実はこれ、EVを賢く運用する上で絶対に知っておきたい重要なポイントです。… pic.twitter.com/2XpJBc1tWx
