Unplugged Performance, a company that makes parts for Tesla users, says that its new wheels are designed to be indestructible. The Road Warrior wheels look solid and well-made, but the claim is a bit of a stretch. They’re not too heavy and don’t add a lot to aerodynamic drag. Prices run from $2,795 to $2,995. You need to make a strong case for your goods before you can try to sell them to Tesla owners. So, aftermarket company Unplugged Performance says that its newest set of forged metal wheels for the Tesla Model 3 and Model Y are not only durable but also almost impossible to break. This claim is backed up by the company’s promise to fix any wheel that gets bent or damaged for free for life. Take the Vermont-based company Darn Tough as an example. They make tough socks. Because they are made in the US, these socks are guaranteed for life and will be replaced if they get worn out. Even though you’re buying a promise from a company, these socks are pretty good. These wheels also look like they will last a long time. In terms of price, the Road Warrior wheels are about average. A pair of 19-inch wheels costs $2,795, and a pair of 20-inch wheels costs $2,995. These wheels are said to be tougher than many found in professional rally racing, where cars endure conditions far harsher than ordinary potholes. Each wheel can hold almost 2,000 pounds. They’re also relatively lightweight, adding just 23.5 pounds per wheel for the 19-inch version and 26.0 pounds per wheel for the 20-inch size, minimizing unsprung weight. Unplugged Performance says that the higher aerodynamic drag is not important for an EV application because its wheels have a coefficient of drag that is only about 4% that of the smoothest 18-inch OEM wheels. In addition to having tire sizes that fit Tesla cars, the Road Warrior wheels have built-in curb safety that can be removed. The marketing release for the Road Warrior wheels uses a lot of language to claim that these “indestructible” wheels are ideal for ride-share drivers and robotaxi fleet owners, as they never need replacement. Even though it sounds dramatic, the company made these wheels after learning from the damage that Tesla’s cars caused to other wheels. It looks like these wheels are strong, well-made, not too expensive, and light enough to go with a privately owned Tesla. The built-in curb rash shields aren’t as flashy as the more common plastic aftermarket choices, but you should still be careful when parking because a new set of two costs $80, which is something you should do anyway.
