Your Tesla Model 3 Aftermarket Wheels Fitment Guide
Like any car nut I know, I’ve always tried to get the perfect stance for my vehicles. Of course, that was the case with my Model 3 LR.
I lowered it with springs and swapped the OEM Sport wheels with BBS 19″ wrapped-in Michelin Pilot Sport tires. (FYI, not my car in the photo.)
The Tesla Model 3 Aftermarket Wheels Fitment Guide I’ve put together will make it easy for you to make the right choice when shopping for new rims.
By getting your wheels fitment right, you’ll enhance the appearance of your car while also maintaining optimal performance and safety. Here is what you’ll learn.
What’s in the Model 3 Aftermarket Wheels Fitment Guide
A long time ago, after a costly mistake, I discovered that understanding the different wheel specifications is crucial. Everything from bolt patterns and offsets to the wheels’ width and overall diameter can impact your car’s performance and appearance.
As we dive into this guide, I’ll share the essential information I’ve learned while searching for the perfect Tesla Model 3 rims. You’ll learn about the OEM specs and the factors to consider when selecting aftermarket wheels for your vehicle.
Tesla Model 3 OEM Wheel Specs
Diameter and Width
The original equipment manufacturer (OEM) wheels for Model 3 come in the following diameters and widths.
| Model | Width | Offset |
|---|---|---|
| 18″ Aero Wheel | 18×8.5″ | +40 offset |
| 19″ Sport Wheel | 19×8.5″ | +40 offset |
| 20″ Sport Wheel | 20×8.5″ | +35 offset |
| 20″ Uberturbine Wheel | 20×9.0″ | +34 offset |
| 20″ Zero G Wheel | 20×9.0″ | +34 offset |
Now, let’s move on to the bolt pattern.
Bolt Pattern
The Tesla Model 3 has a bolt pattern of 5×114.3 for all OEM wheels. This is important when upgrading to aftermarket options since you want everything to fit correctly. Reputable brands offer rims with the same bolt pattern that are compatible with TPMS sensors.
Offset
I showed you the Model 3 OEM wheels offset in the table above. Offset is the distance from the wheel’s mounting surface to its centerline. Don’t go for a much lower offset, so your new rims won’t rub against the fenders. A higher offset is also not recommended.
Center Bore
The center bore is the hole at the center of the wheel that fits over the car’s hub. The Tesla Model 3’s OEM wheel specs indicate a hub center bore of 64.1mm for all sizes. Remember this when looking into wheel and tire packages.
- Pay attention to all these factors when selecting wheels and tires for your Model 3
- If you’re upgrading, double-check the compatibility with your year and trim level
How to Get the Right Wheel Fitment?
Looking at aftermarket wheels for your vehicle is always exciting. I don’t know the exact look you’re after, but the info below will help you avoid headaches and have a positive impact on your car’s resale value.
Flush Fitment
I recommend rims slightly wider than the stock setup to perfectly align the wheel with the fender (flush fitment). The starting point is a better understanding of the factory wheel sizes. That’s why I covered that in the beginning.
I know some Model 3 owners are putting 21-inch rims on their cars, but I wouldn’t recommend it. Trust me; you’ll be happy rolling on 19’s or 20’s.
Let’s say you have the same width, 8.5 or 9 inches, on all four corners (not a staggered setup). In this case, a +30/+35 offset will look good and cause no problems with stock height.
You can go as low as +20 offset and even get up to 10-inch wide wheels. Just keep in mind that if your Tesla is lowered, you may have to do some suspension mods to allow enough clearance.
Staggered Setup
Staggered setups are for a more aggressive look and improved traction. It means a wider rear wheel with more clearance than the factory width up front (in most cases).
To do this on a Tesla Model 3, I’d suggest going for 1 to 1.5 inches wider rims on the rear. Here is an example that will fit with no issues, even if your car is lower than the stock height.
Let’s say you want a set of staggered 19’s. A very popular setup is an 8.5″ wide wheel up front and 9.5″ at the rear with a +35 offset.
If you’re after a more aggressive look with bigger meats at the rear, that could be 8.5″ with offset +35 and 10″ with offset +40.
Your Model 3 will look cool and have better traction with wider rear tires. However, different tire sizes at the rear mean no more tire rotation.
Suspension Considerations
The Tesla M3 employs a multi-link suspension in the rear and a-arm suspension at the front. So, when shopping for Model 3 rims, you should be aware of this setup as it impacts how the vehicle handles with wider wheels.
Stick with aftermarket wheel sizes similar to the factory ones
Keep suitable offsets in mind for flush fitment or staggered setups
Consider the ride height when choosing your wheel and tire package
Popular Model 3 Aftermarket Wheel Setups
Most reputable brands offer rims with width and offset similar to the factory ones. It makes sense. This way, they won’t have customers complaining about lousy fitment on their vehicles.
From silver and satin/gloss black to custom machined and carbon fiber rims, they come in pretty much the same size. Here are the most popular setups on the market:
Square Setup
| Size | Width | Offset |
|---|---|---|
| 18″ | 8.5 | +30 |
| 19″ | 9.0 | +35 |
| 20″ | 9.5 | +40 |
Staggered Setup
| Size | Width | Offset |
|---|---|---|
| 18″ | 8.5/9.5 | +30/+35 |
| 19″ | 8.5/10 | +30/+40 |
| 20″ | 9/10.5 | +35/+45 |
Range and Performance Impact
Upsizing or downsizing the overall diameter of the wheel/tire can impact your Tesla Model 3’s performance much more than a set of aftermarket hub caps. Manufacturers chose specific sizes to balance characteristics like acceleration, braking, handling, comfort, and range.
Deviations from the factory recommendations could affect these characteristics.
Bigger rims lead to increased rolling resistance due to a greater contact patch with the road. This could translate to a decrease in range. On the other hand, smaller wheels can potentially improve range, but at the expense of performance and handling.
There are high-performance rims made of lightweight materials to help maintain range.
- Wheel Size: Larger wheels might decrease range but will have a positive impact on handling
- Wheel Material: Lightweight materials like forged aluminum can help maintain range
- Tire Size: Keeping the overall diameter under 27.5″ is important for proper clearance
Using Wheel Spacers
Using spacers can be helpful when it comes to fitment on all cars, including Teslas. You can enhance the stance of your car without changing the rims. Or achieve the optimal spacing between the wheels and the fenders when upgrading.
However, it’s important to remember that not all spacers are created equal. There are different thicknesses and materials to choose from. Typically, I’d recommend aluminum spacers due to their lightweight nature and durability.
I dive deep into the topic in my wheel spacer guide
Before jumping on the spacer bandwagon, let’s consider a few essential points.
First, it’s crucial to ensure there’s enough clearance for the added spacers. There may be some rubbing between the wheels/tires and the suspension or body without proper clearance. So, always double-check that there is room for the desired spacer thickness!
Check out my Tesla Model 3 wheel spacer round-up to explore the options.
Moreover, regarding the spacer thickness, keep in mind that increasing space could make your wheels poke out too far from the fender. As a general rule of thumb, I suggest starting with a smaller thickness and working your way up if needed.
I’d also recommend getting familiar with the hub and non-hub centric spacers.
Feeling confident about upgrading your rims? Check out my best picks.
Tesla Model 3 Rims FAQ
Alright, let’s summarize by diving into some frequently asked questions about Tesla M3 rim fitments! If you want to know more about the options and mistakes when customizing a Model 3, check out this article.
What is the factory wheel/tire size for the Tesla Model 3?
The Model 3 comes equipped with the following wheel/tire sizes:
18×8.5 with 235/45
19×8.5 with 235/40
20×8.5 with 235/35
20×9 with 245/35
What’s the Model 3 wheel bolt pattern?
All Tesla Model 3 vehicles have a bolt pattern of 5×114.3mm and a center bore diameter of 64.1mm. The lug nut socket size is 21mm, and the thread size is 14×1.5mm.
Can I put bigger rims on Tesla Model 3?
Yes, you can always go one size up without having concerns about ride comfort, range, weight, and performance. In fact, lightweight performance models will have a positive impact even with bigger sizes.
How do I know if a particular wheel will fit my Model 3?
To be sure that a specific set of rims will fit your M3, you need to check if it meets the most important specs, such as bolt pattern and center bore diameter.
Do I need hub rings or spacers with aftermarket wheels on my Model 3?
It depends on the new wheel specs. That won’t be necessary if you’re buying rims explicitly designed for your Tesla model.
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