Aero Covers May Potentially Damage 21" Wheels

[SASSquatch]

Saw this video posted on YouTube recently showing damage to the paint on the 21" wheels after high speed (70-80) road trip.

Anyone else encounter this? Potentially something to look out for over time. It looks like a piece of rubber or silicon on the edge of the wheel over could prevent the rub.

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[mabowden]

1 month in and 9000 miles? I'm guessing that he mispoke? Otherwise color me impressed.

 

[McMoo]

Makes sense. I have orbital wheel covers for my model 3 and it’s similar, rubs and takes the paint off of the rim. They have little foam strips now to go around the whole rim on the outer part that rubs, it works well. Rivian should include something to prevent this.

 

[Rousie13]

I had about 50-75 miles on my truck when I took the aero covers off. There are definitely marks on the wheel from them……the marks on my wheels could definitely be buffed out though. I say you immediately need to take them off or leave them on. I think off/on will definitely leave noticeable damage, unless you don’t care about that.

 

[McMoo]

Someone could try these. They work on the wheel covers for the model 3 and could be cut to fit a Rivian.

https://rimetrix.com/product/orbital-rim-protection-kit/

 

[astonius]

Can confirm my wheels are damaged under the aero covers. I’ll report this through service and see what they say.

 

[Gsxr150]

If it's not one thing it's another.

 

[SASSquatch]

Yikes!!

The aearo covers clearly need a redesign. I think as someone else mentioned, lining the hard plastic that makes contact with the wheel with either foam, or silicone/rubber, would protect the paint.

 

[Madsen203]

This is the same as Tesla aero covers. They vibrate at speed. Inevitable. Wheel sold to use cover. Removing cover is not how OE designed it. Therefore, it’s normal and within spec.

I removed aero covers in Model Y at 18 miles. Still faint marks but others in TMC have it worse for those who left them on. Recommended to use PPF or painters tape where they mount for temporary use for long trips.

 

[Attesan997]

I'd planned to leave on but now I'm debating removing before dropping off at the PPF shop this week so they can attempt to buff out any damage that's already there.

 

[elektrode]

Took my aero covers off today to see it in person. Much less “derpy” as someone aptly described it. Additionally, there’s nice grey paint under there that looks great with El Cap.

 

[Ravi4l]

1 month in and 9000 miles? I'm guessing that he mispoke? Otherwise color me impressed.

Yes it's me and yes it's 9k just over month 5k in nova Scotia camping.

 

[McMoo]

Yes it's me and yes it's 9k just over month 5k in nova Scotia camping.

Have you noticed any difference in range with and without the covers? I haven’t seen a formal test anywhere but something anecdotal would be helpful. Not that my R1S will be here anytime soon but still wondering!

 

[Ravi4l]

Haven't noticed any major difference been getting about 2.8 on all-purpose mode. Maybe .1 to .2 % difference.

 

[mabowden]

I'd planned to leave on but now I'm debating removing before dropping off at the PPF shop this week so they can attempt to buff out any damage that's already there.

I plan on taking them off before it leaves the service center.

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