Q: What is Bead Knurling?
Bead knurling is a process used in the manufacturing of tire rims or wheel rims. It refers to the creation of textured or patterned grooves (knurls) along the bead seat area of the rim, where the tire’s bead (the inner edge of the tire) sits.
The purpose of bead knurling is to improve the grip between the tire and the rim, ensuring that the tire remains securely seated on the rim, especially under high pressure or during aggressive driving. This knurling creates small ridges or bumps that increase friction, which helps prevent the tire from slipping or coming off the rim in extreme conditions, such as during high-speed turns, braking, or sudden impacts.
Bead knurling is commonly found in high-performance and racing tires, where tire security and reliability are crucial. It can also be used for certain off-road vehicles or trucks, where the tires endure heavier loads and more rigorous conditions.
In short, bead knurling enhances the performance and safety of tires by ensuring they stay properly attached to the rim, even in demanding situations.
related FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Find answers to common questions about Unplugged Performance products, services, and policies.
I’m thinking of upgrading my wheels / tires in addition to springs, is there anything I should know?
How much range loss should I expect from wider wheels and tires on an EV, and how do I minimize it?
What tire size should I pair with a specific wheel size?
Should I go for larger diameter wheels?
Do aftermarket wheels improve performance?
Can I use spacers instead of different wheels?
Do I need hub-centric rings?
What do terms like “bolt pattern,” “offset,” and “backspacing” mean?
Will your Unplugged Performance wheels fit my vehicle?
Square vs staggered: which is better for handling and tire wear?
What is the ideal tire size for a square setup on Model 3?
Do you sell touch up paint?
Will UP Forged Wheels fit over Tesla Performance Brakes?
What is the lug nut torque specification for a Tesla (Model 3, Model Y, Model S, Model X, and Cybertruck)?
Why does my Tesla show a TPMS fault when parked near other wheels?
What are the advantages of titanium lug nuts for my Tesla?
Can UP Forged Cybertruck Wheels like the UP-03 Beadlock, CYBRHEX, or CYBRSPOKE fit other trucks?
Will UP Forged Wheels like the UP-03, UP-05, or UP-RW Road Warrior fit cars other than Teslas?
Can you remove the Aero Disc Covers from the UP Forged UP-RW Road Warrior Wheels?
What kind of construction do Unplugged Performance wheels have?
I’m thinking of upgrading my wheels / tires in addition to springs, is there anything I should know?
What are wheel spacers? Do I need them?
What is a forged wheel? Are they better than OEM Telsa Wheels?
Do I need conical or ball seat lug nuts?
Will Unplugged Performance Aluminum or Titanium Lug Nuts fit my OEM Wheels?
Will my OEM lug nuts fit UP Forged Wheels?
What is a Beadlock?
Can I reuse my OEM TPMS?
What is TPMS?
Do I need to replace my tires when upgrading wheels?
What is the benefit of upgrading to wider wheels?
What is the difference between staggered and square wheel setups?
Do UP Forged Wheels come with a warranty?
What is the proper way to clean aftermarket wheels?
Do I need to get an alignment after installing aftermarket wheels?
Can UP Forged wheels affect my car’s performance?
What is the meaning wheel backspace?
What is the meaning of wheel offset?
How do I know what size wheel will fit my car?
INSTALLATION guide
For the do it yourselfer or trained mechanic, our in-depth installation guides provide step by step detailed instructions on fitting your Tesla with Unplugged Performance Parts.
more FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS you might find interesting
Find answers to common questions about Unplugged Performance products, services, and policies.
Aerodynamics
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Custom Orders & Pre-Orders
General questions
Installation questions
Ordering & Payment
Other / Miscellaneous
WARRANTY QUESTIONS
Did you know that 90% of our customers express concerns about their vehicle warranty.
WHAT OUR CUSTOMERS SAY
RATED 4.97
(305 REVIEWS)
LEAVE A REVIEW
With real reviews from real customers, shop UP products for your Tesla Model S, 3, X, Y and Cybertruck with confidence. Leave reviews and earn up to 2000 UP Rewards points each, redeemable towards exclusive UP Products.
Model S / Model S Plaid (2021+) UP x PFC Large Sweep Brake Rotor and Pad Set (For OEM Caliper)
RATED 5.0
These Rear brakes was a big help with our S Plaid drag racing car.Feels great and paired with the Front (BBK) & Upgraded to Racing brake fluid with the stainless steel lines.
Thanks
'@EvSmokeATX
November 10, 2022
Unplugged Performance UP Emblem
You can see my photos under Steve Guevara. The UP Emblem, just another seemingly innocuous item that KIRK added to make the car pop when driving behind it. The sun shines on the titanium and it screams at you and then goes back into its subtle way. To say that I love...
smgdcw
November 17, 2022
Love the look of the spoiler, improves efficiency, mailing up for some of the battery degradation.
filmmichaelcox
September 16, 2025
I loved upgrading my front brakes to BFB Carbon, after a few track days and realized I want the rear as well, plus now the aesthetics are on point! (look weird with only the front carbon IMO)
Jorge (.
August 23, 2022
As part of my purchase of the Luxury Coilover Suspension for my Model Y, I included both the Front Upper Control Arms and Rear Camber Arms, to mitigate any issues with uneven tire wear. When I purchased the UP / BBS Flugplatz wheels with tires, I was relieved that the additional 2 pieces were...
p.flores
September 16, 2022
I purchased these as set with my coil overs and these are definite must to install. These bushing add great handling to your steering. Steering is more accurate and responds well to the drivers needs. Highly recommend!
jesus.ruiz.2389
February 02, 2023
Such an underrated improvement to my car, reducing unsprung weight of each wheel rotating at speed, improves steering, cornering performance and very aesthetically pleasing! It's incredible how much lighter they are from the stock lug nuts, which feel like heavy weights after handling these titanium...
Sof
October 19, 2022
Real cool suspensions the car drives smooth and quite. Made a real difference to the drivability and now I really enjoy driving the car. Absolutely recommend it if your factory shocks have failed. Mine failed in 5 years.
kerbad
October 01, 2024
Got the Street/Track version for my 2022 Performance 3 and couldn't be happier with them. I combined them with the Moderate Lowering Springs and this combo is perfect. The turn in is quicker and with the reduced body roll it makes the handling now better match the acceleration abilities of the 3. ...
850arrrsaylikepirate
December 19, 2022
My Model Ys ride and handling is awesome now with this set of sway bars! Amazing the difference it makes. The workmanship of the product is amazing as well. Top notch product!
13rizz
October 05, 2022
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Unplugged Performance is the world leader in premium performance upgrades for Tesla vehicles. With our USA-made line of stylish and high-performance parts, our sole focus is on holistic development and improvement of all Tesla cars.
Unplugged Performance was founded and incubated by the team behind the world-renowned automotive customizer Bulletproof Automotive. Unplugged Performance is the world's leading company focused on the customization and sports performance of Tesla Motors vehicles.
All of our parts are researched and engineered on our own development vehicles with the intention of improving every aspect of the driving and ownership experience. Unplugged produces an exclusive range of premium upgrades to give a new sporty performance identity to Tesla Model S, Model X, Model 3, Model Y, and the Cybertruck.
Improving on perfection is no easy task, and to do so Unplugged products are professionally designed, prototyped, and manufactured in-house in Hawthorne, CA, and in collaboration with the best motorsports suppliers. The supercar performance of Tesla vehicles meets supercar-grade enhancements with Unplugged Performance.
TESLA MODEL S - Premium Aftermarket Upgrades And Products
- Tesla Model S / Model S Plaid (2021 - 2025)
- 2021 - 2025 Tesla Model S / Plaid Wheels
- 2021 - 2026+ Model S / Plaid Performance Brakes
- 2021 - 2026+ Model S Plaid Performance Suspension
- 2021 - 2025 Model S / Model S Plaid Interior Upgrades
- 2021 - 2026+ Model S Plaid Racing Safety
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Tesla Model 3 - Premium Aftermarket Upgrades And Products
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THE UNPLUGGED PERFORMANCE® MARK AND LOGO ARE TRADEMARKS OF UNPLUGGED PERFORMANCE INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. PLEASE REVIEW THE TERMS & CONDITIONS AND PRIVACY POLICY BEFORE USING OUR WEBSITE.