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
What’s the most cost-effective PPF coverage for an EV that racks up highway miles?
Does adding aero hurt range, and how do you choose ‘high-efficiency’ aero parts?
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What aero parts are worth it for stability: front lip, splitter, side skirts, diffuser, or wing?
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
(361 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.
Worked great, much less brake fade throughout my runs and lets me have more confidence in my stopping power as the heat builds.
Andrew P.
August 23, 2022
So this review is based off of two things, product: how well it performed and customer service.
So with the pre-yoke model s and x, they’re known for their shutter issue and tire wear, so to fix this, I torn between the links from native or UP. So I decided to go with UP, I got the complete kit...
quimai25
October 19, 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
Psychologists say that the more you pay for something, the more you like it. Maybe that’s what’s happening here, but the front fenders are now my most cherished upgrade. I love that I can unlock up to a 315mm square setup with a track camber and 305-295mm with a daily camber. I’ll never be...
David S.
November 15, 2022
The wait for these brakes was well worth it! My Plaid is now much better under braking than with the stock brakes, and I feel more confident both on the road and on the track. Ross helped me with my order and recommended the race and competition compound since I am located in Florida and the warmer...
martinelava688
September 23, 2022
Outstanding coilovers, even BETTER customer service!
Driving is truly believing. If you’re looking for a smoother ride in your Tesla Y/3, look no further. I can honestly say that with my current setup, the suspension is like night and day compared to stock. Shortly after this install, I just...
jamesmagno93
August 09, 2022
A must if you plan to track your car. I'm very happy with my purchase. The brakes make a huge difference in consistent stopping power and heat dissipation. I feel confident going into a braking corner knowing that my brakes will not fade.
Victor
February 20, 2026
While the overall weight reduction isn't much in totality, it is noticeably lighter compared to the original lug nuts.
Josh H.
November 17, 2025
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
Have these on my 2020 Model 3 for about a year now, running 19x9.5 +35 for the front and rears. Wow, feels like I'm driving a brand new performance car compared to my old stock 18 inch aero wheels. Cruising at high speeds on the freeway makes me feel 100% more confident. With the amount of torque...
Mason
October 31, 2025
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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 Wheels
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