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.
Can I buy wheels only, or do I need a full package?
Can I run a wider tire on UP aftermarket wheels for better grip?
Where can I find the correct tire size for my UP aftermarket wheels?
Do I need different tire sizes if I install Unplugged Performance aftermarket wheels?
What size tires does the Tesla Model S use?
What size tires does the Tesla Model 3 use?
What off-road tires are available for the Tesla Model Y?
What size tires does the Tesla Model Y use?
What size tires does the Tesla Cybertruck use?
Does Unplugged Performance install tires?
How do I know which tires fit my Tesla?
Can you put off-road or all-terrain tires on a Tesla?
What tire brands does Unplugged Performance carry for Tesla?
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?
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.
About Unplugged Performance
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?
How do you avoid aero-induced understeer/oversteer when adding a wing or aggressive front aero?
What aero parts are worth it for stability: front lip, splitter, side skirts, diffuser, or wing?
Custom Orders & Pre-Orders
Where has Unplugged Performance raced their Tesla race cars?
How much does it cost to build a full-spec Tesla Model 3 race car with Unplugged Performance?
Does Unplugged Performance offer full race car build and support services for Tesla vehicles?
Does Unplugged Performance offer a Tesla racing program consultation along with specialized products and services?
General questions
Installation questions
WARRANTY QUESTIONS
Did you know that 90% of our customers express concerns about their vehicle warranty.
WHAT OUR CUSTOMERS SAY
RATED 4.97
(405 REVIEWS)
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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.
Installed the Unplugged Performance stainless steel brake lines on my 2025 Tesla Model 3 Performance and the difference in pedal feel was immediately noticeable. The stock setup wasn’t bad, but these lines made the brake pedal feel much firmer, more responsive, and more confidence inspiring —...
Socal_TeslaRuns A.
May 28, 2026
Got these with my order of Moderate Springs and Street/Track Sway-bars and they do what they are intended to do. Got my alignment darn near within spec which will help with tire wear. I haven't had them for long so I can't comment on durability but they sure are built sturdy as hell. If you are...
850arrrsaylikepirate
December 19, 2022
I had these on for a few thousand miles before getting coil overs. The car looked and and felt great with and without a full load of passengers. I got the moderate stiffness, and the car was planted. Highly recommend!
Sof
October 18, 2022
Shout out to Andrew at Unplugged Performance! Customer service is excellent. Great communication with everything. Knowledgeable about all products. Will do more business with UP.
Edmundo R.
January 10, 2023
Perfect fitment. Look great after 2+ years.
Wish mine came with end links :(
valstewart
September 29, 2022
Added the Unplugged Performance CYBRSHOCKS Rear Secondary Adjustable Shock Kit to my Cybertruck’s OEM suspension, and I’m impressed. These secondary shocks deliver much better rear-end control, reduced body motion, and a more planted feel over rough roads and when loaded.
The 3-way adjustability...
Mandatory F.
April 07, 2026
These springs were the first real mod I’d ever done to my Tesla and I’m so happy with the way they turned out. They really complete the look on my model 3. And I was surprised to find you don’t sacrifice anything in terms of ride comfort by adding them. The only problem is that now that I’ve...
blake.p.aaron
December 21, 2023
Tesla Cybertruck Heavy Duty Rear Bumper with Hardcore Trailer Hitch Receiver - UP INVINCIBLE®
RATED 5.0
I installed the Unplugged Performance UP INVINCIBLE® HD Rear Bumper with Hardcore Trailer Hitch Receiver on my Tesla Cybertruck, opting for rear rock sliders and LED flood lights, no swing arms. This thing is a beast! Built from tough A36 steel with a sleek black powder coat, it’s perfect for...
Tim W.
September 28, 2025
Amazing style and quality!
Christian N.
November 28, 2025
Im impressed at the High quality. Love the subtle and clean look.
Adam M.
November 21, 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.
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