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?
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Do I need conical or ball seat lug nuts?
Will Unplugged Performance Aluminum or Titanium Lug Nuts fit my OEM Wheels?
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What is a Beadlock?
Can I reuse my OEM TPMS?
What is TPMS?
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What is the difference between staggered and square wheel setups?
Do UP Forged Wheels come with a warranty?
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Can UP Forged wheels affect my car’s performance?
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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 4.92
(384 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.
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
What a difference this sway bar made to my Model S Plaid. This helps correct the body roll the car has from the factory. I have much more confidence taking turns at a higher speed, and freeway on-ramps have become extremely fun. I would highly recommend upgrading your sway bar in the Model S!
D. H.
September 08, 2022
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
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
My 2024 performance already has coilovers and every camber, trailing and traction arm you can buy front and rear and the compression rod bearing but still wasn't happy with bodyroll, after I put these on the stiffest setting it helped a lot and still very smooth on the street nothing to crazy I'd...
Steve m.
October 25, 2025
These are a must have at the track. The adjustability allows me to drive every day without killing my tires and also at the track to increase camber and grip. Highly recommend it
Rafael G.
April 13, 2026
I really like this rear sway bar on my 2021 Model S Plaid. On the street it tightens up the car a lot. The car corners "flatter" and "feels" like the car has more grip and inspires confidence.
I installed this in my driveway with the rear up on jack stands. It wasn't hard at all. I opted for...
Jpandes
October 13, 2025
These rims are loght, give good directional feedback when paired with agoodntire such as the Michelins offered on the site. The ride is comfortable as well, i find no negative impact in road manners or feel. this is an excellent wheel package and i would reccomend it to any Tesla owner! the best...
JLee
May 12, 2026
After lowering my car I had some bad rear tire wear because I wasn't able to get a good alignment with the stock arms. This was a quick and easy fix :) 10/10
Andrew P.
September 07, 2022
Looks great, perfect fitment. SUPER FAST SHIPPING!!
Frank F.
July 19, 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
- 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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- 2021 - 2025 Tesla Model S Plaid / Model S Drag Racing Upgrades
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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.