Transform Your 2024+ Model 3 Highland with a Splash of Color
The 2024 Tesla Model 3 Highland is a marvel of minimalist design and engineering. Its sleek lines and refined features have once again set the standard for electric vehicles. For discerning owners, however, the journey of personalization is just as important as the drive itself. While the Highland is stunning from the factory, true automotive enthusiasts know that the most impactful upgrades are often in the details. One of the most overlooked yet visually potent areas for enhancement is the brake caliper.
Previously, adding a touch of performance-inspired color to your calipers was a straightforward affair. However, the 2024 Highland refresh introduced a significant change: newly designed, distinctly "curved" brake calipers. This update rendered many existing aftermarket accessories obsolete, leaving new owners with limited options. Fortunately, the engineering team at Tesery rose to the occasion. They have developed a set of high-quality aluminum alloy caliper covers designed with precision to perfectly fit the unique contours of the new Model 3 Highland. This isn't just a cosmetic piece; it's an engineered solution.
In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the entire process of transforming your Tesla's appearance with the Tesery Model 3 Highland Caliper Covers. From unboxing and initial impressions to a detailed, step-by-step installation walkthrough, you'll have all the information you need to perform this stunning upgrade yourself. Let's get started.
Unboxing the Upgrade: A Look at Tesery's Caliper Covers
First Impressions: Quality You Can Feel
The experience begins with the unboxing. Tesery ensures their products are securely packaged to arrive in pristine condition. Upon opening the box, you are greeted by four vibrant, blue-painted caliper covers. The first thing you'll notice is their substantial feel. These are crafted from a durable aluminum alloy, not flimsy plastic, giving them a reassuring weight and rigidity. The high-gloss finish is immaculate, promising to catch the light beautifully behind your wheels. What truly sets them apart are the fine details, like the simulated bolts that flawlessly replicate the look of a high-performance, multi-piston brake system, adding a layer of aggressive styling to your vehicle.
What's Included in the Kit?
Tesery provides a complete, all-in-one kit to ensure a smooth installation process. Everything you need is logically laid out and of high quality. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the contents:
- Four Aluminum Alloy Caliper Covers: The set includes two larger covers for the front brakes and two smaller ones for the rear, all finished in that stunning, eye-catching blue.
- Custom Mounting Brackets: This is the most critical component. Unlike generic, one-size-fits-all solutions, these brackets are custom-engineered for the Highland's unique calipers. They are clearly labeled (e.g., L1, L2, L3 for the front left side) to eliminate any guesswork during installation. This precision ensures a secure, rattle-free fit.
- Complete Hardware Kit: The package contains all the necessary screws and even the required Allen keys, so you don't have to rummage through your toolbox. The hardware is robust, designed to withstand the demanding environment behind the wheel.
- High-Temperature 'TESLA' Decals: To complete the look, the kit includes high-temperature resistant 'TESLA' wordmark decals. You are given a choice between black and white, allowing for further customization. As demonstrated in the video, the white decals offer a brilliant contrast against the blue covers, making the branding pop.
The Definitive Installation Guide: From Box to Brakes
This section is your complete walkthrough to installing these caliper covers. With the right tools and a little patience, this is a project any Tesla owner can confidently tackle in their own garage, saving on installation costs and gaining the satisfaction of a job well done.
Step 1: Gather Your Tools
Before you begin, it's essential to have the correct tools on hand. Using the right equipment is not just about efficiency; it's about safety.
- Hydraulic Floor Jack: A quality floor jack is necessary for safely lifting the vehicle.
- Tesla-Specific Jack Pads: This is a non-negotiable tool. The Model 3 has specific lift points on its frame. Using a jack pad (or "puck") prevents the jack from applying pressure directly to the battery casing, which could cause catastrophic and expensive damage.
- 21mm Lug Nut Wrench: A standard cross wrench or a breaker bar with a 21mm deep socket will be needed to remove the lug nuts.
- Calibrated Torque Wrench: For your safety, lug nuts must be tightened to the manufacturer's precise specification. A torque wrench is the only tool that can ensure this. For the Model 3, the spec is 120 Newton-meters (Nm), or approximately 129 foot-pounds (ft-lbs).
- Allen Keys: The necessary keys are conveniently included in the Tesery kit.
- Cardboard Scraps: This might sound unusual, but it's a brilliant trick for low-clearance vehicles. A few flattened cardboard boxes can be used to create a small ramp to drive onto, giving you the extra inch of clearance needed to slide your floor jack underneath the car.
Step 2: Preparation and Sticker Application
With your tools ready, the first hands-on step is to prepare the caliper covers. Before they are installed on the car, take the time to apply the 'TESLA' decals. Clean the surface of the cover with a microfiber cloth to ensure it's free of dust or oils. Carefully peel and apply the decal, taking your time to center it perfectly. Press firmly from the center outwards to remove any air bubbles. Doing this now, on a workbench, is far easier than when the cover is on the car.
Step 3: Installing the Front Caliper Covers
Now, let's get to the main event. We'll start with the front wheels.
- Lifting the Car: If your jack can't fit under the car, use the cardboard ramp trick. Place the cardboard in front of the tire and drive onto it. This small lift is all you need. Locate the circular lift point on the frame, insert your Tesla jack pad, and position the floor jack underneath it. Safely lift the car until the wheel is off the ground.
- Wheel Removal: Before lifting the car completely, it's a good practice to slightly loosen the lug nuts while the tire is still touching the ground. Once the wheel is in the air, you can remove the lug nuts completely and carefully take off the wheel.
- Bracket Installation: The front calipers on the Highland require the more complex three-bracket system. For the left (driver's) side, you will use the brackets marked L1, L2, and L3. These are designed to slide and clip securely onto the existing stock caliper body. Follow the video's visual guide to see their exact placement. The fit should be snug and precise.
- Mounting the Cover: With the brackets in place, position the large blue caliper cover over them. Align the holes on the cover with the threaded holes on the brackets. Insert the provided screws and tighten them firmly with the Allen key.
Pro Tip: Before reinstalling the wheel, perform a crucial clearance check. Slowly and carefully spin the brake disc hub by hand. Listen intently for any scraping, rubbing, or clicking sounds. If you hear anything, the cover may need a slight adjustment. Perfect clearance is essential for safe operation.
Step 4: Installing the Rear Caliper Covers
The process for the rear wheels is largely the same but slightly simpler.
The rear brake system is smaller and thus requires only a two-bracket mounting system. The principle is identical: lift the car safely, remove the wheel, attach the designated rear brackets to the stock caliper, and then secure the smaller blue caliper cover. Perform the same manual rotation check to ensure there is no contact between the cover and the brake disc.
Step 5: The Finishing Touches and Final Torque
Once a cover is installed and checked, you can reinstall the wheel. Place the wheel back on the hub and hand-tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern to ensure the wheel is seated evenly. Lower the car until the tire just makes firm contact with the ground, but don't put the full weight on it yet. Now, use your torque wrench, set to 120Nm, and tighten each lug nut in the same star pattern until the wrench clicks. This final step is critical for safety. Repeat this entire process for the remaining three wheels.
The Result: A Stunning Visual Transformation
With all four wheels back on and torqued to spec, it's time to step back and admire your work. The transformation is immediate and dramatic. The vibrant blue of the Tesery Model 3 Highland Caliper Covers peeking through the spokes of the 18-inch Photon wheels provides a stunning contrast, especially against a dark-colored car. It elevates the vehicle's aesthetic from a standard EV to a machine with a distinct, high-performance personality. It's an upgrade that doesn't just change a part; it changes the entire character of the car's profile.
This is more than just a cosmetic accessory; it's a statement of attention to detail. Thanks to Tesery's precision engineering, you can be confident in a perfect, secure, and rattle-free fit that is tailor-made for your 2024+ Model 3 Highland. It’s an investment in your vehicle's style that pays dividends every time you look at it.
Ready to give your Model 3 Highland the same stunning upgrade? You can get the exact same caliper covers featured in this guide directly from their website. As a special bonus for our readers, use the discount code DOSYUNTESLA at checkout to receive a 5% discount on your order. Don't wait to transform the look of your Tesla!
