Tesla app 4.60.5: Easier wheel cover toggle and robotaxi as a loaner alternative

Easier switching between wheel covers on/off

• Availability: Available Worldwide
• Models: S, 3, X, Y, CT
• Status: Undocumented

Many Tesla vehicles include removable wheel covers that can improve the look when taken off, but removing them typically has a small impact on range.

Currently, adjusting the wheel appearance in the app or in the vehicle requires navigating to Controls > Service > Wheels to choose the no-cover look.

Tesla plans to simplify this by treating the cover-on and cover-off versions as the same wheel type. You will be able to change the appearance by indicating whether the covers are on or off.

Note that the selected wheel affects more than just visualization; Tesla also uses it to estimate expected range since some wheels are more efficient than others.

The expectation is that you’ll be able to toggle between cover-on and cover-off versions of the wheel type in both the Tesla app and the vehicle, without searching through a long list of wheel options.

Use robotaxi instead of a loaner

• Models: S, 3, X, Y, CT
• Status: Undocumented

When you bring your vehicle in for service that takes more than a few hours, Tesla sometimes provides a loaner.

However, loaners aren’t always available, and Tesla has resorted to Uber credits or, at times, not offering backup transportation.

This app update suggests that Tesla’s robotaxi could also become an option for transportation while your vehicle is in service.

This approach would meet customers’ transportation needs while significantly cutting costs for Tesla. Instead of paying for Uber or maintaining a loaner fleet, Tesla could offer robotaxi rides at a fraction of the cost.

This change may not be far off, as Tesla could begin offering this service in areas such as Austin, Texas and expand alongside its Robotaxi service.