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Tesla Model 3 · Auckland

Model 3 service, suspension and tyre wear

If your Model 3 has started creaking over bumps, knocking at low speed or wearing its front tyres on the inside edge, you're in familiar territory. These are the jobs we do most, and they're nearly always suspension geometry.

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Bring it in and we'll tell you what we find.

What you're hearing

Model 3 noises, and what usually causes them

Most Model 3 suspension complaints come back to one of five components. The noise you hear, and when you hear it, narrows it down quickly. None of this replaces putting the car on a hoist, but it tells you what you're likely dealing with.

Creaking or squeaking Front upper control arms and ball joints Heard while steering, or crawling over bumps at low speed. The most common single cause of a creaking Model 3, and usually the first thing we look at.
Knocking or clicking Front lateral and lower suspension links Knocking, clicking or creaking from worn ball joints and bushes in the lower links. Often accompanies the control arm noise rather than replacing it.
Knocking, and wandering geometry Compliance arm bushes Movement in the bush lets the wheel shift under load. You get knocking, and alignment that drifts out of spec — which is where the inside-edge tyre wear starts.
Light knocking or rattling Sway-bar links and bushes A lighter, more rattly noise over uneven surfaces rather than a solid knock. Cheap to put right once it is identified.
Knocking over bumps Dampers and top mounts Knocking and other noise from the top of the strut. Worth checking before condemning the arms, since the symptom overlaps.

Not sure which one it is?

Neither are most people. Bring it in, we'll put it on the hoist and tell you what we find. Nothing gets done until you've said yes to a quote.

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Tyres and geometry

Why Model 3 tyres wear on the inside edge

Inside-edge wear is a geometry problem, not a tyre problem. A heavy car with instant torque is unforgiving of camber and toe that have drifted out of spec — and worn suspension components move that geometry as they go. Replace the tyres without correcting the alignment and the new set wears the same way.

The same applies to vibration. Vibration at speed and through the steering wheel usually starts with wheel balance or the tyres themselves, but worn bushes and links let the wheel move enough to produce it too. We check both together rather than guessing.

We fit EV-rated tyres and align in-house, so it's one visit rather than two.

Everything else your Model 3 needs

All of it under one roof in Penrose, with genuine Tesla or quality aftermarket parts — your choice.

Tesla WOF / COF WOF while you wait, and COF A for working Teslas. Read more → Annual service Scheduled maintenance to Tesla intervals. Read more → Tyres & alignment EV-rated tyres, fitted and aligned in-house. Read more → Brakes Pads, discs and the service regen braking hides. Read more → 12V & HV battery Twelve-volt replacement and HV health checks. Read more → Air conditioning Regas, leak testing and cabin filters. Read more → Breakdown insurance Autosure cover for out-of-warranty Teslas. Read more → Paint protection Dura-Seal, applied while the car is in. Read more →

Model 3 questions we get asked

Why does my Model 3 creak going over bumps? Most often the front upper control arms and their ball joints. The noise typically shows up while steering or moving slowly over uneven ground. Worn lower links, compliance arm bushes and top mounts can all produce something similar, which is why it is worth having it on a hoist rather than guessing from the sound.
Why are my Model 3 tyres wearing on the inside edge? Wheel geometry that has drifted out of spec — camber and toe. Worn compliance arm bushes and links let it drift further. Fitting new tyres without correcting the alignment means the next set wears exactly the same way.
What causes vibration at speed in a Model 3? Usually wheel balance or the tyres themselves, sometimes a buckled rim. Worn suspension components can allow enough movement to produce it too, so we check balance and the front end together rather than assuming.
Do I need to go to Tesla for this work? No. We are an independent workshop and have been servicing electric vehicles for over ten years. You choose genuine Tesla parts or quality aftermarket, and we tell you the difference before you decide.
What does it cost to find out what the noise is? Nothing. Bring it in, we put it on the hoist and tell you what we find. Any work is quoted before it starts.
★★★★★
Good service. The WOF was done quickly and the process was explained clearly. Happy with the experience. Staff were professional. Would recommend.
Sangita Devakumar Google review

Book your Model 3 in

Tell us what it's doing and when suits. Our team will come back to you within the hour during business hours.

Free loan cars, subject to availability Free Local Pickup and Drop Off from work or home Finance on larger repairs — Afterpay and Smart Cover
GVI Super Site 575 Great South Road, Penrose, Auckland 1061

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