I received this product at no cost for review purposes. My opinions are entirely my own and were not influenced by the company. They have no control over the content of this review.
Today’s technical dive is something every EV truck owner dreads: the first tire puncture. Last night, I noticed a distinct “click-click-click” sound coming from the driver’s side of the Rivian R1T after a Costco run. A quick visual inspection revealed the culprit—a giant screw embedded right in the tread.
Managing tires on an electric truck like the Rivian isn’t as simple as it is with a gas car. Between the massive weight of the vehicle and the specific lifting requirements, you need the right gear and knowledge to avoid damaging your battery or suspension. Let’s break down the technical process of getting this fixed.
The Equipment: EVBase Jack Pucks
One of the most critical pieces of hardware for any Rivian owner is a set of Jack Pucks. Tesla owners are used to the “hockey pucks,” and the Rivian requires something very similar. EVBase sent over their custom magnetic Jack Pucks for the R1T/R1S, and they are a lifesaver.
- The Design: These pucks feature a specific “nipple” that fits into the factory jack points underneath the truck.
- Magnetic Feature: The EVBase pucks are magnetic, which means they stay in place while you’re positioning your floor jack. This is a huge safety win.
- Why You Need Them: Without these pucks, a standard floor jack could slip or put pressure on the plastic underbody panels, potentially damaging the high-voltage battery casing.
Pre-Service Technical Steps: Suspension and Jack Mode
You cannot just roll into a tire shop and let them lift a Rivian. You must follow these technical steps to ensure the air suspension isn’t damaged:
- Drive Mode: Change your drive mode to All-Terrain. This allows you to set the ride height to its “Highest” position.
- Enable Tire Change Mode: Go to Settings > Vehicle > Service > Tire Change. Enabling this locks the air suspension in place and prevents the truck from trying to self-level while it’s being lifted. Note: You must set the ride height to highest before you toggle this mode on, or the truck won’t let you adjust it.
The Repair Process: America’s Tires
I took the truck to America’s Tires. I’ve been a long-time customer, and even though this video is focused on the EVBase gear, I have to give them credit—they fix flats for free and already had their own set of Jack Pucks ready to go.
Real-World Costs and “Road Hazard” Math
If the tire hadn’t been repairable, the numbers are eye-opening:
- One Tire (Pirelli Scorpion Verde All-Season 275/55/21): $464
- Road Hazard Insurance (Per Tire): $79
- Total Replacement Cost (with tax): ~$684 for a single tire.
I ended up opting out of the road hazard insurance for now, but at $80 per tire, it’s a serious consideration when you realize these tires aren’t always stocked locally and often require a special warehouse order.
Technical Tip: The Built-in Air Compressor
After the repair, I tested the Rivian’s built-in air compressor.
- The Accuracy Issue: I set the compressor to 50 PSI. However, my external digital gauge and the truck’s own TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) both read 57 PSI once the compressor stopped.
- My Recommendation: Always carry a high-quality digital tire pressure gauge. The onboard sensors can be off by as much as 7 PSI, and over-inflating can lead to uneven wear and a harsher ride.
The EVBase Jack Pucks are an essential “just in case” accessory. Even if your local shop has their own, having a set in your gear bin ensures that you’re never stranded or forced to let a shop lift your truck improperly.
Product Link – https://evbase.biz/3ycfzyC
Affiliate Link – https://www.evbase.com?sca_ref=4942434.EBGyM0hCsM
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