How To Install Alloy Wheels

You decided to buy new alloy wheels and new tires for the car you have just bought for yourself. It is not brand new, but it is a new car to you anyway and the stock wheels just do not cut it. It needed a paint job so you got that done. Now, you really like the way the paint shines and you have added a new audio system inside, so now you have some awesome tunes going too. The next thing you want to do is go get those cool looking alloy wheels you checked out yesterday.

After you bought new the new wheels and tires and checked out the cost of having them installed professionally, you have decided to put those new alloys on yourself. The tires have already been put on the rims by someone qualified to do the job, so your part is going to be easy. It is better to have tires done by a professional with the proper equipment. You will probably save yourself from a serious injury and a lot of pain.

Most of us have changed a flat tire at one time or another and know that it is not that difficult to do. It is no more difficult to take off the old steel wheels and install the new alloy wheels. Before you get started, remember that, as with any kind of installation, there are preparations to make first. Before you bought the new wheels, you made sure that the lug bolts on the hubs match up with the holes on the wheels. With that out of the way, you can proceed.

Since you are probably installing the new alloy wheels at home in your garage or driveway, you most likely do not have a lift like the ones used in mechanic shops. In which case, you will be raising one tire at a time off the ground. Make sure that you have a good sturdy jack that was made to work properly with your make and model of vehicle. Hydraulic jacks are the easiest to use. A few other tools you will need too are a socket wrench or lug wrench for removing and replacing the lug nuts, a crow bar to help make it easier when removing the old wheels, and a cloth to shine up your new alloy wheels after you are done. A good impact socket set is also recommended as you can read from this Neiko tool review.

After you have positioned the jack and have raised the first old wheel and tire, using the wrench loosen and remove all of the lug nuts. Set them aside in a container so they do not get lost, because you will be putting them back on later. Use the crowbar to help remove the old wheels and then position and put on the new alloy wheel. Make sure the new wheel sits flush with the hub, then replace the lug nuts, and tighten them securely with the wrench. Lower the jack and go on to the next one.

Once you have gotten all four of your new alloy wheels installed, use the cloth to shine up those new beauties.