How to Put New Tire Rims on a Car

by Adam Smith

rims image by Brett Bouwer from Fotolia.com

Aftermarket wheels will greatly improve the style, handling, and performance of your car, especially if they are equipped with high performance tires. While this process may seem daunting to some, it is quite easy and can be performed under an hour. Before changing your wheels, make sure to park your car on a flat, firm surface. Uneven hilly surfaces are dangerous to work on and can result in your car falling off the jack and injuring you or damaging the car.

Step 1

Loosen the lug nuts on one of the wheels using a lug nut wrench. Do not completely unscrew and remove the lug nuts at this time.

Step 2

Place a jack under the appropriate area of your car. Each car comes with a manufacturers manual that outlines the appropriate area for a jack. Lift the car using the jack until the tire is about one inch off the ground.

Step 3

Unscrew each of the lug nuts and remove them from the wheel. Be ready to catch the wheel since it will fall off once the last lug nut is removed. Place the wheel off to the side.

Step 4

Place a spacer on the aftermarket wheel if it comes with one. Spacers help line aftermarket wheels up to the car and ensure a vibration free ride. Spacers are placed in the middle of the side that faces the car.

Step 5

Place the aftermarket wheel onto the car and insert the lug nuts. Tighten each lug nut about 75 percent and lower the car to the ground. Once the car is lowered, tighten all the lug nuts firmly, but do not force them since that could damage the car and the wheel.