Want to learn more about tire installation? Curious about our convenient installation options? You've come to the right place.
You've just purchased tires or a tire and wheel package, and you're now considering installation options. We advise you to choose one of our recommended installers - but what are the benefits? First, Tire Rack has a wide network of over 10,000 trusted independent installers located across the...
The answer could be yes, no, or yes and no! It all depends on your vehicle's tire type, setup, and whether you are replacing just two or all four tires. Are your tires directional, or non-directional? Are they mounted in a "square" setup, i.e., all four tires are the same size? Or "staggered,"...
Proper wheel installation requires the wheel-attaching hardware (lug nuts or bolts) be tightened to the recommended torque specification for the vehicle make, model and year. Torque specifications are usually found in the vehicle's owner's manual.* Proper torque requires using the correct...
Wheels come in many different styles, sizes, bolt patterns and offsets. How do we know which wheels will fit a specific vehicle? And further, how can we ensure trouble-free installation? First, we get to know a vehicle inside and out. Measuring a vehicle's critical components with...
The same level of care must be taken when removing tires for warranty and road hazard claims as you would use for any other tire removal/installation. Take steps to ensure your work isn't the reason a claim gets disqualified. When a Tire Rack customer's tire order related to a warranty or...
Match mounting is an often-referred to installation process where a new tire's position on the wheel is selected to help minimize the tire and wheel combination's force variation and/or imbalance. Many installers have asked about the meaning and usage of match mounting and the use of the...
In today's world of increasingly difficult to service lower profile tire/wheel fitments it is important to use up-to-date tire service equipment. Modern, full feature tire mounters typically utilize a powered roller assist device and/or a variety of attachment arms to effectively position the...
Since tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) are a relatively recent addition to most vehicles, it's important to know which vehicles are equipped with TPMS and recognize what types of sensors are used. It is also important to check for aftermarket TPMS installed on vehicles, as well. The...
Tire Rack's product applications and development team has been actively researching and monitoring the industry's use of tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) both prior to and since the November, 2000 enactment of the TREAD Act requiring the use of TPMS on all vehicles built after September...
A growing number of installation attempts that lead to a torn/ripped bead after the technician realizes they are mounting a smaller diameter tire on a larger diameter wheel are being reported (for example, mounting a 15" tire on a 16" wheel). Several Recommended Installers have asked who is...
When Buying a Pair of Tires It's best to replace all of a vehicle's tires at the same time. Having the same tread design and tread depth promotes balanced traction and handling. However if only a pair of tires is replaced, the two new tires are to be installed on the rear axle with the...
Measuring Rim Width The measuring rim width is the industry standardized rim width upon which the tire must be mounted in order to confirm it meets its dimensional targets. Because the width of the rim will influence the width of the tire, a standard rim width for every tire size is assigned...
Much like your foot can sometimes fit in a half size up or down shoe, tires have a range of rim widths they can be mounted on while still performing as designed. Likewise, similarly to how a person typically knows their "shoe size," tires have a measuring rim width from which the tire’s...
It's Not Just About Wear. Do You Know When to Say When? There are many reasons why tires should be replaced. Here are some Tire Rack recommendations based on currently available information: The vehicle manufacturer owner's manual may have specific instructions covering tire inspections...
Need help choosing the right products for your vehicle? Our team of highly trained experts has the knowledge and passion to help. Just pick up the phone and give us a ring. Or let's chat via email. We love solving problems and lending a hand (or an ear).
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