What marks, stickers, or labels are normal on new wheels and tires?
Most marks, stickers, and labels on new wheels and tires are completely normal and are a standard part of the manufacturing and shipping process. If something looks like more than a normal marking or cosmetic imperfection, contact us before installing and we will help sort it out.
When your new wheels and tires arrive, you may notice some markings, stickers, or labels that you were not expecting. Most of these are completely normal and are a standard part of the manufacturing and shipping process. Here is a quick breakdown of what to expect.
Tire sidewall markings
Tires come with a variety of markings molded directly into the sidewall. These are completely normal and include useful information such as:
- Tire size and load rating
- Speed rating
- DOT safety code
- Directional rotation arrow, if applicable
- Brand name and model name
These markings are a permanent part of the tire and will not come off.
Stickers and labels on tires
New tires often come with stickers or labels on the sidewall that include information like the tire size, brand, or model. These are typically easy to peel off once your tires are mounted. Some stickers may leave a small amount of residue, which can be cleaned off with a mild adhesive remover.
Wheel labels and stickers
New wheels may also come with stickers or labels from the manufacturer. These are used for quality control, product identification, or shipping purposes and are completely normal to find on a new wheel. They can generally be peeled off carefully without causing any damage to the finish.
Backside blemishes and markings
Minor markings or blemishes on the backside of a wheel are considered industry standard and are accepted across wheel manufacturers. These cosmetic imperfections on the back of the wheel have no impact on the performance or structural integrity of the wheel and will not be visible once installed on your vehicle. Every wheel still passes the manufacturer's quality control standards and maintains full warranty coverage.
Balancing marks
If you ordered a wheel and tire package, your tires will arrive already mounted and balanced. You may notice small stick-on balancing weights on the inside of the wheel. These are completely normal and are there to ensure your wheels and tires are properly balanced before shipping.
Paint or finish marks
Some wheels may have small paint marks or stamps on the backside from the manufacturing process. Like backside blemishes, these are cosmetic only and have no impact on the performance or safety of the wheel.
What if something looks genuinely wrong?
If you notice something on your wheels or tires that does not seem like a normal mark or label, such as a crack, deep scratch, or significant finish defect, do not install the item. Contact us right away with your order number and photos of the concern and our team will work with you to resolve it quickly!