---
title: What should I check before installing my new wheels and tires?
description: Learn what to check before installing your new wheels and tires, including how to properly test fit, check clearance, and finalize installation to ensure the best fit and protect your return eligibility.
---

[Skip to content](https://info.trailbuiltoffroad.com/help/what-should-i-check-before-installing-my-new-wheels-and-tires#main-content)

English - United States

Show submenu for translations

[More support](https://info.trailbuiltoffroad.com/help/kb-tickets/new?hsLang=en-us)

[![Trailbuilt Offroad Logo-1](https://info.trailbuiltoffroad.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Trailbuilt%20Offroad%20Logo-1.png?width=138&height=75&name=Trailbuilt%20Offroad%20Logo-1.png)](https://www.trailbuiltoffroad.com/)

Open main navigation

Close main navigation

- English - United States
  
  Show submenu for translations
- [More support](https://info.trailbuiltoffroad.com/help/kb-tickets/new)
- [Contact Us](https://www.trailbuiltoffroad.com/contact-us)

[Contact Us](https://www.trailbuiltoffroad.com/contact-us)

 How can we help you?

- There are no suggestions because the search field is empty.

1. [TrailBuilt Knowledge Base](https://info.trailbuiltoffroad.com/help?hsLang=en-us)
2. [Fitment and Installation](https://info.trailbuiltoffroad.com/help/fitment-and-installation?hsLang=en-us)
3. [Test Fitting and Installation](https://info.trailbuiltoffroad.com/help/fitment-and-installation?hsLang=en-us#test-fitting-and-installation)

# What should I check before installing my new wheels and tires?

## Before installing your new wheels and tires, always do a proper test fit to confirm fitment and check clearance.

Before jumping into installation, it is important to do a proper test fit first. Taking a few extra minutes to check everything ahead of time can save you a lot of hassle and protect your ability to return or exchange items if something does not fit as expected.

**Step 1: Inspect your order** When your order arrives, carefully inspect all items for any damage before doing anything else. If you notice any damage, contact us right away and do not install the damaged items.

**Step 2: Test fit your wheels** Hand tighten the lug nuts to secure the wheel for test fitting. Do not use power tools during this step.

- Confirm the bolt pattern lines up and the wheel sits flat on the mounting surface
- Test fit every lug by hand to make sure the threading lines up with your studs
- Visually inspect for any contact with the brake caliper, inner valve stem, or wheel weights
- Slowly spin the wheel by hand to check clearance at every point

**Step 3: Check clearance with the vehicle lowered** Place cardboard under the front tires and lower your vehicle. Then slowly turn the steering wheel fully to the left and right, checking for any contact with the fenders, suspension components, or wheel wells.

**Step 4: Finalize installation** Once everything checks out, torque your lug nuts to your vehicle's specifications using hand tools. Always tighten in a star pattern for proper centering.

**Important reminders:**

- Any wheel or tire that has been driven on cannot be returned
- Mounted tires on wheel only orders are not eligible for return
- Suspension and accessory items that show signs of installation cannot be returned

If you have any questions or concerns before installing, contact us and our team will be happy to help!

- [Orders and Shipping](https://info.trailbuiltoffroad.com/help/orders-and-shipping?hsLang=en-us#main-content)

    - [Order Status and Tracking](https://info.trailbuiltoffroad.com/help/orders-and-shipping?hsLang=en-us#order-status-and-tracking)
    - [Shipping Options and Addresses](https://info.trailbuiltoffroad.com/help/orders-and-shipping?hsLang=en-us#shipping-options-and-addresses)
    - [Delivery and Signatures](https://info.trailbuiltoffroad.com/help/orders-and-shipping?hsLang=en-us#delivery-and-signatures)
    - [Shipping Protection](https://info.trailbuiltoffroad.com/help/orders-and-shipping?hsLang=en-us#shipping-protection)
- [Order Issues and Support](https://info.trailbuiltoffroad.com/help/order-issues-and-support?hsLang=en-us#main-content)

    - [Damaged and Missing Orders](https://info.trailbuiltoffroad.com/help/order-issues-and-support?hsLang=en-us#damaged-and-missing-orders)
    - [Order Changes and Cancellations](https://info.trailbuiltoffroad.com/help/order-issues-and-support?hsLang=en-us#order-changes-and-cancellations)
    - [Returns and Refunds](https://info.trailbuiltoffroad.com/help/order-issues-and-support?hsLang=en-us#returns-and-refunds)
    - [Warranty and Defects](https://info.trailbuiltoffroad.com/help/order-issues-and-support?hsLang=en-us#warranty-and-defects)
- [Payments and Pricing](https://info.trailbuiltoffroad.com/help/payments-and-pricing?hsLang=en-us#main-content)

    - [Payment Methods](https://info.trailbuiltoffroad.com/help/payments-and-pricing?hsLang=en-us#payment-methods)
    - [Financing](https://info.trailbuiltoffroad.com/help/payments-and-pricing?hsLang=en-us#financing)
    - [Pricing and Discounts](https://info.trailbuiltoffroad.com/help/payments-and-pricing?hsLang=en-us#pricing-and-discounts)
- [Fitment and Installation](https://info.trailbuiltoffroad.com/help/fitment-and-installation?hsLang=en-us#main-content)

    - [Finding the Right Fit](https://info.trailbuiltoffroad.com/help/fitment-and-installation?hsLang=en-us#finding-the-right-fit)
    - [Test Fitting and Installation](https://info.trailbuiltoffroad.com/help/fitment-and-installation?hsLang=en-us#test-fitting-and-installation)
    - [Post Installation Issues](https://info.trailbuiltoffroad.com/help/fitment-and-installation?hsLang=en-us#post-installation-issues)
- [Wheels](https://info.trailbuiltoffroad.com/help/wheels?hsLang=en-us#main-content)

    - [Wheel Basics and Sizing](https://info.trailbuiltoffroad.com/help/wheels?hsLang=en-us#wheel-basics-and-sizing)
    - [Wheel Offset, Backspacing, and Size](https://info.trailbuiltoffroad.com/help/wheels?hsLang=en-us#wheel-offset-backspacing-and-size)
    - [Wheel Finish and Construction](https://info.trailbuiltoffroad.com/help/wheels?hsLang=en-us#wheel-finish-and-construction)
    - [Wheel Care and Storage](https://info.trailbuiltoffroad.com/help/wheels?hsLang=en-us#wheel-care-and-storage)
    - [Purchasing Wheels](https://info.trailbuiltoffroad.com/help/wheels?hsLang=en-us#purchasing-wheels)
- [Tires](https://info.trailbuiltoffroad.com/help/tires?hsLang=en-us#main-content)

    - [Choosing the Right Tire](https://info.trailbuiltoffroad.com/help/tires?hsLang=en-us#choosing-the-right-tire)
    - [Tire Performance and Maintenance](https://info.trailbuiltoffroad.com/help/tires?hsLang=en-us#tire-performance-and-maintenance)
    - [Mounted and Balanced Packages](https://info.trailbuiltoffroad.com/help/tires?hsLang=en-us#mounted-and-balanced-packages)
- [Accessories](https://info.trailbuiltoffroad.com/help/accessories?hsLang=en-us#main-content)

    - [Lug Nuts and Lug Bolts](https://info.trailbuiltoffroad.com/help/accessories?hsLang=en-us#lug-nuts-and-lug-bolts)
    - [TPMS](https://info.trailbuiltoffroad.com/help/accessories?hsLang=en-us#tpms)
    - [Center Caps](https://info.trailbuiltoffroad.com/help/accessories?hsLang=en-us#center-caps)
    - [Spacers and Hub Rings](https://info.trailbuiltoffroad.com/help/accessories?hsLang=en-us#spacers-and-hub-rings)
- [About Us & Ambassador Program](https://info.trailbuiltoffroad.com/help/about-us-ambassador-program?hsLang=en-us#main-content)

    - [About TrailBuilt](https://info.trailbuiltoffroad.com/help/about-us-ambassador-program?hsLang=en-us#about-trailbuilt)
    - [Ambassador and Sponsorships](https://info.trailbuiltoffroad.com/help/about-us-ambassador-program?hsLang=en-us#ambassador-and-sponsorships)

<https://www.facebook.com/trailbuilt> <https://www.youtube.com/c/TrailBuiltOffRoad> <https://www.tiktok.com/@trailbuiltoffroad?lang=en> <https://www.instagram.com/trailbuilt_offroad/?hl=en>

Copyright © 2026, TrailBuilt Off-Road

[Contact Us](https://www.trailbuiltoffroad.com/contact-us)