What should I inspect before installing my wheels and tires?

Taking a few minutes to thoroughly inspect your new wheels and tires before installation is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your investment and ensure a safe and smooth installation. Here is a complete guide to everything you should check before installation begins.

Check your order against your confirmation

Before inspecting the physical items, start by verifying that everything in your shipment matches your order. Here is what to check:

• Confirm that the correct wheel size, finish, and style were delivered
• Confirm that the correct tire size and brand were delivered
• Verify that all accessories included in your order such as center caps, lug nuts, TPMS sensors, and valve stems are accounted for
• If anything is missing or does not match your order confirmation, contact us right away before proceeding with any installation

Inspect your wheels

Once you have confirmed your order is complete and correct, inspect each wheel carefully. Here is what to look for:

• Check the face and spokes of each wheel for any cracks, chips, scratches, or finish defects that were not caused by installation
• Inspect the barrel and inner lip of each wheel for any damage that may have occurred during shipping
• Check the center bore and bolt pattern holes for any irregularities or damage that could affect fitment
• Minor cosmetic blemishes on the backside of the wheel are considered industry standard and are accepted across all wheel manufacturers. These have no impact on performance or structural integrity and will not be visible once the wheel is installed
• If you notice anything that looks like a structural defect or significant damage, do not install the wheel. Contact us right away with photos and your order number before proceeding

Inspect your tires

Carefully inspect each tire before mounting. Here is what to look for:

• Check the sidewalls of each tire for any bulges, cuts, cracks, or irregularities
• Inspect the tread surface for any visible defects, foreign objects, or irregularities in the rubber
• Check that the tire size and load range on the sidewall match what was ordered
• Look for the directional rotation arrow on the sidewall if your tires are directional. Make sure your installer knows which direction the tires should be mounted before proceeding
• If you notice any sidewall bulges, tread separation, or other significant defects, do not mount the tire. Contact us right away with photos and your order number

Check your lug nuts

If lug nuts were included with your order, inspect them before installation. Here is what to check:

• Make sure the seat type of your lug nuts matches the seat type of your new wheels
• Check that the thread pitch of your lug nuts is compatible with your vehicle's wheel studs
• Inspect each lug nut for any damage, cross threading, or defects
• Never use damaged or incompatible lug nuts as this can prevent the wheel from seating correctly and create an unsafe condition

Check your TPMS sensors

If TPMS sensors were included with your order, here is what to inspect before installation:

• Confirm that the sensors are the correct type for your vehicle
• Check each sensor for any visible damage
• Let your installer know that the sensors will need to be programmed to sync with your vehicle after installation. Some vehicles may require reprogramming at a shop equipped with the proper TPMS programming tools

Inspect your vehicle's hub and studs

Before mounting your new wheels, it is also a good idea to inspect your vehicle's hub and wheel studs. Here is what to check:

• Make sure the hub face is clean and free of rust, debris, or corrosion that could prevent the wheel from sitting flat against the mounting surface
• Inspect each wheel stud for any damage, cross threading, or excessive corrosion
• If any studs appear damaged or stripped, have them replaced before installing your new wheels
• Clean the hub face with a wire brush if necessary to ensure a flat, even mounting surface for your new wheels

Check for proper fitment before finalizing installation

Even after inspecting everything visually, always do a proper test fit before finalizing installation. Here is what to do:

• Hand tighten the lug nuts to secure the wheel for test fitting. Never use power tools during a test fit
• Confirm that 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
• Lower your vehicle and turn the steering wheel fully in both directions to check for any rubbing or contact with the fenders, suspension components, or wheel wells
• Any rubbing or fitment issues discovered during the test fit should be addressed before finalizing installation

What if I find something wrong?

If you discover any damage, defects, or fitment issues during your inspection, here is what to do:

• Do not install any items that you believe are damaged, defective, or incorrect
• Contact us right away with your order number and clear photos of the concern before proceeding
• Keep all original packaging until the issue has been fully resolved
• Items that have been installed, mounted, or driven on are not eligible for return, so catching issues before installation is critical

If you have any questions about what to inspect before installing your wheels and tires, contact us and our team will be happy to help make sure everything is ready to go before your installation begins!