You can fit new wheels yourself using a jack and a wheel spanner, without having to go to a garage. The most important thing is to choose rims with the correct size, bolt circle and ET value for your car, so that they fit properly and are safe to drive on. Below, you can read how to choose the right rims, how to fit them step by step and what to look out for afterwards.
What should you look out for when choosing new wheel rims?
Not every wheel rim fits every car, so check a few specifications beforehand. The bolt circle determines the position of the wheel bolts and must match your car’s exactly, for example 5×114.3 or 4×100. The ET value, also known as the offset, determines how far the wheel protrudes inwards or outwards and affects whether the wheel can turn freely without touching the wheel arches or brake components. You should also check the diameter and width of the rim and ensure that the centre bore matches your car’s hub. You can find this information in the car’s manual or on the inside of your current rims.
Fitting new wheels: a step-by-step guide
Do you have the right rims to hand, and have the tyres been fitted to the new rims? If so, follow these steps for each wheel:
- Loosen the wheel bolts by a quarter turn whilst the car is still on the ground;
- Jack up the car using the correct jacking point until the wheel is off the ground;
- Loosen the wheel bolts completely and remove the wheel with the old rim;
- Place the wheel with the new rim onto the wheel hub and tighten the wheel bolts by hand in a star pattern;
- Lower the car until the wheel just touches the ground, then tighten the wheel bolts securely using a star-shaped torque wrench;
- Lower the car completely, remove the jack and check that all the bolts are tight.
Repeat these steps for the remaining wheels. Always tighten the wheel bolts in a star pattern, so that the rim is tightened evenly and does not become misaligned.
Do you need to use different wheel bolts with new rims?
When changing rims, it is important to check whether the wheel bolts still fit, as not every rim uses the same bolt size or shape. Steel rims often use a different bolt shape to alloy rims, for example a spherical or conical seat. If you use the wrong bolts, the rim will not be securely fastened and the wheel could come loose whilst driving. Check the specifications of the new rims to see which wheel bolts are required and order these as well if your current ones do not fit. This is a detail that many people overlook, but it is essential for your safety.
What should you bear in mind after fitting?
After fitting new rims, it is advisable to retighten the wheel bolts with a torque wrench after 50 to 100 kilometres, as they may settle slightly at first. Also check the tyre pressure, as a different rim size may require a different recommended pressure. Have the wheels balanced if this has not already been done, as unbalanced wheels cause vibrations in the steering wheel and uneven tyre wear. If you have fitted wider rims, check that the wheels can turn freely without rubbing against the wheel arches or brake components. After a few days, take the car for a test drive and listen out for any unusual noises.
Conclusion: you can fit wheel rims yourself
Fitting new wheels is a simple job that you can do yourself, provided you choose wheels with the correct bolt circle, ET value and diameter for your car. Always use the correct wheel bolts, tighten them in a star pattern and check them again after 50 to 100 kilometres. With the right preparation, you’ll give your car a fresh new look and ensure you’re safe on the road.
Need some alloy wheels? Japoto can help
At Japoto, you’ll find wheel rims and wheel components for Japanese and Korean brands, with over 70,000 items in stock. Not sure which one to choose? wheel rim suitable for your car? Please get in touch via 0596 – 57 2992 or send an email to info@japoto.nl.