The Tire Mounting Procedure: Step by Step

1.      Remove the Old tyre (Where applicable)

In case you are changing an old tire, the procedure starts with getting it out of a vehicle and a wheel:

• Unscrew the lug nuts (and do not take them out).
• Raise the vehicle on a jack and place jack stands.
• Take out the wheel and lay it on a surface that is flat.
• Deflate the used tire by taking out the valve core.
• Use a tire (or bead) machine or break the bead (the seal between the tire and the wheel).

You do not necessarily need a bead breaker, some DIYers have been known to use a plank and a car to apply weight to the sidewall of the tire. Take care though you do this.

2.      Take the Tire off the Wheel

Loosen the old tire off the rim by either applying tire irons or the tire mounting machine. This normally entails:

• Putting the mounting tool between the rim and tire.
• Raising the bead to the edge of the rim.
• Repeating the process to both sides of the tire.

Be careful and do not cut the edge of the wheel or the new tire bead.

3.     Remove the Dirty Wheel and Check the Damage

After removing the tire examine the rim:

• Wash it out to take out the dirt, rust, or an old adhesive.
• Look out on cracks or warping.
• Check the valve holes on corrosion.

Scrub hard stuck-on dirt using a wire brush. The cleaner the wheel, the better exhaust surface can be formed between the tire and the rim.

4.     Fitting the Valve Stem

Put in the new valve stem:

• Put the rubber valve stem into the hole inside.
• A valve stem installer tool should be used to negotiate it through to a snug fit.

Make sure that the metal valve stems are tightened to the specified torque of the manufacturer.

5.      Grease up the Bead

Put tire bead lubricant or soapy water between the two beats (inner edge) of the new tire. This allows manipulation of the tire to fit over the rim more easily and can aid in avoiding damage to the beads when mounting.

Do not use petroleum-based products. They are capable of deteriorating rubber with time.

6.      Install the Tire into the Wheel

Here is where the actual mounting starts.

• Align the lowest bead on the tire with the outer edge of the rim.
• With tire machine or tire irons, push the bead completely over the wheel.
• Do the same thing with the top bead except not to pinch or twist.

Proceed slowly to ensure that you do not break the bead or the tire construction.

7.      Pump Back the Tire and Sit the Rims

It is time to fit the tire on a rim now:

• Put an air hose on the valve stem.
• The tire should be inflated at a slow pace.
• With the air coming in you will hear two pop sounds-this is the bead seated properly on the rim.
• Stop inflating when both beads are seated.

Be careful not to get anywhere near the sidewall when inflating. In case of a faulty bead, it can go off with serious force.

8.      Tire Pressure

Use a tire gauge to see that the pressure of the tire reaches the manufacturer-recommended PSI (written on your car door sticker or in the manual).

Always avoid overinflating or underinflating tires as either would lead to tire wear, unsafe driving conditions.

9.      Balance Tire (Not compulsory but advisedly)

Even though not strictly considered a mounting process, tire balancing ensures easy driving and even wear of the tires.

• A technician rotates the tire and wheel combo.
• Where necessary, they add weights to balance out any imbalance.

Unbalanced tires may cause vibrations of steering wheels especially at high speeds. Inquire to have the tires balanced each time they are mounted.

10. Put the Wheel back in Place

• Re-install the wheel to the hub.
• Put the lug nuts at the star pattern and tighten them so the pressure is even.
• Jack down the automobile and turn the lug nuts to the factory recommended tension.

You are good to go!

Top Tips to a First-Cars Owner

1.      Never use worn (old) tires with new valve stems

Valve stem is also subject to wear which may allow air leakage resulting in early deflation.

2.      Do not Miss the “Bead Seating Pop”

It is a good indication when you hear that popping sound during inflation. When it fails to happen, stop and re-check alignment.

3.      Use the right tools

Although improvising can be used in emergencies, the right equipment will guarantee safety and accuracy.

4.      Tire Specification to Car Considerations

It is important to refer to your owner or tire specification in case of a tire purchase or mounting.

5.      Read Sidewall Markings

There is crucial information on the manual for the sidewalls of tires:

• Width aspect ratio
• Rim diameter
• Load index
• Speed rating

6.      Torque Check Settings

Lug nuts should not be overtightened because this may break threads or break parts of the brake. It is always important to use a torque wrench.

7.      Never Leave Your DIY without the Check of a Professional

Although it is possible to mount tires yourself, it is prudent to have them inspected with the help of a professional because of safety issues.