A Guide to Changing the Wheels on Your Vehicle

As the seasons change and roads take a beating from various elements, one thought that might often cross a driver's mind is – when should I change the wheels on my vehicle? Like to preparing your car for winter, knowing how to change and select the right set of wheels can make a world of difference to your driving experience. Here's a breakdown of all you need to know.

Why Change Your Vehicle’s Wheels?

There are several reasons to consider changing the wheels of your vehicle. By "wheel", we mean the tyres, not the rims. For one, if your old tyres are wearing out, you'll need to replace them to ensure safe and optimum driving conditions. The cold season, with its salt and grit spread on roads, can be harsh on your tyres, deteriorating them faster than usual which may also prompt a reason.

It’s not just about repairing damaged tyres, however. You may want to switch to from summer to winter tyres and vice versa, or sometimes, a fresh set of tyres can uplift the look of your car, giving it a renewed, stylish appearance.

Choosing the Right Set of Wheels

Selecting the right set of wheels is pivotal. The key to making the right choice lies in understanding the correct rim size for your tyres.

Most car rims come in sizes 15, 16, 17, 18, and 20 inches. To determine which size is compatible with your tyres, closely inspect your tyre’s sidewall. Look for a two-digit number – this denotes your tyre’s rim size.

If you want to find the right tyres for your vehicle in a flash, use our online tyre fitment checker and enter your tyre details found on the sidewall markings, and we’ll filter our store to give you only the tyres that fit your vehicle. From there, you can choose between high-quality tyres from pedigree brands including Pirelli, Firestone, Continental, Michelin and Goodyear.

When to Change the Wheels

While we've touched on specific reasons earlier, always keep an eye out for signs of wear and tear, reduced grip, or any visible damage. It's always safer to replace than to regret. If you want more information on when to change from summer to winter tyres and vice versa, read our guide to winter tyres to find out.

How to Change a Vehicle’s Wheels

Though you may find it a daunting prospect, with the right approach and tools, changing the wheels of your vehicle is straightforward.

First and foremost, safety should be your primary concern. To ensure this, apply the handbrake and make certain the vehicle is completely stationary. To prevent the vehicle from moving while you work, position wheel chocks on the side opposite to the wheel (the front-left wheel should have a rear-right chock, for example) that you’re about to change. They will act as stoppers and stabilise your car while it's being jacked up.

Before lifting the car, it's crucial to slightly loosen the wheel nuts. However, you shouldn't remove them completely just yet. With the nuts loosened, the next step is to lift the car. By using a car jack, elevate the car so that the specific tyre you're changing is about 10-15cm off the ground. This height will give you enough room to work comfortably. Once the car is securely lifted, you can proceed to remove the wheel nuts entirely.

With the nuts off, gently pull the tyre towards you until it detaches from the vehicle. Grab the spare wheel and align it with the hub and start screwing in and tightening the bolts. After securing the new wheel, using the car jack, carefully bring the vehicle back down to the ground.

After the car is safely back on the ground, it's a good practice to double-check your work. Make sure the wheel nuts are securely tightened and verify the tyre pressure of the newly mounted wheel. With these final checks, your car is ready to hit the road again.

Replacing Old Tyres Is Important

Your vehicle is a treasured asset, and your safety is paramount. Similar to preparing your tyres for winter, changing your wheels when necessary ensures your vehicle is always in its best condition, ensuring peace of mind during every drive. With a little knowledge and care, you can easily prolong the lifespan of your car and enjoy many miles of smooth driving.

Replace your old tyres with a brand new quality set from LK Performance, the UK’s largest and most esteemed store for tyres from the finest manufacturers in the world. We stock a range of sizes that are guaranteed to fit your vehicle no matter how large or nimble it is. Bring your car to our state-of-the-art fitting centre and we can help fit your new tyres on for you. Browse our collection today and treat your car with the utmost care.