Jim Keras Subaru Wheel Center

How To Properly Install Custom Wheels: A Comprehensive Guide

Installing custom wheels can transform the appearance and performance of your vehicle, making it stand out on the roads of Memphis, TN, and beyond. Whether you're a car enthusiast in Marion, AR, or a family driver in West Memphis, AR, understanding how to install custom wheels is essential for achieving the perfect fit and look. This guide will walk you through the detailed process of installing custom wheels, ensuring you have all the information needed to make informed decisions and execute a successful installation.

• Table of Contents
  • Understanding Custom Wheels: Explore the different types of custom wheels, including forged and cast wheels, and their benefits for vehicle performance and aesthetics.
  • Tools and Preparations: Learn about the essential tools and preparations needed before starting the installation process, ensuring safety and accuracy.
  • Step-by-Step Installation Guide: Follow a detailed, step-by-step guide to installing custom wheels, from initial inspection to final adjustments.
  • Ensuring Proper Fitment: Discover how to ensure your aftermarket wheels fit perfectly, avoiding common issues related to size and alignment.
  • DIY vs. Professional Installation: Compare the pros and cons of installing wheels yourself versus hiring a professional, considering cost, time, and expertise.
  • Safety and Maintenance Tips: Understand the importance of safety and regular maintenance to prolong the life of your custom wheels and enhance driving safety.

Understanding Custom Wheels

Custom wheels are a popular modification for vehicles, offering both aesthetic appeal and performance benefits. In Memphis, TN, and surrounding areas like Oakland, TN, and Millington, TN, drivers often opt for custom wheels to personalize their vehicles. Among the options available, forged wheels stand out for their strength and lightweight properties.

• Forged Wheels: Forged wheels are crafted from a single piece of aluminum, heated and molded under high pressure. This process results in wheels that are approximately three times stronger and 25% lighter than cast wheels. The reduced weight can enhance vehicle handling and fuel efficiency, making them an excellent choice for performance enthusiasts.
• Cast Wheels: Cast wheels are made by pouring molten aluminum into molds. While they are more affordable than forged wheels, they are not as strong or light, which can impact performance and durability.

For those interested in exploring the variety of Subaru models that can be enhanced with custom wheels, visit our New Subaru Inventory to see what vehicles are available.

Tools and Preparations

Before beginning the installation of custom wheels, it's crucial to gather the necessary tools and prepare your workspace. Whether you're working in Cordova, TN, or Arlington, TN, having the right equipment ensures a smooth installation process.

• Essential Tools: You will need a jack, lug wrench, torque wrench, and wheel chocks. It's also advisable to have a safety kit, including gloves and protective eyewear, to prevent injuries.
• Preparation Steps:
  • Ensure your vehicle is parked on a flat, stable surface.
  • Engage the parking brake and place wheel chocks under the wheels opposite the ones being replaced.
  • Consult your vehicle's manual for specific instructions related to lifting points and torque specifications.

For those who prefer professional assistance, our Schedule Service and Diagnostics page allows you to book an appointment with our skilled technicians.

Step-by-Step Installation Guide

Installing custom wheels involves several critical steps to ensure they fit correctly and function safely. Here's a detailed guide to help you through the process:

1. Inspect Your Wheels: Begin by inspecting both your new custom wheels and the existing ones on your vehicle. Check for any damage or imperfections that could affect installation.
2. Position Your Custom Wheels: Align the new wheels with the vehicle's hub, ensuring the bolt pattern matches. This step is crucial for preventing vibrations and ensuring stability.
3. Start in the Back and Test the Fit: Temporarily mount the wheels to check for clearance with brake calipers, suspension components, and fenders. Adjust as necessary.
4. Loosen the Lug Nuts: Use a lug wrench to slightly loosen the lug nuts on the existing wheels before lifting the vehicle. This makes removal easier once the car is lifted.
5. Jack It Up: Position the jack under the designated lifting points and raise the vehicle until the wheels are off the ground.
6. Examine First: Before fully removing the old wheels, double-check the fit of the new ones to ensure there are no obstructions.
7. Fit Flat: Once the old wheels are removed, place the new custom wheels onto the hub, ensuring they fit flat against the mounting surface.
8. Check The Fit Of The Wheel Again: After hand-tightening the lug nuts, lower the vehicle slightly to allow the wheels to settle. Then, use a torque wrench to tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern to the manufacturer's specifications.

For those in Lakeland, TN, looking to upgrade their vehicle, our Used Vehicle Inventory offers a range of options that can benefit from custom wheel installations.

Ensuring Proper Fitment

Ensuring that your aftermarket wheels fit properly is crucial for safety and performance. Here are some key aspects to consider:

• Bolt Pattern and Offset: Verify that the bolt pattern and offset of the wheels match your vehicle's specifications. This ensures the wheels sit correctly on the hub and do not interfere with other components.
• Hub Rings: If there's a gap between the wheel hub bore and the vehicle's hub, consider using hub rings to center the wheels. This prevents vibrations and ensures a smooth ride.
• Clearance Checks: Conduct thorough clearance checks around the brake calipers, suspension, and fenders to avoid rubbing or contact during driving.

For those interested in further customization, our Tire Store page provides access to a variety of wheel and tire packages to enhance your vehicle.

DIY vs. Professional Installation

Deciding whether to install custom wheels yourself or hire a professional involves weighing several factors:

• DIY Installation:
  • Pros: Cost savings and the satisfaction of completing the project yourself.
  • Cons: Requires mechanical knowledge and tools; potential risks if not done correctly.
• Professional Installation:
  • Pros: Access to specialized tools and expertise; guarantees proper fitment and safety.
  • Cons: Higher cost due to labor fees.

Safety and Maintenance Tips

Maintaining your custom wheels is essential for longevity and safety. Here are some tips to keep your wheels in top condition:

• Regular Cleaning: Clean your wheels regularly using mild soap and water to prevent corrosion and maintain their appearance.
• Tire Pressure and Alignment: Check tire pressure frequently and ensure wheels are properly aligned to prevent uneven wear and improve handling.
• Re-torque Lug Nuts: After the first 25 miles of driving, re-torque the lug nuts to ensure they remain secure.

For residents in Memphis, TN, who want to keep their vehicles in optimal condition, our Get your trade value tool can help you assess the value of your current vehicle when considering an upgrade.

By following this comprehensive guide, you can confidently install custom wheels on your vehicle, enhancing both its appearance and performance. Whether you choose to undertake the project yourself or seek professional assistance, ensuring a proper fit and maintaining your wheels will provide long-lasting benefits.

For more information or to explore our offerings, visit Jim Keras Subaru at 2110 Covington Pike, Memphis, TN 38128 or call us at (901) 401-9919.

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