Ever needed to know how to mount a tire but had no idea where to start? Looking to learn this handyman trick so that you can mount your tires confidently? No worries!
We’ve laid out a step-by-step guide to help provide you with the information you’ll need to properly mount your tires.
It’s vital that you take care of your tires and change them out when needed, but you especially want to have this skill if you’re ever in an emergency or can’t get to a mechanic.
Perhaps you’re wondering if you have the ability to change a tire. What tools are required? How long will the process take?
We’ve got it all here:
Though at first you need to remove the tires, consider checking our guides: How To Dismount A Tire or How To Take Tire Off A Rim.
Mounting Tires Yourself
Mounting tires by yourself is one way to save money on your vehicle’s expenses. Routine mechanic visits can get pricey, but if you learn to change your own tires, this is a smart way to cut back on maintenance costs.
Mounting your own tires also helps you keep an eye out for any necessary vehicle maintenance that might need to be done, and you can at least be more familiar with your tires and any professional attention they might need.
If you’re nervous that you don’t have all the tools you’ll need, here is a list of the tools you’ll need to have on hand:
- Air compressor
- Pliers
- Screwdriver
- Lubricant
- Pry bar
Once you have these tools, follow these steps to mount and change your tires successfully:
1. Make Sure the Tire and the Rim Size are the Same
Both the rims and tires vary in size. Be sure that your tires and rims match in size by checking the labels on each one.
This is important because if you try to fit a 14-inch tire into a 15-inch rim, you’ll find that they won’t work together. If you have a 15-inch rim, you must have a 15-inch tire as well.
2. Lubricate the Valve Stem and the Tire
Lubricate the valve stem with your tire lubricant. Pull the valve stem through the hole with your pliers.
Then, lubricate the tire as well as the rim. This will ensure that your tire slides into place easily, and the lubricant will help erase any built-up grease or rust. Begin by either rubbing or spraying the outside of the rim as well as the bead of your tire.
3. Lay the Wheel on the Ground or a Flat Surface
As long as the ground isn’t too rough, lay the wheel down flat, but if there’s a chance it could get scratched, lay down a towel first.
Place the tire on the wheel. Be sure that the lip of the rim connects to the bottom bead of your tire. To help connect the wheel’s top lip to the bottom of your tire, step on the tire and apply pressure on both sides until the wheel inserts correctly. This process might take a few tries and might require some force to get it to set properly.
4. Use Your Pry Bar or Screwdriver to Finish the Process
You might need the help of a pry bar or a screwdriver to help work the tire into place. Pry the tire’s bead on the rim’s upper lip and apply more pressure. This will take some patience, and you’ll have to work just a few inches at a time.
You want to have the wheel’s lips covered with the tire’s beads. When this is done, you’ll be able to inflate your tire.
5. Inflate the Tire
Use an air compressor to inflate your tire. Be sure not to over inflate or underinflate your tires as this can be a safety hazard. If you’re unsure of what your tire pressure requirement is, refer either to your mechanic or your vehicle’s manual to know the suggested amount. Keep in mind that the size of your tires will also have an effect on how much air should be used.
Don’t be alarmed if you hear popping noises when you begin inflating. Make sure that both sides of the tire sit on the rim correctly before you inflate it all the way. Use a pressure gauge to keep track of how much air is going inside.
Conclusion
Mounting your own tires is a great skill to have and can help save you money when it comes to routine tire check-ups. This process will take practice and often requires someone who is more experienced with mechanics to be able to properly change and mount tires. However, with the right tools and preparation, anyone can mount tires successfully.
We hope that this guide helps you become more confident in knowing how to mount a tire!
Did you find our guide helpful? Then consider looking through the others:
How To Put A Tire On The Rim
How To Use Tire Machine
How To Mount ATV Tires
How To Stretch A Tire
How To Take A Tire Off A Rim Without A Machine
How Much Does It Cost To Get Tires Mounted