How to Mount & Balance Tires

Properly mounting and balancing your tires is crucial for safety, performance, and long-term wear. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get it right—whether you’re tackling it in your garage or working with a professional installer.

What You’ll Need

• New tires (matched to your wheels and truck specs)
• Wheel and tire mounting machine (or access to a tire shop)
• Tire balancing machine (or access to a tire shop)
• Valve stems, TPMS sensors (if needed)
• Torque wrench
• Jack and jack stands
• Work gloves and safety glasses

Step-by-Step Process

1. Remove Old Tires (if applicable): Use a tire machine to safely remove old tires from the wheels. Inspect wheels for any damage.
2. Install Valve Stems & TPMS: Replace valve stems and install or transfer TPMS sensors if required.
3. Mount New Tires: Lubricate the tire bead and wheel edge. Use a tire machine to mount the new tire, ensuring correct orientation (directional/sidewall markings).
4. Inflate & Seat Beads: Inflate the tire to seat the beads securely on the wheel.
5. Balance the Tire: Use a dynamic balancing machine to add wheel weights as needed for smooth, vibration-free driving.
6. Install on Truck: Mount the wheel/tire assembly on the truck, hand-tighten lugs, lower the truck, then torque lugs to spec in a star pattern.
7. Recheck After Driving: Check lug nut torque after 25–50 miles.

Quick Tips

• Always match tire size and load rating to your truck’s specs and wheel size.
• If you don’t have access to a mounting/balancing machine, visit a reputable tire shop.
• Never skip balancing—unbalanced tires cause vibration and premature wear.
• Dispose of old tires responsibly.

Need More Help?

Have questions or need a shop recommendation? Email us at contact@customizeyourtrucks.com and we’ll help you out!