【Automotive Knowledge Base】What should you pay attention to when changing the tire ring? The car repair master will teach you

Replacing a car's tyres (rims) is a common modification or repair project, but many details need to be paid attention to during the replacement process to ensure safety, performance and legality.

1. Is the tie bell of the right size?

   • When replacing a tie bell, you must select a size that matches or is compatible with the original manufacturer's recommended specifications, including diameter, width, and offset.
   • A tire that is too large or too small may affect the vehicle's handling, comfort and fuel consumption, and may cause the tire to interfere with internal body components (such as the suspension system and brake calipers).

2. PCD and center hole matching

   • The PCD (Pitch Circle Diameter) must be consistent with the vehicle's screw hole spacing, otherwise the tie bell cannot be installed correctly.
   • The center hole diameter also needs to match to ensure that the tie ring can be tightly fixed on the axle. If the center hole is too large, a hub ring needs to be installed to fill the gap.

3. Offset selection

   • Offset refers to the distance between the rim mounting surface and the center line. An incorrect offset will change the position of the wheel and affect the vehicle's handling and stability.
   • Too much or too little offset may cause the tire to protrude from the vehicle body, affecting appearance and legal compliance, or even interfering with the suspension system or body.

4. Suitable tire specifications

   • After replacing the tyres, you must ensure that the selected tires match the new tyres and meet the total wheel diameter recommended by the manufacturer.
   • If the tire specifications differ greatly from the factory recommendations, it may affect the accuracy of the speedometer and the vehicle's driving performance.

5. Material and quality

   • Common tie bell materials on the market are aluminum alloy and steel. Aluminum alloy tie bells are lighter and have more diverse appearances, but you need to pay attention to whether they are strong enough.
   • Choose certified brands and products, and avoid using inferior or counterfeit products, because the safety of the tie bell directly affects driving safety.

6. Brake system compatibility

   • When changing the tires, you need to confirm whether it is compatible with the size of the brake caliper, especially when it comes to high-performance vehicles or when modifying a large-size brake system.
   • If there is not enough space inside the tie bell, you may need to choose a special tie bell or use a spacer.

7. Choice of fitting screws or nuts

   • Different ties may use screws or nuts of different specifications. Make sure their length, taper and thread size match the tie and vehicle.
   • During installation, tighten the screws correctly and use a torque wrench to secure them according to the torque value recommended in the vehicle manual to avoid over-tightening or over-loosening.

8. Impact on vehicle handling

   • Replacing the tyres may change the handling of the vehicle. For example, wider tyres will increase grip but may reduce fuel efficiency and comfort.
   • Excessive tire weight will increase the burden on the suspension system, affect driving stability, and even accelerate the wear of the suspension and axles.

9. Legal and Compliance

   • Hong Kong road laws have strict regulations on vehicle modifications. For example, hoods and tires must not extend beyond the vehicle body. Otherwise, it may violate the law and result in failure of vehicle inspection.
   • After replacing the horn, it is recommended to have the vehicle inspected or report to the Transport Department to ensure that the vehicle complies with regulations.

10. Wheel alignment and balancing

• After replacing the tires, a wheel balance test is required to avoid vibration when the vehicle is driving at high speed due to uneven weight distribution of the tires.
• If the size of the tire horn changes, the four-wheel alignment should be re-performed to ensure the straightness and stability of the vehicle's driving.

11. Safety inspection for long-term use

• Check the tyres regularly for damage, cracks or rust, especially if the vehicle is frequently driven on rough roads or under heavy loads.
• Make sure the screws are always properly tightened to avoid loosening due to long-term use.

12. Balance between appearance and practicality

• When changing tires, many car owners will consider the appearance factor, but they cannot only pursue beauty and ignore practicality and safety.
• Only by choosing a tire horn that matches the style of the car body and does not affect the performance can you achieve a combination of beauty and practicality.

In summary, replacing a tie horn is a highly technical operation that requires consideration of both vehicle performance and safety and legal requirements. The vehicle mechanic recommends that car owners should prioritize safety and practicality when choosing a tie horn, and seek the assistance of professionals to complete the installation.