While many car enthusiasts change their oil, brakes, or wheels, many never consider mounting tires on rims by themselves. While professional equipment helps mount new tires, it is also perfectly doable in a home setting with a few common tools. That’s also true if you’re a die-hard weekend racer and must install the best traction possible with drag slicks.
If this interests you, and you have asked yourself how to put a tire on a rim, read along and learn all you need to know about this topic. We will delve into valuable tips and the tools required but also give you a step-by-step guide so that you know the broad strokes of how to put a drag tire on.
What Are Drag Racing Slicks?
Drag racing slicks are specialized tires designed for optimal traction and performance in drag racing applications. Unlike traditional road tires, drag slicks are devoid of any tread pattern, featuring a smooth and flat surface that maximizes contact with the racing surface. This design eliminates any unnecessary friction that tread patterns may cause, allowing the tire to generate maximum grip and traction during acceleration. Drag slicks are typically made of a soft compound rubber to enhance their ability to grip the racing surface, enabling drag racers to launch their vehicles with maximum efficiency and speed off the line. The sidewalls of drag slicks are also constructed to be stiff, reducing tire deformation and providing stability during high-speed runs. Overall, drag racing slicks play a crucial role in helping drag racers achieve blistering acceleration times and record-breaking speeds on the quarter-mile strip.
Tools and Parts You Will Need For the Job
There are not that many tools needed for this type of job. Of course, if applicable, you’ll need the tires and suitable rims and inner tubes. Second, you should have tire irons or spoons on hand, as you’ll need them for prying the tire over the rim. To help you with that, you should also get a tire mounting lubricant or soap water. Lastly, you’ll also need an air compressor to inflate the tires.
Things to Know Before You Start
One of the most important things to remember is that you shouldn’t rush the process. Mounting tires is quite simple but still requires precision and care. Otherwise, you risk damaging your brand-new and expensive drag-slick tires, wheels, and equipment.
As with most DIY jobs, getting all the tools ready before starting is also helpful. We won’t lie; mounting the tires on the rims can get frustrating when you attempt it for the first time, and the rubber keeps slipping off the rim, or your irons won’t stay in place. If you get frustrated like this and at the same time can’t find the tool you need, you’ll be causing yourself unnecessary stress. Stick with it, and you’ll get ‘er done.
Step By Step Guide To Mounting New Drag Tire Slicks
It’s good to know that using the correct procedure on how to mount drag slicks will result in trouble-free issues along with an easier process.
Check that you have the proper tires and wheels
As they say, measure twice and cut once. You must select the right tires for drag racing. You should check that you have the correct tire size and a suitable speed and weight index. The same applies to the rims. Ensure they are designed for racing and can take the stress, load, and harsh impacts common during drag races. For this reason, inspect the rims for cracks and any other damage that could compromise their structural rigidity. While at it, clean the rims.
Install the inner tube (if applicable)
If you are mounting tubed drag tires, make sure that you follow the manufacturer’s guidelines and install the inner tubes if they’re required. Not doing so can create multiple issues, from bad tire balance to improper seal between the tire and the rim.
The next thing to do is to put the inner tube over the wheel, align the stem location with the hole in the wheel, and put a lock ring on the stem to secure it in place firmly. Be careful not to install the tube upside down, which would mean the stem would be in the wrong spot, causing lumps across the tire. The offset of the inner tube needs to match that of the wheel.
Lubricate the tires
So that mounting the tires is easier, you should lubricate the bead on drag tire slicks. Besides this benefit, lubrication also helps prevent damage to the wheels. Although tire shops will use specialized lubricants (such as Tip Top Paste or Magnum Super Lube), you can find your way around without them. In your home garage setting, soapy water will work just as well. Just ensure you don‘t apply excessive amounts of lubricant or soap water; apply it only to the bead, if possible. Lubrication of the outer side of the rim is not needed.
Mount the tire on the rim and inflate it
Work the tire onto the rim, ensuring it’s positioned with the outer sidewall pointed out – the side with the valve stem. The inner bead is simple to get on by wiggling and twisting, then tucking the tube into the tire. When mounting drag slicks, use your tire irons or spoons, prying the outer sidewall over the rim lip. Keep one iron in place while you use the other, alternating until you’ve managed to get the whole bead over the lip. Double-check that the tube is safely tucked into the tire so it won’t get pinched during inflation.
Secure the top bead down to the wheel, air it up to around 20 PSI, the recommended pressure when mounting drag slicks, and create a secure seal between the rim and the tire. After that, you can bring the pressure down to your desired racing pressure.
Get the new set of drag racing wheels balanced
To get the most out of your new drag racing slicks, take the tires to a specialty shop and get them balanced. Unfortunately, this is not something that you can do without the proper equipment. After this step, you should be ready for the next race weekend.
If you were wondering how to mount drag slicks, we’re sure you’ve found all you needed. Should you decide to try this on your own or are simply looking for a new set of drag racing tires and wheels for your vehicle, head to JEGS, where you can find a wide variety of such parts for fair prices. Besides this, JEGS also offers performance parts for your drivetrain, suspension, and more, so you’re guaranteed to find all the parts you need there.
