Preparing for a wheel installation is almost as important as actually performing one. Taking the time to inspect your tire parts may prevent any unexpected setbacks from occurring during the installation. A good installation, like most DIY projects, starts with an organized, careful approach. To prepare for a wheel installation, follow these steps: 1. Inspect the threads: Make sure that the nuts and studs or bolts and hub threads of the fastening system are not covered with any grease, dirt or grit. You should also verify that the lug nuts do not have any flat spots. If they do, it's time to replace them. Note: Cleanliness is important with threads because it makes for a tighter, more reliable screw closure. 2. Check correct sizing: It is important that the lug nuts are the appropriate size in order to fasten the wheel to the car hub. Note: You can tell if you have the correct lug nut size by how they fit. Proper lug nuts can be finger-installed and are easily threaded into place without a tool. If your lug nuts require extra help, then the diameter or thread pitch may be incorrect, or there may be damage to any one or more of the parts. 3. Verify accurate tire rotation: Some types of tires need to be positioned with the rotation in mind. For example, Directional and Asymmetrical tires need to turn in a specific direction. Prep the tire for install with this in mind. Note: Tires that require special attention to rotation will always come with some type of notification that informs the installer which way the tires should rotate, which is usually indicated on the sidewall. Taking these measures to prepare your wheels for installation, especially if they're alloy, will save you from frustration and the possibility of wasting your time re-installing a faulty job.