Upgrading your wheels is one of the most rewarding mods you can do—it changes the look, feel, and performance of your car. But too often, enthusiasts overlook the critical role of wheel accessories, resulting in issues like vibration, poor fitment, or even damage.
At Torqen, we help our customers get it right the first time. Here are the top 5 mistakes we see during aftermarket wheel installs—and how to avoid them using the correct accessories.
⚠️ 1. Skipping Hub-Centric Rings
The mistake:
Fitting wheels with a larger center bore than the car hub—without using hub-centric rings.
The problem:
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Off-center wheels
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Vibrations above 60 mph
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Excessive wear on suspension components
The fix:
Use Torqen’s precision-machined hub-centric rings, available in polycarbonate or aluminum to match your performance needs.
⚠️ 2. Using the Wrong Lug Nuts
The mistake:
Mixing wheel and lug types—like using ball-seat lugs on conical-seat wheels.
The problem:
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Improper torque
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Damaged wheels
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Risk of the wheel coming loose
The fix:
Choose lug nuts that match:
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Seat type (conical, ball, flat)
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Thread pitch (e.g., M12x1.25 or M14x1.5)
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Wheel type (OEM vs aftermarket)
Torqen offers high-quality lugs from trusted brands like Muteki, Project Kics, and our own line of forged options.
⚠️ 3. Ignoring Spacer Fitment & Stud Length
The mistake:
Adding wheel spacers without checking for proper stud/bolt engagement.
The problem:
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Unsafe thread engagement
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Broken studs or stripped hubs
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Failed inspections
The fix:
Use hub-centric spacers with:
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Correct thickness
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Matching bolt pattern
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Extended studs or bolts when required
Torqen offers complete spacer kits including extended hardware for safety.
⚠️ 4. Overlooking TPMS Compatibility
The mistake:
Buying wheels or valves without considering TPMS requirements.
The problem:
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Dashboard error lights
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Failed MOT or state inspections
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Reduced fuel economy
The fix:
Get Torqen TPMS-compatible valve stems or full TPMS sensor kits—pre-programmed and plug-and-play.
⚠️ 5. Neglecting Torque Specs & Retorquing
The mistake:
Over-tightening lug nuts or forgetting to re-torque after 50–100 miles.
The problem:
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Warped rotors
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Damaged studs
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Wheel detachment risk
The fix:
Always torque to manufacturer spec (e.g., 85–100 lb-ft) using a calibrated torque wrench, and recheck after initial driving.
✅ Conclusion: The Details Make the Difference
Wheel upgrades are about more than looks. The right accessories and install practices ensure that your investment performs safely and lasts long-term. With Torqen’s curated wheel accessory catalog, you’ll never overlook the essentials.
