One of the most typical car modifications is changing the tire and wheel sizes. If you are planning to change your tire size and don’t want to change your 9-inch wheels, you might wonder whether it is okay to have 12.5 tires on 9-wheels.
The answer to this query is yes. 12.5 tire on 9-inch wheel is okay. 9-inch wheels can accommodate up to 13-inch tires. Therefore, your 12.5-inch tire will not be a big deal.
Is it Okay to Change the Tire Size on the Same Rim?
You can change the size of the tire on the same rim. All you need to ensure is that the inner diameter of the tire you want to switch to is similar to your rim diameter. This means that the inner edges of the new tire should be similar to the diameter of your rims. However, the width of your new tires does not have to match that of your rims.
15 Proven Ways of Changing Tires Size on the Same Rim
Step 1: Get New Tire Sizes
The first step should be going to a tire shop and asking for the tire size you want to fit on your rims. Ensure that the size is perfect for your rims by consulting the tire professionals at the tire shop. The tire’s inner edges should be the same size as your rims.
Step 2: Remove the Right Front Wheel of Your Car
To remove the front wheel, follow the following easy steps:
- Park your car on a flat surface and engage the parking brakes
- Place wheel wedges on the rear tires and the tire opposite the one you want to remove.
- Remove the wheel cover of the wheel that you want to remove.
- Using a wrench, loosen the lug nuts.
- Lift the wheel off the ground using a jack.
- Remove the lug nuts from the bolts using a wrench. Ensure that you place the nuts somewhere safe before proceeding with the next steps.
- Carefully take the tire off.
Step 3: Remove the Old Tire
To change your tire size on the same rim, you will need to remove the old tire from the rim. Doing this is easy. Follow the steps below:
- Remove all the air in the old tire
- Remove the valve cap.
- Take off the old tire by first pulling off on one side and then pulling off the other.
Step 4: Clean the Rim
After the old tire is out, you should clean the rim. Avoid using soap and water since they could cause damage to the rim finish. Instead, utilize a piece of cloth to wipe off the dust on the rim.
Step 5: Change the Valve Stem
You will want a new valve stem that corresponds to the size of your new tires to change your tire’s size. You can purchase one at any auto parts store.
Apply a small amount of tire lubricant to the new valve stem before inserting it into the rim’s inner hole, where the tire will eventually cover the valve stem. The valve stem should be pulled outward from the hole using a pair of pliers.
Step 6: Lubricate the Rim and Tire Bead
Tire lubricant is crucial when mounting tires by hand as opposed to when using a machine. Lubricant should be applied to the tire’s inside bead, and the rim’s outside edge.
Step 7: Position the Tire on Top of the Rim
Put some cardboard under the wheel if the surface you’re working on is concrete or blacktop to prevent scratches. Ensure that the surface you are working on is stable, even, and flat. After that, place your new tire on top of the rim.
Step 8: Force the Tire’s Bottom Lip onto the Upper Portion of the Rim
As you climb onto the tire on one side, ask a friend to help you balance. After that, lift your other foot and press down on the opposite side to force the tire’s bottom bead over the rim’s upper lip.
Step 9: Apply More Lubricant
More lubrication should be applied to the rim and tire’s top bead. The real challenge will be getting the top bead to follow suit once the lower one is installed. To simplify things, use more lubricant to press the rubber downward over the metal.
Step 10: Press the Tire’s Upper Lip Against the Rim
A portion of the upper bead of the tire should be angled so that it lies below the rim’s edge. If the tire doesn’t entirely pass the lip on its own, apply pressure to the lower area of the tire.
Step 11: Using a Pry Bar, Pry the Rest of the Tire’s Lip Over the Rim
Rotate around the wheel, prying the tire’s bead over the rim’s upper lip. Even while it will require some effort, it should be finished by the time you complete one full wheel rotation.
Step 12: Inflate the Tire
Use an air compressor to pump air into the tire. As the tire inflates, keep your clothes, fingers, and other objects away from the tire bead.
Step 13: Replace the Wheel with the New Tire on Your Car
Replacing the wheel on your car is easy. Follow the steps below:
- Place the wheel on the lug bolts
- Tighten the lug nuts using your hands
- Lower the jack so that the tire touches the ground
- Tighten the lug nuts using a wrench
- Lower the jack completely so that all the car’s weight is on the wheel
- Remove the jack
Step 14: Try Turning the Tire
After installing a new tire size on your car, you should test if there will be any rubbing. You can do this by turning the tire using your steering. Ensure that you make a full turn. After confirming that there are no issues with your new tire, you can move on to the next step.
Step 15: Repeat Steps 2 to 12 for all the Other Tires
To change the tire sizes on the remaining three tires, repeat steps 2 to 12 above.
Custom Offsets Match Up: 35×12.5 on 18×9 (Video)
What size tire should go on a 9-inch rim?
| Rim width | Minimum tire width | Maximum tire width |
| 8 Inch | 215 mm | 245 mm |
| 8.5 Inch | 225 mm | 255 mm |
| 9 Inch | 235 mm | 265 mm |
| 9.5 Inch | 245 mm | 275 mm |
Frequently Asked Question (FAQ)
What size rim do I need for a 12.5 tire?
You need 8.5 to 11 inch rims for 12.5-inch tires.
How wide is a 12.5 inch tire?
12 and 1/2 inch .
What size tire fits a 9.5 inch rim?
265 to 285 tires for 9.5 inch rims.
Final Take: 12.5 Tire on 9-Inch Wheel
A 12.5 tire on a 9-inch wheel is okay. A 9-inch wheel can accommodate up to 13-inch tires, so you will have no issues trying to fit a 12.5 tire. If you are planning to change your tire sizes on the same rims, the steps discussed above on how to change the tire size on the same rims will be helpful.