tyvan27

Hey. I just bought some new 17" rims with 205/40/17 tires for my 1999 Protege SE. Is there anything that I should be doing to my car before I put them on (ie: alignment)? I have heard in other forums that there is some things you should do before you put them on. Anyone on here with 17's on their Pro....can you give me some advice? Thanks.

Sir Nuke

if all you did was get a new set of wheels/tires....just put them on...

you do NOT need to align your car just because you got new wheels and tires.

FC3s Boy

^^ yup only if you were to lower it or if you hit somehting

tyvan27

Thanks guys. Would you recommend using those locking lugs, or can I just put my stock lugs on the new rims?

Roddimus Prime

I always buy an aftermarket wheel lock set.

tyvan27

For the time being, is it O.K. to use the stock lugs though Roddimus?

Roddimus Prime

as long as they fit, sure. sometime wheel manufacturers require special "slim lugs". My friends new cobra has those and the stock wheel locks and lugs are too thick to fit into the socket opening.

You would be fine just keeping the stock lugs and locks unless you just want something more custom looking.

edit...also be sure to go buy your local autozone or what not and purchase 2 packets of "anti-seize". I can't stress the importance of using anti-seize whenever you pull your wheels off. Just dab a little on the first couple of outter threads on each stud and it will prevent the lugs from getting heat-frozen or welded to the studs.