Virtual garage games Car Mechanic Simulator 2018 meets newcomers not only with the fascinating process of restoring rarities, but also with fairly strict rules of physics and mechanics. One of the first obstacles a novice mechanic faces is a seemingly simple task: changing tires or installing a new wheel on a rim. Unlike the real world, where you can rely on muscle memory, this requires a clear understanding of the interface logic and sequence of actions.
The process of installing a wheel in the simulator is completely different from simply changing the texture, as the system checks the compatibility of parts and the correct use of tools. If you simply try to drag a new tire from your inventory onto the hub, the game may not respond or throw a compatibility error. The key point is the preliminary preparation of the seat and the use of the correct set of tools for dismantling old components.
In this guide, we will go through in detail each stage of working with the wheel arch, from removing the old disc to the final tightening of the bolts. You'll learn how to avoid common mistakes associated with rusty parts and understand why balancing is important even in the virtual world. Car Mechanic Simulator 2018 requires careful attention, and knowing these nuances will save you many game hours.
Preparation of the workplace and selection of tools
Before proceeding with the actual installation of the new wheel, you need to make sure that the car is correctly installed on the lift. Working on the ground is not possible for most suspension and wheel operations, as access to the underside of the vehicle is required and the axle can be freely rotated. Raise your car to a comfortable height using the lift control panel, usually located on a garage wall or lift column.
To work, you will need a basic set of tools, which are included in the starter kit, but for advanced operations you may need specialized devices. The main tool for removing and installing wheels is Impact wrench (Impact Wrench). Without it, it will be almost impossible to unscrew the bolts, especially if they are stuck or rusted. Also in some cases, especially when working with the brake system, before removing the wheel, it may be necessary Socket wrench for more delicate work.
⚠️ Attention: Never attempt to remove a wheel while the brake caliper is still secured in place. In-game, the physics model will not allow you to install the disc inside the caliper, and you may damage the virtual instrument or get stuck in an error loop.
It is important to check the condition of the wheel itself in your inventory. If you bought a new part, it will be in 100% condition. However, if you are using used parts from scrap boxes, pay attention to the wear rate. Installing a wheel with less than 50% wear may negatively impact the customer's final order score or the car's performance on the track.
Always check the diameter and mounting type of the disc before purchasing. Wheels from one vehicle may not fit another due to differences in bolt count or offset.
Removing the old wheel and preparing the hub
The first step in the replacement process is to remove the old wheel. Go to the car and select the tool Impact wrench from the bottom toolbar. Hover your cursor over the bolts holding the wheel to the hub. Depending on the car model, there may be four, five or even more bolts. The game will highlight the bolts in green if you have selected the correct tool.
After removing all the bolts, the wheel may still be held in place due to corrosion or simply a tight fit. In this case, you must use the "Remove" function (usually an action button appears or you need to pull the part towards you if you are using VR mode or the corresponding control setting). If the wheel is rusty, which often happens with barn cars, pre-treat the joints with a spray WD-40 or an analogue available in the tools menu.
- 🔧 Select the impact wrench and wait for the bolts to light up.
- 🔩 Unscrew all the mounting bolts one by one.
- 🛞 Remove the wheel from the hub by pulling it to the side.
- 🧹 Clean the hub from dirt if it interferes with the installation of a new part.
After removing the wheel, pay attention to the condition of the brake disc and caliper. Often, replacing a wheel is accompanied by replacing the brake pads or the disc itself. If you plan to keep your old brakes, make sure they are not badly worn. A visual inspection through an empty wheel arch is the best way to assess the scope of work.
☑️ Preparing to install the wheel
The process of installing a new wheel on a rim
B Car Mechanic Simulator 2018 There is an important nuance: often we change not just the wheel assembly, but a separate tire on a rim or a separate rubber tire on a metal rim. If you bought a new tire, you need to “put it on” the existing rim. To do this, select a tire in the parts menu and drag it onto a disk that is in your inventory or is already installed on the car (if the design allows it).
However, when it comes to installing a finished wheel (rim + tire) on a car, the process looks different. Take the assembled wheel from inventory. Approach the vehicle's hub. The game will automatically prompt you to install the part if it is compatible. You will see the outline of the wheel superimposed on the installation location. Press the action button to secure the wheel to the bolts.
At this stage it is important to correctly align the holes in the disc with the hub bolts. In the game this happens automatically if positioned correctly, but if you are using mods or are in a difficult camera angle it can become difficult. Make sure that the wheel is seated tightly, without any gaps between the disc and the brake caliper.
| Part type | Installation tool | Difficulty | Lead time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wheel assembly | Impact wrench | Low | 10-15 sec |
| Tire on rim | Tire machine | Average | 30-40 sec |
| Brake disc | Socket wrench | High | 1-2 min |
| Caliper | Set of keys | High | 2-3 min |
What to do if the wheel does not fit into place?
If the game prevents you from installing the wheel, check to see if other parts are in the way. Often the problem is an old brake caliper that needs to be removed, or the wrong type of disc (for example, a disc with 4 bolts instead of 5).
Tightening the bolts and final fixation
After the wheel is put on the hub, it must be secured. You can’t just leave it hanging on the bolts - the game won’t accept the work, and when you try to remove the car from the lift, the wheel will fall off. Take it again Impact wrench. Apply the tool to each bolt. You will hear the characteristic sound of pneumatics operating, and the bolts will be tightened until they stop.
It is important to tighten the bolts evenly. Although the simulator does not have strict cross-tightening mechanics like in real life, the visual effect and sound will only be played after all attachment points have been processed. Make sure that the part status indicator (green bar) is completely filled.
If you are working on an expensive order or preparing a car for track testing, it is recommended to use a torque wrench (if such functionality is available through mods or in certain difficulty modes) to avoid stripping the threads. In standard mode CMS 2018 The impact wrench has overtightening protection, but visual accuracy is important for immersion.
⚠️ Attention: Do not forget to check the tightness of the bolts after the first “drive” or test run. In some game scenarios, a poorly spun wheel can cause parts to be lost while moving.
Correctly tightening the bolts is the last and most important step. Without it, the wheel is considered not installed, and the game will not allow you to complete the order.
Wheel balancing: is it necessary in the game?
Many players wonder: is it necessary to balance the wheels in Car Mechanic Simulator 2018? In the base version of the game, the balancing mechanic is implemented in a simplified manner compared to reality, but it exists as a separate mini-game or an automatic process when used Wheel balancing machine.
If you install a new tire on an old rim, the balance may be affected. To carry out the procedure, remove the wheel from the car and install it on a wheel balancing machine, which can be purchased at a hardware store. Run the machine and it will show if you need to add trucks. In the game, this often affects the final Quality Score.
- ⚖️ Remove the wheel from the car.
- 🖥️ Install the wheel on the balancing machine.
- 🔨 Add weights to the indicated places if the machine shows an imbalance.
- ✅ Return the balanced wheel to the car.
Ignoring balancing can result in the customer being unhappy with the vibration of the steering wheel, even if all other parts are new. This is especially true for orders of the “Restoration” or “Luxury” level, where the quality requirements are maximum.
Frequent errors and troubleshooting
Even experienced mechanics sometimes encounter problems when installing wheels. One of the most common mistakes is trying to install a wheel of the wrong diameter. For example, the R15 disc will not physically fit into place if the R18 should be there, since it will not surround the brake caliper. The game usually does not allow you to perform this action, but visually there may be confusion in the inventory.
Another problem is the “sticking” of parts. Sometimes the wheel is removed, the bolts are unscrewed, but the game thinks the part is still there. In this case, switching the camera view or leaving the car area and returning back helps. Also check if you forgot to remove any part of the brake system that is blocking installation.
If you use mods, make sure they are compatible with the version of the game. A mod conflict can lead to the disappearance of attachment points or the inability to pick up the tool. In such cases, it is recommended to check the integrity of the game files through Steam.
Why doesn't the game let me put a wheel on my car?
Most likely, you are trying to install a part that is not compatible with this car model. Check the number of bolts (PCD), wheel diameter and offset. Also make sure that the brake caliper is removed or retracted if the design requires it.
Is it possible to put winter tires on summer wheels?
In the game, it is important to match the diameter of the rim and the tire size. If the sizes match (for example, R16 for both), then the game will allow the replacement. The actual seasonal factor in the base game does not affect physics, but is important for completing orders.
How to remove a rusty wheel if it doesn't spin?
Use rust spray (WD-40) before unscrewing. If this doesn't help, try using a more powerful impact wrench or heat (if available in your version or through mods), although in CMS 2018 it's usually enough to just apply the spray and wait a couple of seconds.
Do I need to change the bolts every time I change a wheel?
In the simulator, bolts are considered consumable only in the hardest difficulty modes. Old bolts can usually be reused unless their condition is marked as "Broken" or "Critical". However, for an ideal rating it is better to use new ones.
When finishing work, always do a final check. Spin the wheel by hand - it should rotate freely without touching the caliper or suspension elements. If everything is in order, you can remove the car from the lift and submit your order. Remember that accuracy in detail distinguishes a professional virtual mechanic from an amateur.