How to Replace Tires On Power Wheels?

Replacing the worn-out tires on your child’s Power Wheels is easier than you might expect. To replace Power Wheels tires, all you need to do is unscrew the retainer caps, remove the old tires, and install the new ones. 

The only tools you’ll need are a flat-face screwdriver, new tires, and a hammer.

Most Power Wheels have plastic tires. While plastic wheels have benefits, many find them troublesome because they

  • have a tendency to slip;
  • get worn out after a few uses;
  • make too much noise; and
  • don’t provide good grip.

Contents

Replace Tires on Power Wheels: Alternatives to Plastic Wheels 

The two most common alternatives to plastic wheels are rubber tires or pneumatic tires. A rubber tire is low maintenance and never goes flat, which is why rubber tires are used as bicycle tires.

Pneumatic tires on the other hand offer better traction and absorb shock better than a rubber tire.

Not all cars will have rubber and pneumatic replacement wheels. Moreover, pneumatic tires will have to be modified to fit the model you have. 

If you’re leaning towards getting them, it’s a good idea to check the modifications you’ll need before purchasing a set.

The process of replacing a Power Wheels tire is the same as changing a flat tire. In this article, we’re going to show you how you can DIY the task without needing a garage, jack, or air chisel gun. 

Let’s dive in.

Tips for Buying Replacement Tires

Before buying new wheels, check the compatibility and specifications of your toy car. Many cars have smaller wheels in front and larger wheels at the back. 

You’ll also want to check that the retainer caps are sold with the tires.

The wrong type of wheel can affect the performance of electric vehicles. It can cause the car to jerk or overheat the battery or motor because it causes unnecessary additional load on the vehicle.

Choosing tires carefully is important. Getting the right tires ensures more traction and proper balance. 

To replace your Power Wheels tires, you’ll also need a hammer and a flat-face screwdriver.

8 Steps for Replacing Power Wheels Tires

Step 1: Prepare Your Work Area

Find even ground where you can work on the tires. Make sure the area is clean with ample space to work. You can use a work table if you prefer.

Step 2: Prepare Your Tools

Gather all the pieces of the new tires, the right tools, and some cloth, and have all the supplies a convenient distance from your Power Wheels.

Step 3: Accessing the Wheels

Give yourself easy access to the tires by either lifting your child’s ride-on car with a mini jerk or turning it upside down. Do this carefully and make sure the vehicle is stable so as not to damage anything.

Step 4: Unscrew the Tires

To unscrew the tires, remove the retainer caps using a flat-face screwdriver.

If there is a plastic cap over the push nuts, look at the owner’s manual. It should give you a rough idea of how to easily remove them.

Depending on the model you have, there are different methods for specific tires to remove the plastic cap that keeps the wheel in place:

  • Push the flat edge of the screwdriver between your hubcap and retainer cap. Lift the retainer cap/push nut off. You can also use a paint can lid remover instead of a screwdriver.
  • If you find a steel ring around the nut, use needle-nose pliers to squeeze the ring as tightly as you can. Remove the pliers and squeeze the ring again at a 90-degree angle from the previous position.

This can be a simple or difficult process depending on the effort needed to lift the retainer caps off. Follow the same steps to remove all of them.

Step 5: Loosen the Nuts

Turn the nuts counterclockwise using the right size wrench to loosen the nuts.

Step 6: Remove the Old Tires

Remove the old wheels you want to replace from the toy car and set them aside. You can also use this opportunity to clean the axles of the toy car with a rag or soap and water.

Step 7: Replace With New Tires

Install the tires and secure them with the new hubcaps and new retainers. Use a hammer to gently push the nuts into place. 

If your new wheels don’t have push nuts, you may have to use a wrench or ratchet to set the components in place. Be sure to put them in the right place, especially if you have different-sized wheels.

Repeat the installation process for each tire. Make sure all the parts are fitted and well secured.

Step 8: Test Drive Your New Tires

Do a test drive to check if the tires fit and work well. If there’s a problem with installation, the tires will wobble or not spin properly. If the tires aren’t spinning, slightly loosen the push nut.

Before test-driving and to prevent accidents, check that everything has been properly secured before letting your child ride the vehicle or allowing him or her to ride at full speed. 

How To Fix Cracked Tires on Power Wheels: A Step-by-Step Guide

What if you have cracked wheels that are still in good condition? Here’s how you can fix them in three easy steps:

Step 1: Gather The Tools You’ll Need

Buy extra-hold glue or a fiberglass kit from a hardware store or online. You’ll also need spray or liquid rubber to seal the plastic wheels.

Step 2: Seal the Cracks

Seal the cracks in the plastic surface of the wheel with glue or fiberglass to prevent the crack from widening.

Step 3: Applying Spray or Liquid Rubber 

The processes for spraying rubber and applying a liquid coat are a little different.

Using a Spray

  • Cover the wheel, rims, axle, and other plastic parts with masking tape so you don’t end up spraying them.
  • Elevate the vehicle as you did before or lay it upside down on an even surface. Alternatively, you can also spray the cracked wheel separately by unscrewing it from the vehicle.
  • Spray the rubber seal onto the exposed parts of the four wheels.
  • Allow it to dry for at least eight hours.

If you want to ensure that the cracks are sealed, you can apply two or three coats of sealant.

Using a Liquid

  • Gather clean brushes to apply the coating. They should be small enough to reach all the areas of the wheel you want to fix and sufficient for applying multiple coatings if you decide to add more.
  • Place the vehicle upside down or take the wheels off and paint them separately.
  • Apply the liquid coat to the part of the wheel that is exposed first. You can also paint the exposed sides of the remaining three tires. Let it dry for eight hours. 
  • Repeat the process for the other sides of the wheels.
  • Once each tire has dried, use a scraping knife to remove excess rubber that may have gotten stuck.

You can also add rubber strips or bands to your Power Wheels. This will give the tire more traction, improve grip, and make riding the car smoother.

FAQs

How Much Time Does It Take To Replace Power Wheels Tires?

Replacing your child’s Power Wheels tires takes around 30 to 60 minutes.

Can I Upgrade the Tires on My Childs’ Power Wheels Car?

Yes, you can upgrade your child’s Power Wheels tires with bigger rubber tires or by attaching strips of rubber from a bicycle tire for better traction.

Where Can I Find Cheap Tires for My Childs’ Power Wheels?

You can find cheaper tire replacements from independent vendors. However, their tires are often of lower quality and have less grip in exchange for the lower price tag.

Buying from a reputable vendor means safer rides and a readily available replacement policy in case of any damage.

You can find quality tires with good traction on the manufacturer’s website or from other sites like Amazon. Just make sure the tire is compatible with your little one’s Power Wheels.

How Do You Make the Power Wheels Tires Last Longer?

You can use a rubber spray to make the plastic tires on your Power Wheels last longer. Rubber coating reduces the wear and tear on plastic tires and can also be reapplied at frequent intervals.

Can You Replace Tires From Different Vehicle Models?

It is nearly impossible to use Power Wheels tires from a different model. This is because the tires are built differently in each Power Wheels model and it makes a huge difference to the driving experience.

Manufacturers of toy cars like Fisher-Price upgrade their tires on each model. It is therefore wise to replace Power Wheels tires with the appropriate ones to ensure your child’s safety isn’t compromised.

Conclusion

Replacing your Power Wheels tires isn’t all that hard. If you follow the steps and advice in this article, it won’t be long before your child will enjoy driving around with new wheels.

Just remember to always buy the specific wheel that fits the Power Wheels model you have. While you’re at it, feel free to upgrade your plastic tires with ones made from rubber. 

By adding traction, your child’s ride will be safer and much easier to control. You’ll rest easy knowing that you’ve done your part in ensuring that his or her toy car is as safe as possible.