Installation and Product FAQs

What is the difference between Short Term decals and Permanent Rubber kits?

The Permanent Rubber letter kits are designed for long term installation and durability.  These kits are installed using our special adhesive and are designed to last the lifetime of the tire!  These are the most popular kits!

The Short Term (temporary) decals are quick and easy to apply and can be removed easily even after a few hundred miles of driving.  These are temporary decals that are great for dual purpose vehicles where you want a unique look for car shows, photo shoots, or races and then discarded to return the tires back to their original look.

How many decals should I order?

Each tire letter kit is sold in quantities of 4 or 8 decals. For example, a MICHELIN kit of '4' will contain one 'MICHELIN' decal per tire. If you order '8', the kit will contain two 'MICHELIN' decals per tire to be placed on top and bottom of the sidewall. All kits are custom made and have about a 3-5 business day processing time before it can be shipped.

How do I enter an order correctly?
  • Letter Height: Please use the Decal Height Calculator on the Product page for guidance.  Also, see FAQ question below for additional detail.
  • Character Limit: There is a 12 character limit for each phrase or decal. If your phrase exceeds 12 characters please contact us for pricing.
  • Text/Letters: It is important that you enter the letters as UPPER and/or lower case as you require.
  • Font: Please review the font example images before making a selection
  • Notes: Enter details such as two colors, special letter spacing, logos
  • There are no returns, refunds, or exchanges for ordering errors.
I'm not sure what size letter height to order, how do I determine the right letter height for my tire kit?

One of the biggest risks of damage to your Custom Tire Letters is ordering a height too large for the tire sidewall surface.  Our Decal Height Calculator should be used as a guideline for proper letter height.  However, there are manufacturing differences between tire brands and you are responsible for measuring your tire sidewall before ordering a BOLD size kit to ensure that there is sufficient sidewall space.

1. Measure the available sidewall space from above the bead line to below the tread shoulder; NOT the entire surface from wheel lip to the tread!

2. It is your responsibility to determine and order the correct size. Refunds or exchanges will not be given for incorrect ordered size.

3. When in doubt email us and attach a photo of your side wall with a ruler or measuring tape. 

Can you match the factory lettering of my tires?

Yes! We offer a letter matching service. You will need to trace your sidewall letters using 8.5" x 11" tracing paper or lightweight copy paper and a pencil. Make a digital copy of your tracing by using a document scanner being sure NOT to resize, or rescale it. Email your tracing to info@customtireletters.com.

Can Custom Tire Letters produce white wall or redline kits?

White wall kits, dash line kits, flares and other tire accents are available in any color combination and are not limited to 'white'. These kits will add more weight to the tire which may require rebalancing the wheels.

Can you make custom logos or designs for my tire letter kit?

Yes, there are no design limitations with Custom Tire Letters!  Lettering kits, Billboard style, white walls, custom logos, hashtags or social media handles can be made. To submit your design, please email it to info@customtireletters.com.

Can you make a letter kit in a custom color?

Yes! We offer a custom color service for an additional fee. Email for pricing before ordering to info@customtireletters.com.

I don't see my tire brand in your shop, how can I order?

If you do not see your brand in the product list, you can order it as the Create Your Own product! Be sure to request any special fonts by selecting "Font Not Available" and entering your font name in the Order Notes section.

How long will it take to make my custom tire letters?

Each kit is made per order to ensure that you receive the best quality.  Order design and manufacturing takes 4-5 business days and then is shipped out.

Are Custom Tire Letters applied as individual letters or as decal kit?

The rubber letters in our kit are affixed to a curved template transfer film for quick and easy application.  This eliminates the risk of crooked letters! Beware of others selling ONLY individual 'cookie-cutter' letters that will take hours to apply and cause incorrect spacing and orientation.

APPLICATION

How do I prepare my tires for application?

Clean, clean, clean your tire sidewalls! Both new and used tires have oil and dirt contaminants. First, use a scrubber with a wash made of a Dawn dish soap and water mix. Then, use a 'Green' type of cleaner and scrub the sidewalls again. Lastly, use a rag dampened with Acetone and rub the area clean until no dirt shows on the rag. Rinse the tire and wheel after each cleaning step.

My Permanent Raised Rubber Tire Letter Kit included a glue bottle that is not full, is this enough glue for my order?

The specialty adhesive should be used moderately so as to avoid 'oozing' after applying to the sidewall.  The glue bottle is intentionally not filled completely and is more than enough for installation.  Should you need more glue due to an application error or damage from driving, you can purchase on our Products page. This is not standard super glue and cannot not be substituted!

I'm having trouble getting the letter kit to stick, what's going on?

The most common issue is lack of tire prep!  You may think the tire is clean but oil and dirt are difficult to remove. New and used tires have to be thoroughly cleaned per the installation instructions.  Proper cleaning will ensure a successful bond.

Customers with raised lettering or 'ribs' on the tires also may face challenges. These areas require using a credit card or similar object to apply pressure in areas that are too narrow for your finger pressure.  Without a contact surface, the decal cannot bond!

If you still face challenges with application, contact info@customtireletters.com for additional instructions.

Do I need to sand the tire sidewall prior to application?

Our product will adhere regardless of the sidewall surface including over raised, embossed and ribbed variations.  The Short Term Tire Lettering Kit will conform completely with the sidewall surface and the Permanent Raised Rubber Kit will overlay the surface. They key to installation is proper preparation as stated in the installation instructions.

CARE, REMOVAL & REPLACEMENT

Does the wheel need to be balanced after installing a tire letter kit?

The Short Term decal kit adds essentially no weight and is flush with the tire sidewall surface.  Our Raised Rubber Letter kits are only 0.5mm thick and also will result in a negligible weight addition. If you order a flare or whitewall Permanent Raised Rubber Letter kit you may need to consider balancing the wheels again since this adds more weight. In most cases balancing is not needed.

How do I clean my lettering kit?

The Permanent Raised Rubber Letter kits are designed to be cleaned after discoloring from rain, tire shine, snow, dirt, etc.  The Tire Letter cleaner is best, but you can also use a mild cleaner such as car wash. For white letters only, a standard whitewall cleaning agent, dirt and oil remover, or acetone / rubbing alcohol may be used.

The Short Term product is designed for temporary use and should be cleaned using car wash soap. If extra cleaning is required, a light wiping with a rag dampened with acetone can be performed once before discoloration occurs. 

Do Custom Tire Letters come off in a car wash or by power washing?

Short Term and Permanent Raised Rubber Letter kits both withstand a hand washing and power washing! Conveyor belt type of automatic car washing is NOT recommended.  The key to longevity is proper preparation of the tire sidewall during the installation process.

I damaged a letter from rubbing against a curb, can you replace this?

Accidents happen, so we offer free tire letter replacement for missing letters (3 letters max). You will only need to cover the cost of shipping.  Glue is an additional cost and can be purchased from our Products page.

SHIPPING 

What shipping options are available?

We offer standard and expedited shipping options.  Not all shipping options come with tracking or delivery guarantee and in the event of loss Custom Tire Letters cannot replace at no charge.

Does Custom Tire Letters ship internationally?

Yes! Please contact us for shipping prices before ordering. Any shortage of shipping payment may be due via an invoice.

GENERAL

Terms and Conditions

By purchasing or using our products, you agree to these terms and conditions.  

We reserve the right, in our sole discretion and without notice, to make changes or modifications to these Terms and Conditions at any time and for any reason. 

All kits are custom made and have about a 3-5 business day processing time before it can be shipped.  Processing and delivery time and is not guaranteed and delays may occur.

We reserve the right, in our sole discretion and without notice, to make changes or modifications to our products, pricing, availability, at any time and for any reason.

No refunds or credits will be issued for ordering errors including but not limited to size, color, text, product, installation, shipping address, or shipment type. For all orders, only a store credit will be issued when there is a manufacturing defect. Claims for defective product must be submitted with photographs of the product depicting the defect or returned to Custom Tire Letters. Custom Tire Letters reserves the right to refuse a claim.  Buyer is responsible for all shipping costs. Policy is in effect 30 days from purchase date.

Buyer is responsible for receiving the order shipment.

Seller is not responsible for anything related to the installation of the tire letters, including the installer, tires, tire letters, adhesive, and the cost of these activities. This also includes the removal of any tire letters and adhesive. In addition, the life of the product is not guaranteed.

How do I get sponsored?

We offer limited sponsorships in the form of a Brand Advocate Program. To apply, shoot us an email at info@customtireletters.com and request a sponsorship application.

How do I become an official Installer?

Custom Tire Letters is looking for professionals in the automotive business to provide installation services. To learn how you can become an installer and be promoted on our website, please email your Contact Info, Business Name and Business Address to info@customtireletters.com or by submitting your info on our Contact Us page.

Can you handle bulk orders?

Yes, we can produce any quantity you need! Please contact us to discuss your design and pricing goals.

Where are Custom Tire Letters made?

Manufacturing is performed in California by Tire Stickers

What is Proposition 65 Warning?
Proposition 65 requires businesses to provide warnings to Californians about significant exposures to chemicals that cause cancer, birth defects or other
reproductive harm.  These chemicals can be in the products that Californians purchase, in their homes or workplaces, or that are released into the environment. By requiring that this information be provided, Proposition 65 enables Californians to make informed decisions about their exposures to these chemicals. Some of our products or products used for cleaning or installation may or may not contain chemicals found on the Proposition 65 list.  Please visit  https://www.p65warnings.ca.gov/