How Long Does It Take To Change A Tire? The Right Way
Are you tired of spending hours waiting for a tire change at the garage, or are you scared of getting stranded on the roadside with a flat tire? Wouldn’t it be amazing if you could stop relying on someone else and level up your swapping game with my insider tips and tricks and even be prepared for unseen situations
How long does it take to change a tire? It can take anywhere between a few minutes to an hour. It depends on the vehicle type, tools available, and accessibility to the wheel studs.
I have compiled all the queries that a driver has related to changing tires in this article. Read more to know about the best practices and understand your vehicle better.
How Long Does It Take To Change Tires By Yourself?
On an average, it takes an individual around 30 minutes to arrange the tools and complete the task. If you have the right tools in hand, it should take up to 15 minutes with the correct method and techniques.
The time taken also highly depends on the tools that are being used. If the lug wrench or other tools differ in the size of the wheel, then it can consume more time than usual to replace the tires.
Having the right set of tools with the proper size is essential as it can escalate the process and make it a lot more quicker.
The time taken to change tires mainly depends on these factors
Required Tools To Make The Process Quicker
With the right set of tools in hand, changing tires can become safer, quicker, easier, and much more efficient. I have listed down below the most handy products that have helped me over the years.
Image
Product Name
Specification
URL
Jack
- Effortless operation
- Rapid elevation
- Compact design
Emergency parking reflective triangle
- Prevents accidents
- Increases Awareness
Screw Driver
- Fits most tires
- Resistant to wear
Spare Tire
- Prevents repairs
- Reduces expenses
- Simple storage
Lug Wrench
- Simplifies Process
- Saves Times Consume Less Energy
Gloves
- Shields from harm
- Resists sharp objects
Tire Pressure Gauge
- Precise readings
- Reduces blowouts
Step By Step On How To Change A Tire By Yourself
Time needed: 15 minutes
Here is the easiest step by step process that will help you change the tires quickly and safely –
- Park On A Fat Surface And Apply The Handbrake
The vehicle should be parked on a flat surface to avoid it from rolling down while you work on it. Always park in a safe spot where there is no traffic to ensure utmost safety. Also, make sure to apply the handbrake of your vehicle immediately to secure it in one place.
- Placing The Wedges
Fix the tire wedges under the tires you will not be working on. It will firmly hold the vehicle. They should be strong enough and appropriate in size to keep the vehicle stable.
- Removing The Hub Cap
Use a flathead screwdriver to remove the hubcap by inserting it in the notch or slot of the hubcap. Gently pull it without adding extra effort, as it can damage the cap or wheel if the flat head slips onto the side.
- Lifting The Vehicle
Although placing the jack varies from one vehicle to another, the general thumb of rule is to place it on the flat and sturdy surface of the vehicle’s frame, keeping in mind that it should be near the tire that must be replaced.
- Loosen The Lug Nuts
The lug wrench should be placed on the lug nuts and turned counterclockwise with added force through the foot to break the resistance of the lug nut.
- Remove The Tire
Now, take out the tire from the wheel studs. Put it on the ground and separate the wheel’s metallic rim away from the tire’s rubber portion.
- Mount And Tighten The Tire
Properly align the tire onto the wheel studs and tighten the lug nuts until they are snug. Now use the lug wrench and tighten the lugs in a star pattern per the recommended torque specification.
- Removing the Jack, Wedges And Fixing The Hubcap
Lower the vehicle to the ground level and pull out the jack and wedges from underneath. Place it back carefully in the vehicle as you might need it in the future.
- Check The PSI
This is the most essential step after putting on the new tire. Use a measuring device to check the air pressure inside the newly installed tire and inflate it as per the recommended PSI to ensure a safe and comfortable ride.
Tips To Lessen Your Tire Changing Time
Keep your tire changing kit organized and easily accessible. Use the heel of your foot to loosen the lug nuts, as the heels allow you to exert more force with less effort. Work swiftly but safely.
Moreover, It might take longer when you change tires roadside as compared to when changing tires at home due to unfavorable and unpredictable circumstances such as weather conditions or limited space on the freeways. Investing in better equipment can cut down the tire changing time drastically.
How Long Does It take For A Tire Professional to Change A Flat Tire?
The time that a professional expert takes to change a flat tire varies depending on several factors, such as vehicle type, tire location, ground surface, and experience of the professional.
It takes 10 – 20 minutes to change tires by a professional . However, if there are customers in line, then the time can exceed and can go up to an hour or two.
I would always recommend changing the tires yourself for more satisfaction, convenience, and it also saves cost and time. By changing tires yourself, you not only train yourself but also prepare for unpredicted situations.
When Should I Change My Car Tires?
If these signs are visible on your tires, then this might be the right time to change your tires
- There is uneven feathering across the tire.
- The groove depth on the tire tread is less than the recommended depth measurement.
- The tires have started aging and have experienced high wear and tear.
- The tire has been patched and pugged multiple times
- There is a bulge on the tread or the tire’s sidewall.
- Improper alignment has damaged the tire.
- The vehicle has been driven overloaded or driven aggressively.
- The tire is internally damaged.
- The tires have been sitting over time.
- The tires make extensive noises or vibrations while driving.
Why Does Changing A Tire Take So Long?
Tire changing usually does not take long. With proper guidance and techniques changing tires can be easy and done quickly. Having the right set of tools is also very important to effectively change the tire in less time.
Although there are a few factors that can make the process difficult and more time consuming, it is best to consult a tire expert if situations like these arise to find a proper and safe long term solution for them.
- Rust on the lug nuts
- Over tightened lug nuts
- Unbalanced Tires
- Over tightened Hub Caps
- Rim Damage
- Suspension issues
How Long Does It Take Road Assistance to Change a Tire?
In case of an emergency without proper tools, roadside assistance would prove to be extremely useful. The time taken to change a tire by the road assistance depends on various factors like-
On typical days, the average time taken to change a tire by roadside assistance can be around 30 – 60 minutes.
how long does it take to change one tire
The time it takes to change one tire can vary depending on factors such as experience, tools available, and the specific vehicle. On average, it usually takes about 10 – 15 minutes to complete the task. However, this estimate may be shorter for experienced individuals or longer if encountering difficulties.
how long does it take to get 2 tires changed
The time required to change two tires is generally similar to changing one tire. On average, it may take around 25 – 30 minutes to replace two tires, considering factors like experience, tools, and any additional complications that may arise.
How Long Does A 4 Tire Change Take?
Changing all four tires takes around 45 – 60 minutes, considering that no extra services are required. One cannot predict before hand whether the new tires will need an alignment after being mounted or not.
Tires should be changed, keeping atleast 30 minutes to an hour in hand so that the tires get mounted properly, and one does not have to rush. Rushing while mounting tires can damage the vehicle’s rim and tire. More it can also bend the corner of the edge.
How Long Does A Tire Change Take With Different Tire
USING A TIRE JACK
A tire jack is used to lift the vehicle off the ground level and create enough space underneath that it is easier to work on the vehicle or change the tires. It is the most valuable equipment, especially in emergencies.
Using the right jack as per the weight capacity of your vehicle is highly important to ensure the safety of the vehicle and the driver.
USING JACK STANDS AND A TIRE JACK
A tire jack lifts the vehicle so that you can work on it, but jack stands ensure safety. They fix the vehicle securely in one place to prevent it from rolling or moving in any directions.
USING A VEHICLE LIFT
A vehicle lift works on the principle of hydraulic machines. Just like a jack, its function is to raise the vehicle so that you can work underneath it. It is a large equipment that is only seen in professional spaces, and it can help lift the entire vehicle at once, giving the mechanic ample amount of space underneath to work more efficiently.
Should All 4 Tires Be Replaced At The Same Time?
Absolutely. It is highly recommended to replace all four tires at once. Tires with different wear and tear levels would make it complex for the vehicle to offer maximum traction, comfort, and stability. It would also disturb the overall balance of the tires.
How Often Should You Change Your Tires?
It is recommended to change tires every six years. But, if you drive pretty often than usual, then instead of changing it year wise, change it after every 50 to 60 thousand miles.
As a thumb rule, avoid using any set of tires, no matter how good quality they are, for more than 60,000 miles or six years. It is essential for driving safety and vehicle health.
How Much Does It Cost To Change Your Tires?
The cost of changing tires depends on a lot of factors like the quality and size of tires and the experience of the person. It also depends on the type of vehicle one has.
It could go more costly or even cheaper depending on these factors and the kind of tires you choose. The average range of expenses to change a tire varies from $400 to $1,200, including the cost of the tires and the installation fee.
How Much Does It Cost To Change All 4 Tires
It would cost around $400 to $1,200. It wholly and solely depends on the vehicle’s model, tire size, and the quality.
The cost can also differ based on different stores and ecommerce platforms. It is essential to compare the price of various sources to find the best match for your vehicle.
How Much Does It Cost To Replace Two Tires?
A single tire replacement costs between $150 to $300. Hence, replacing two tires would cost you around $300 – $600.
This is the average cost, including the tire and its installation. The price usually varies based on the size of the tires and their quality. It can go up to $1000 if you search for the best quality tires.
Is It Safe To Replace Just One Tire?
It is often advised to change all the tires of your vehicle together. But, if you have made up your mind and one of the tires has worn out more than the others. Then you need to be aware that this is a sign of other complex issues like improper alignment, imbalanced tires, or displaced suspension.
The new tire would wear differently when compared to the tires that are already worn out, which can reduce the comfort and stability of the vehicle drastically.
How Long Does It Take To Change A Tire At Walmart?
On a typical day, it would take you anywhere from one to three hours it also depends on the number of people waiting in line ahead of you. The workers are paid on an hourly basis, so they might take an ample amount of time to finish their work.
How Long Does It Take To Change A Tire At Costco?
It is based on how busy the workers are. During winter, it might take them up to two hours. But, they can be done as quickly as within thirty to forty minutes in other seasons.
How Long Does It Take To Change A Tire At Firestone?
It would take approximately one to one hour and half hour to change a tire at Firestone. Here you can save yourself from waiting long hours for your turn as Firestone provides door to door services thanks to their mobility mechanics.
How Long Does It Take To Change Tires At Discount Tire?
It may take about 45 minutes to an hour to change tires at the discount tire, but the time isn’t guaranteed and can take even more if it’s a busy day and the customer are more than usual.
Conclusion
As per my experience over the years, I have been through several blowouts and tire flats; I have learned the hard way that having these skills in hand is very important to enjoy and not think twice before going on long drives.
Vehicles have been made to ease our life. Why do we make it complicated by relying on someone else? At times it takes hours to find a proper mechanic, and then we end up unsatisfied with their work.
If you find yourself in an emergency or stuck on the road at night, a tire shop 24×7 can be a valuable resource to rely on. Being stranded during nighttime can make changing tires inconvenient and challenging. However, if it’s feasible and safe for you to do so, it’s advisable to consider replacing the tires at night when no other alternatives are available.
When we know it does not take more than 15 – 20 minutes to get a tire replaced, we as vehicle owners need to emphasise it and start understanding our vehicles better and have the confidence to take split second actions and get the tire replaced.
Here are some benefits of changing tires yourself.
