Tips On How And When To Change Tires
- Examine the depth of the treads for safety purposes. The minimum legal depth required in some states is 2/32 per inch.
- Check the age of your tires for brittles because the cords used to reinforce become weak with time.
- Inspect them for cracks and blisters along the sidewalls to prevent developing leakages. Check if there are some grooves too.
- Allow your wheels to be aligned and prolong their life while driving on the road.
Can The Jacked Car Fall On Top Of You
When your car is jacked, you should never go under the vehicle it isnt necessary to do when youre changing tires. You can jack your car safely if you follow the instructions for jack placement in your vehicle owners manual. Many vehicle frames have molded plastic on the bottom with a cleared area of exposed metal specifically for the jack. If you have a jack stand, place it under a secure point of the vehicle frame before you remove the wheel.
Your jack will also work correctly if you choose the appropriate place to do your tire change on pavement. That means concrete, not softer asphalt. A jack stand can actually sink into thin asphalt, especially on a hot day when it gets softer.
What To Consider When Buying Tires
According to Petersen, there are more than 33,000 independent tire retailers in the US. That means there’s a lot to sort through when you’re shopping for them. Tire shops can range widely in size and how they sell tires. Everyone from big-box stores like Costco and Sam’s Club to small, local, independent tire shops offer tires for sale. These days, online retailers are also making it incredibly easy to buy tires online and have them drop-shipped to a location of your choice when you’re ready to have them installed.
Petersen advises that the best way to make the most of your tire shopping is to take the entire cost of both purchasing the tires and getting them installed into consideration. “It’s not like a TV,” he said. “You buy a tire and you still have to have someone put it on your car.”
The first thing to do when shopping for new tires is to figure out the right size for your vehicle and the features that you want for your specific needs. To find the right size, look at the outside rim of the rubber tire and find the number and letter combination that is divided by a slash. You can also find your tire size by looking at the inside frame of the driver’s side door.
Warehouse membership clubs like Sam’s Club are definitely worth considering when tire shopping.
When shopping for tires, it’s important to pick the right one to suit your driving needs.
Goodyear offers a nice variety of warranty coverage on its tires.
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Can I Cancel My Tire Order
We are unable to cancel tire orders that have already been shipped and are in transit to your local Costco Wholesale Tire Center.
If you don’t want to keep the tires, there are two return options:
- For an immediate refund, stop by the Costco Wholesale Tire Center when the tires arrive.
- Contact Us, and we’ll submit the refund request for you. If you’d like the refund processed by Costco.com, you’ll receive your credit back to your original method of payment within three to four business days.
Mixing Different Tire Types
Unless recommended by your vehicle manufacturer, or if differing sizes came supplied as original equipment on your vehicle tires of different size designations, constructions, and stages of wear may affect vehicle handling and stability. For best all-around performance, we recommend that all tires be of the same size, construction and speed rating. If tires of different speed ratings are mounted on a vehicle, the same size, type and speed ratings need to be placed on the same axle. For assistance, find a store near you.
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How Long Does It Take To Change 4 Tires And Alignment
Car alignment can take around one hour, whether its a two- or four-wheel-drive car. If youre also having four tires changed, you have to add about an hour more, since this is the average time it can take to get four tires changed.
So how long does it take? You could be looking at two hours in total, so make sure you clear enough time on your schedule. You should also consider waiting time since you often have to wait for the maintenance center to finish cars before you.
Other things like damaged parts or issues with ball joints, suspension or steering can extend the alignment time. Especially if the mechanic has to replace one or more components.
Factors That Degrade Tires
There are different factors that can degrade a tire, including the following:
- Heat: According to research, tires age quicker in warmer climates. Moreover, exposure to sunlight and warm, humid conditions of coastal climates can also affect the life of your tires.
- Usage: Here, we refer to factors like proper inflation, accidents, whether it has hit the curb a few too many times or if youve ever repaired a puncture. Tires that are only used on the weekend will age differently from tires driven daily.
- Storage: Spares and tires stored in a garage or tire dealer will age slower than the tires on a car. However, they still agedont think you can store tires for five years and theyll be as good as new.
- Spares: Like the point above, spare tires are rarely used, but they still degrade with time. If you inflate and mount the tire on car, its considered in service, regardless of use. Spare wheels on trucks that are mounted underneath the body will also be exposed to heat, weather and dirt.
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When Should Your Tires Retire
No matter how new your tire is, Bridgestone recommends checking inflation pressure every month and scheduling regular inspections with a pro. After five years, an inspection is essential to determine if a tire is still road-worthy.
We recommend tires that were manufactured 10 years prior be taken out of service and replaced with new tires. Same goes for the spare. If its 10 years old, it needs to be replaced, even if it appears new.
Its important to note that the age of a tire is not the only indicator of whether it needs to be replaced. Many tires will need to be replaced before 10 years of age due to routine tread wear and other conditions such as punctures, impact damage, improper inflation, overloading and more. If a tire is worn out or otherwise unserviceable from damage or conditions of use, it should be replaced regardless of when it was produced or purchased.
How Do You Know If You Need New Tires
You should replace any tire that shows one or more of these signs of age, damage, or wear:
- Low tread depth: Replace tires that have worn down below the recommended tread depth. The U.S. legal minimum tread depth is 2/32. You may want to replace your tires at a higher tread depth depending on manufacturer recommendations, or your specific driving conditions.
- Sidewall damage: Tires with cracks, punctures, blisters, or bulges in the sidewall are no longer structurally sound and cannot be repaired.
Your local Midas technician can help you identify these tire safety hazards, and help you select your perfect replacement tires.
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Take Your Punctured Tyre For Repair
Visit a garage or tyre fitters at the first opportunity and give them your punctured wheel.
They will advise whether to repair or replace it.
Dont drive on a space-saver spare wheel for longer than is strictly necessary they are only intended for emergencies.
If the tyre can’t be repaired and you need to replace it, our guide to purchasing tyres may come in handy.
If your MOT is due or if you would like to book your vehicle in for a full car service, you can book online with your local RAC Approved Garage today.
Factors That Determine The Longevity Of Changing Tires
The amount of time you need to change them varies with the situation you find yourself in. The factors that determine how long it can take an individual to complete the process. They include
- Location of your vehicle: It can take you approximately 25 minutes to change a tire at home because your attention is geared towards the process. In contrast, you can take about 35 minutes to complete the same operation at the roadside due to distractions.
- The number of car tires to change: It takes an individual roughly 10 to 25 minutes to replace a single tire and continue with your journey. In rare cases, you might be required to change all four of them at once. If you happen to find yourself in such situations, it can take you almost 55 to 60 minutes.
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How Long Does It Take To Get Tires Changed: Complete Guide
As a car owner, you can be inconvenienced with flat tires or loose treads quite often. And, the only option you have is to replace them. So, how long does it take to get tires changed either at the auto-car service center or by yourself? You can experience some delays in your schedule if you decide to
As a car owner, you can be inconvenienced with flat tires or loose treads quite often. And, the only option you have is to replace them. So, how long does it take to get tires changed either at the auto-car service center or by yourself?
You can experience some delays in your schedule if you decide to change your tires yourself. Moreover, taking your car to the tire service center can also take a lot of your time, causing more stress and annoyance. Therefore, tire replacement is a crucial skill you need to have as a driver.
How Often Should Tires Be Changed The Final Verdict
So, how often do you need to change tires? The short answer is after 50,000 miles or 4 to 5 years.
However, keep in mind that there are no strict rules here. Your driving style, car type, tire design, weather, and the terrains you usually drive on can all affect the lifetime of your tires.
Drive safe!
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How Often Should I Get My Tires Changed
It is generally recommended that tires be changed every 10,000 miles or so. However, this varies depending on the type of vehicle you drive, as well as your driving habits. If you do a lot of stop-and-go driving or drive in particularly hot or cold weather conditions, you may need to change your tires more frequently. You can check your owners manual for specific recommendations.
Why It Takes Long To Change Tires
How long does it take to get tires changed? Several reasons determine this question. The most common reason is the size and type of tire you want to replace. Some require special attention when removing them from your vehicle, such as removing the cover of your wheel and hubcap before the operation.
Huge tires have numerous lug nuts, which can take a person additional minutes when tightening and loosening them, unlike the small ones. Therefore, if you have a truck with big tires, it can take you about 35 minutes to replace one of them. Its otherwise for small tires.
Location of your vehicle is also a reason that can prolong the time you might take to replace them. For instance, it can take you a lot of time to change them if your car is parked along the roadside than when at home. This is because other road users cause unnecessary distractions, thus prolonging the process.
Problems related to the rims is another aspect that can prolong the time you need to change them. Sometimes the rims can be jammed due to gunk. And if that is the issue, then it can be hard to remove them.
If the nuts are stiff, you should lubricate them, and you should wait for some time before you start the replacement operation. Your rims can be damaged if you drive your vehicle on flat tires. Therefore, you should lubricate your rims and always service them to prevent leakage and accumulation of dirt.
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Is It Safe To Drive Afterwards Will The Wheels Be Tight Enough
Dont worry, a wheel cant just fall off spontaneously! If it really is loose, you will hear loud knocking sounds while driving before anything more serious happens. Youll have time to pull over immediately to check the wheel nuts and re-tighten them, and see if that solves the problem.
Tip: Ensure that the wheel bolts are always tightened in a criss-cross pattern
Whether you change your own tires or not, knowing how to tighten your wheels is an important skill to have. Even if you had your tires changed at a garage, the wheel bolts will still loosen over time, meaning the wheel is no longer as tight as it should be. You can prevent this by tightening the wheel nuts using a torque wrench whenever necessary. We advise checking the torque specifications in your cars owners manual when tightening to make sure the nuts are tight enough.
Remove The Damaged Tires
Remove them by grabbing their treads and put it in someplace safe. Mount the new one on the lug bolts. Put back the lug nuts and tighten them using your hands. Lower it gently using a jack and ensure you dont subject the tires to the whole weight of the vehicle.
Now you can use the wrench once again to tighten the nuts. Double-check to ensure they are completely tight. Remove the jack under the car, and you good to continue with your journey peacefully.
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At What Tread Depth Should Tires Be Replaced
The legal minimum tire tread depth in the United States is 2/32 and many tire experts recommend replacing tires at 4/32-6/32 tread depth or less, especially for tire types that benefit from a deeper tread . Testing multiple winter tire brands at 5/32-6/32 tread depth , Consumer Reports saw a 14.5% decline in snow traction when accelerating, and a 7% increase in wet stopping distance compared to the tires original tread depth2.
How to tell if your tire tread depth is too low, and you need to replace your tires:
- Use a tire tread depth gauge for a precise measurement.
- Take the U.S. Penny Test: Insert a penny into your tire tread. If you can see the top of Lincolns head, its time for new tires. If the top of Lincolns head is covered, your tread is deeper than 2/32. On the tail side, if the top of the Lincoln Memorial is covered, your tread is deeper than 6/32.
- Take the Canadian nickel test: If the top of Queen Elizabeths crown is covered, your tread is deeper than 2/32.
- Take the U.S. Quarter Test: If the top of Washingtons head is covered, your tire tread is deeper than 4/32.
- Take the Canadian Quarter Test: If the caribous nose is covered, your tire tread is deeper than 6/32.
- Check the wear bars: Tire wear bars are situated at 2/32 of tread depth, so if any wear bar is worn, replace the tire right away. Its below the legal minimum tread depth.
Do You Need An Alignment With New Tires
Its a good idea to have your wheel alignment checked when you buy new tires, to ensure that your new tires wear down evenly from the day you drive them home. We also recommend having your alignment checked regularly to extend the life of your tires — its especially convenient to do this when your vehicle is in for services like tire rotation.
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Where Is The Nearest Place To Get My Tires Changed
If youre in need of a tire change, there are plenty of places to get it done. Many gas stations and auto shops offer tire changing services, so finding one should be easy. The nearest place to get your tires changed will depend on your location.If youre looking for a quick and easy option, many gas stations offer tire changing services. However, keep in mind that not all gas stations are created equal. Some may not have the right equipment or trained staff to change your tires properly. Its always a good idea to call ahead and make sure the gas station youre planning to visit can accommodate your needs. Auto shops are another great option for getting your tires changed. Many of them offer tire changing services, and they usually have the right equipment and trained staff to do the job right. However, auto shops can be more expensive than gas stations. The best way to find the nearest place to get your tires changed is to search online.
Ready To Take The Wheel
Once you get past the fear and actually do it, all the questions will evaporate. Changing tires is easier than assembling Swedish bookshelves just follow the steps. Try it once and you can do it for life!
Its a mystery at first, but not unsolvable. The right tools make all the difference. Find out more from our Tools You Need guide.
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Do You Need A Wheel Alignment After Changing Tires
The short answer: yes! Although not mandatory, making sure your wheels are aligned properly when you get new tires can make a big difference on not only the smoothness of your drive but also your wallet. Getting a wheel alignment done every time you change out your tires for the season isnt necessary though.
Misaligned tires can cause additional wear on the treadsthus requiring you to buy a new set of tires much sooner.
Wheel alignments also ensure all your tires are properly aligned since having 1 tire out of a set misaligned can be just as, if not more, problematic than if two are out of alignment.
Although it can be frustrating to do at the beginning and end of the seasons, changing out your winter or summer tires is immensely important. You will keep you and your passengers much safer and have a much better grip on the road by doing so for all your journeys.