Changing tires is a common maintenance task that drivers often face. Here’s a breakdown to guide you through the time required for changing tires.
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Time Required to Change Tires by Yourself
Changing a tire by yourself typically takes between 15 to 30 minutes per tire. This duration can vary based on factors like your experience, the type of vehicle, and the tire’s condition​​​​. It’s essential to have the right tools and know the proper procedures.
With practice, you might be able to do it faster, but always prioritize safety and accuracy over speed. You will need the following tools for changing tires yourself:
- Carjack
- Lug wrench
- Wheel wedges
- Vehicle owner’s manual
- Flashlight (for changing tires at night)
Time Needed to Change a Single Tire
When it comes to changing just one tire, it usually takes about 10 to 15 minutes for a professional.
Time Needed to Change All Four Tires
Changing all four tires at once is a more involved task. At a professional shop, this can typically take between 35 minutes to an hour. The time varies depending on the shop’s efficiency, the equipment used, and the quality of the tires being installed​​​​.
If you’re doing it yourself, expect it to take anywhere from 1 to 1.5 hours depending on your level of experience and the tools you have. Using an impact torque wrench and following the proper tire-changing procedure can speed up the process.
Time Taken for Tire Change with Different Tools
- Using a Tire Jack: The most basic method is using a tire jack, which requires lifting and lowering the vehicle for each tire change. This can be time-consuming and potentially dangerous if the vehicle is not properly secured. Changing a tire with only a tire jack takes 20 minutes.
- Using a Vehicle Lift: In professional settings, a vehicle lift is the fastest method for changing tires. It allows easy access to all four tires at once, significantly reducing the time needed for the entire process. It usually takes 10 minutes to change a single tire with the help of a vehicle lift.
- Combining Tire Jack with Jack Stands: Using jack stands along with a tire jack speeds up the process. By safely securing the car in a lifted position, you can change tires more quickly. With two jack stands, you can change both front or rear tires simultaneously, taking about 15 minutes per tire.
When to Install New Tires?
- Regularly check your tire tread. If it reaches the wear indicator, it’s time to replace your tire. Uneven wear or the average tread depth lower than 2/32″ or 0.16 cm also signals the need for replacement​​.
- It is important to know that tires typically last 3 to 6 years. Check the production year on the sidewall. As tires age, their rubber compound deteriorates, leading to tread chunking and cracking that compromises driving safety.
- Look for signs of cracks, uneven wear, or bulges. These issues can indicate that the tire is compromised and needs replacing​​.
- Vibrations while driving, especially at higher speeds, can indicate unbalanced or uneven tires. If correcting the alignment doesn’t resolve the issue, it might be time to replace the tires​​.
Do I Need Wheel Alignment After Changing Tires?
It’s widely recommended to get a wheel alignment and balancing after installing new tires. This ensures that the tires are properly aligned with the road, leading to optimal tire wear and vehicle handling​​​​.
Specifically, when replacing all four tires, prefer a four-wheel alignment. This prevents misalignment, which can cause uneven wear on new tires​​.
Ideally, an alignment should be done at the same time as tire replacement or as soon as possible afterward.
If your old tires show uneven wear, get an alignment before mounting new tires. This helps prevent the new tires from wearing unevenly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How Long Does Tire Installation Take?
For changing all four tires, expect the installation process to last from 45 minutes to an hour. The duration may change depending on the mechanic’s expertise, the tire quality, and their balancing properties. For a single tire installation, it typically requires around 10 to 15 minutes.
What Is the Cost of Changing a Tire?
Installing a single tire can range from $15 to $25 per tire. The cost of changing all four tires may be $50 to $100​​.
When purchasing through certain retailers like Goodyear, the tire change cost for four tires can be around $100, including mounting, balancing, and a TPMS kit. This breaks down to approximately $18.95 per tire for mounting and balancing, plus $6 per tire for the TPMS kit​​.
Generally, expect to pay $13 to $45 per tire for mounting and balancing, varying with tire size and vehicle type​
Are Tires Easy to Replace?
Changing tires can be easy if you have the right tools and knowledge. For many, it’s a routine task performed twice a year, often coinciding with seasonal changes from summer to winter tires and vice versa​.