Well, as you are reading this article, you may have faced a flat tire that needs to be replaced. However, it typically takes between 15 and 30 minutes for an experienced person to complete the process.
If you do it by yourself, it will take 1 to 1.30 hours to finish. This is not the end; more than timing, there are some factors. You need to maintain some facts to upgrade the car’s performance. Let’s have a look at them.
Why Does Tire Changing Take a Long Time?
As we mentioned earlier, tire change timing depends on different aspects like who is changing the tire, the types of vehicles, the equipment you need, etc. So let’s have a detailed overview of them below.
Who is changing the tire?
A professional will take less time than seasonal tire changes like you. This is because professionals perform tire changes regularly, making it easier for them to complete the task in a short amount of time.
Moreover, they have access to advanced automatic tools that make it easier for them to open and unlock nuts quickly. Typically, it takes 15 to 30 minutes, but it depends on their availability as well.
On the other hand, if you are doing this, it may take up to 1 hour because you are using manual tools. And since you don’t do this regularly, it will take you some time.
Type of your car
In normal passenger cars, tire changing is easier than in other big size vehicles like trucks, SUVs, and Big lug carrier vehicles. If you are driving a normal passenger car, you might be able to change the tire yourself; however, for high-range vehicles, you may need expert assistance to change the tires.
The issue of the tire
If you are repressing a damaged or worn-out tire, then it may take time to change it. If there are issues like corroded wheels, then those rusty tires will take time to change.
Tools and Equipment
As we said earlier, if you use manual tools like a normal jack wrench, then it will take a long time to change them. On the other hand, automatic and modern tools can change the tires faster than manual equipment.
So, now you may have a question, like, “Where will I find an advanced store in the middle of the road?” Well, you can contact companies like KT Roadside, which offer mobile tire change service.
How Long Does It Generally Take to Change a Tire at a Service Station?
To make it clearer, we have divided the time into the process of tire changing. However, we have based this timing on the average time required for tire changing. Therefore, this time can be changed.
Now, let’s take a look at the average time that it may take to complete the whole tire-changing process.
| Step | Description | Expert Time | Self Time |
| Vehicle Lifting | The car is raised using a hydraulic jack or lift. | 5–10 minutes | 10–15 minutes |
| Wheel Removal | Old tires are deflated and removed from the wheels. | 10–12 minutes | 15–20 minutes |
| Tire Mounting | New tires are mounted onto the wheels. | 10–12 minutes | 20–25 minutes |
| Balancing | Each tire is balanced to ensure proper handling. | 10–12 minutes | Not usually done at home |
| Installation | Wheels are reinstalled on the car. | 5–10 minutes | 10–15 minutes |
| Inspection | Final check to confirm all tires are secured properly and in good condition. | 5–7 minutes | 10–15 minutes |
What Are The Signs Of Sign Of Tire Changing
Whenever you notice signs like being off balance, Uneven Tread Wear, Tread Wear Indicator Bars, Decreased Performance, or other issues, it’s a clear sign that it’s time for a tire change. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports, nearly 11,000 crashes and 200 deaths occur annually due to tire-related crashes.
So, it is very important that you know when you need to change your tire. Now, take a look below and know when you should change your tire.
Uneven Tread Wear
If you ever notice that some part of your tire has damage and other parts are okay, it means you need to change the tire immediately. Though sometimes tire alignment fixes this issue, still, tire changing can be the best way to solve it.
Tread Wear Indicator Bars
This is the best way to know that your tire needs to be changed. This visual indicator will allow you to know the remaining tire tread, and to ensure better performance, you should check it regularly.
Decreased Performance
A worn-out tire can dramatically impact your vehicle’s performance. This may be a reason for low mileage, making the steering wheel hard to move and resulting in low speed. So if you see any kind of issues like those, then you may need to change the tire immediately.
Tips To Be Safe During Tire Changes
Tire changing is a simple process, but it also involves some minor risks, especially if you are doing it by the roadside. However, here are a few tips that you should keep in mind while changing your tires.
Select a Safe Location
First, you need to choose a suitable location to park the car. Remember, it will be better if you choose a flat area. However, you should keep a distance from car blind spots and intersections for safety and proper vision.
Turn On The Hazard Lights
This is one of the most important things to do when parking to change a tire. Turning on the hazard lights will help other drivers see your vehicle and reduce the chance of an accident.
Watch the Roads Randomly
You should constantly monitor the traffic around you. Never focus too much on your work because, at any moment, if you don’t pay attention to the road, an accident can happen. Always keep an eye on the road for safety.
Arrange Necessary Tools
It is always a better idea to keep necessary tools like the vehicle manual, flashlight, and reflective triangles with you. Ensure the equipment is suitable and matches the points; otherwise, using the wrong tools may damage them.
Review Your Owner’s Manual
Before starting the process, read the owner’s manual and find out the proper procedure for changing tires. Never try to be oversmart; just follow the steps as they point out in the manual. Remember, not all vehicles are the same, so you must know the proper way.
Loosen Lug Nuts
Before starting the process, use a lug wrench to loosen the lug nuts a little bit. This is very easy when your car is on the ground; otherwise, you may need more time and effort to lose it.
Lift the Vehicle Carefully
Now, here we come to the most crucial part of the process: you need to position the Jack under the vehicle according to the manual’s instructions. Remember, do it very carefully because a little mistake or imbalance can cause the car to fall, which may cause a serious injury to you and damage your vehicle as well.
Remove the Flat Tire
At this stage, remove all the nuts and take out the flat tire. But be careful because this can be heavier than it looks, so be careful.
Spare Tire Installation
Now install the spare tire. Carefully align the tire with the start of the wheel and then tighten the lug nuts with your hands.
Lower the Vehicle Safely
After that, gently lower it until the spare tire contacts the ground. Once it’s fully lowered, tighten the nuts again to ensure proper installation.
Double-Check Everything
Having completed the process, check all the nuts and components to ensure they are correctly aligned with the procedure.
Conclusion
Finally, Tire changes, signs, and tips for safety are more important than How Long tire Changes Take. From our point of view, if you are doing this by yourself, take the time to do it properly; otherwise, it can be risky for you. However, it is always suggested to have the whole process done by experts.
