What Are the Characteristics, Tools, and How to Change Car Tires?

Change car tires is routine vehicle maintenance which is important to maintain performance and safety while driving. One of the important tasks in such maintenance is changing car tires. Changing tires regularly not only improves driving comfort, but also ensures your safety on the road.

In this TransTRACK article, we will discuss the steps you need to follow to change your car tires properly. Whether you are an experienced car owner or a novice looking to learn, this article will provide a practical guide for carrying out this task yourself.

Characteristics of Car Tires Need to be Replaced

The characteristics below indicate that the car tires need to be replaced:

Has Been Used For 3 Years or More

Car tires have a limited lifespan, especially if they have been used for 3 years or more. Within that time period, tires may experience a decrease in quality and performance which can affect driving safety and comfort.

Tire Thickness Is Not Appropriate

Every car tire has a minimum thickness recommended by the manufacturer. If the tire thickness has reached the minimum limit or even below it, the tire needs to be replaced. Inappropriate tire thickness can affect the tire’s grip on the road surface and reduce braking ability.

Mileage Has Reached 40,000 Kilometers

A significant mileage is also an important indicator for changing car tires. Usually, tires have a service life that is measured by the distance traveled. When tires have traveled around 40,000 kilometers, they tend to wear out and decrease in performance, so they need to be replaced.

Bare Tire Surface, Bumps, and Cracks

A visual inspection of the tire surface is an important step in determining tire condition. If the surface of the tire looks bare or has significant bumps or cracks, this indicates that the tire has suffered serious damage. Tires in this condition are no longer effective in providing good grip, and should be replaced immediately.

In addition to the above characteristics, there are also other factors to consider, such as the date the tire was manufactured, the quality of the feedback from the tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS), and the manufacturer’s recommendations. If there are doubts about the condition of the car tires, it is advisable to have them checked by a trusted repair shop or tire shop to get a more in-depth evaluation.

Tool for change car tires

The following are some tools that are commonly used to replace car tires:

Wheel Lock

This tool is used to open and tighten the wheel lock nut. Wheel locks usually have a shape according to the type of lock nut used on the car.

Jack

The jack is used to lift the car so that the tire to be replaced is released from the floor. There are several types of jacks that are commonly used, such as bottle jacks, mechanical jacks, or hydraulic jacks. It is important to choose a jack with a lifting capacity suitable for the weight of the car.

Buffer

After the car is lifted using a jack, supports are placed under the car to provide additional support. This buffer is important to maintain stability and safety when the car tire is replaced.

L Hex Key or Ring Key

This tool is used to unscrew and tighten the rim fastening nut. The L Hex wrench or washer must be the right size for the nuts used on car rims.

Rubber hammer

A rubber hammer is used to help remove the tire attached to the rim by applying gentle pressure to the side of the tire. The rubber mallet helps avoid damaging the rim or tire when removing it.

Screwdriver

A screwdriver may be needed to open the wheel cap or access panel on the car to gain access to the rim mount nuts.

Tire Inflator

After the new tires are installed, a tire inflator is used to inflate the tires to the proper air pressure. Be sure to refer to the car manufacturer’s air pressure recommendations.

Torque Wrench

This tool is used to tighten the wheel lock nut or rim fixing nut to the proper torque. This is important for maintaining safety and preventing damage to the wheel components.

It is important to remember that when changing a car tire, if you are unsure or don’t have enough experience, it is better to consult a trained technician or take the car to a repair shop to have a professional tire change done.

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How to Change Your Own Car Tires

The following is a step by step guide to how to change car tires yourself:

Loosen Tire Bolts

Before lifting the car with the jack, loosen the wheel support bolts using the wheel wrench. Don’t remove the bolts completely, just loosen them to make it easier to lift the tire off.

Install the Jack

Place the jack below the lift point recommended by the car manufacturer. There are usually special lifting points near the wheels. Make sure the jack is securely attached and stable.

Remove car tires to be replaced

Here’s how to remove and how to change car tires to be replaced:

a. How to Remove Car Tires with a Tire Changer Tool

If you have access to a Tire Changer tool, follow the instructions for use provided by the manufacturer. In general, the Tire Changer will facilitate the process of removing the tire from the rim by applying the required pressure evenly.

b. How to Remove Tires from Rims

If you don’t have access to a Tire Changer tool, you can remove the tire manually. First, remove the wheel cap or access panel that protects the rim fastening bolts. Use an L Hex key or a suitable washer wrench to unscrew and remove the rim fixing bolts. After that, carefully remove the tire from the rim by using a rubber mallet and applying gentle pressure to the side of the tire.

Check the condition of the spare tire, install and tighten the tire after being replaced

Before installing a new tire, check the condition of the spare tire to ensure that it is sufficiently inflated and in good physical condition. Install the new tire onto the rim positioning the center hole of the rim and the center hole of the tire match. Replace the rim fixing bolts and tighten using the L Hex wrench or washer wrench. Be sure to tighten the bolts to the appropriate torque using a torque wrench. After that, tighten the wheel support bolts as a whole.

How to Install Tires with Tire Changer

If you use a Tire Changer, follow the instructions for use provided by the manufacturer. In general, the steps are as follows:

• Place the rims and tires in the Tire Changer according to the instructions.
• Follow the Tire Changer’s instructions to apply the necessary pressure to remove the tire from the rim.
• Install the new tire on the rim using the Tire Changer.
• Make sure the tires are properly installed and aligned with the rims.

Remove the jack when finished

Once the new tires are securely in place, carefully lower the car slowly with the jack. Make sure the car is on a level and stable surface before fully removing the jack.

It is important to follow the proper use instructions for the tools used and observe safety measures when changing car tires. If you are unsure or don’t have enough experience, it is better to consult a trained technician or take the car to a mechanic for a professional tire change.

In the process of vehicle maintenance, changing car tires is one of the tasks that needs to be done regularly to maintain driving performance and safety. With the help of the Vehicle Maintenance System from TransTRACK, the tire replacement process becomes more organized and efficient.

Through TransTRACK’s advanced features, users can easily manage vehicle maintenance schedules and get notifications when the right time to change tires arrives. The Vehicle Maintenance System will provide warnings based on factors such as tire age, tire thickness, mileage, and overall tire condition.

So, are you ready to change your car tires using the Vehicle Maintenance System from TransTRACK? By following the steps described and taking advantage of this advanced technology, you can easily keep your car tires in the best condition. Happy changing tires and have a safe ride!