Can I Replace Tires Purchased Online by Myself?
3 Answers
You cannot replace tires purchased online by yourself because after installing new tires, wheel balancing is required. Without proper wheel balancing, the vehicle cannot be driven safely. Wheel balancing requires specialized equipment, making it impossible to perform at home. The reasons for needing wheel balancing are as follows: 1. Reason one: There are manufacturing tolerances in tires, and the wheel hubs or brake drums may have inaccurate axial positioning during processing. 2. Reason two: The quality of wheel bolts may vary. 3. Reason three: Tires may experience wear, become out of round, or deform. 4. Reason four: After off-road driving, mud stuck to the tires may increase the weight of certain parts.
I bought tires online and tried changing them myself several times, which I found quite interesting, but you do need basic equipment. You need to park on a flat surface to ensure the jack can support the car stably, otherwise, it’s dangerous if the car slips. For tools, prepare a wrench and a wheel nut socket, preferably one with torque to ensure the correct tightness. The general steps for changing a tire are: loosen the nuts slightly, jack up the car, remove the old tire, install the new tire, and loosely fasten the nuts. After lowering the car a bit, tighten the bolts diagonally, then raise the car and fully tighten them. Finally, don’t forget to check the tire pressure and adjust it to the manufacturer’s recommended value. Remember to get a wheel balance done at a shop afterward, otherwise, unbalanced wheels can cause shaking at high speeds. Overall, it saves money and time—done in an hour or two—but it can be tough for beginners without experience or complete tools. I relied on a friend’s guidance to get through it; those lacking confidence should go to a professional shop for safety.
I've changed tires bought online a few times and feel confident doing it myself, but it's crucial to follow the steps carefully. First, park on hard ground and engage the handbrake, loosen the nuts with a wrench without removing them completely, then use a jack to steadily lift the vehicle and remove the old tire. Before installing the new tire, clean the wheel hub contact surface, align the bolt holes, and gently hand-tighten the nuts for initial fixation. Lower the car until the wheel partially touches the ground, then tighten all bolts diagonally to prevent misalignment. Raise the car again to confirm proper tightening and check tire pressure. After replacement, immediately inspect for air leaks or unusual noises. The key is having adequate tools – a torque wrench ensures precise fastening and prevents loosening risks. After equipping myself with these, tire changes became much quicker, saving money and avoiding queues. However, wheel balancing must be done professionally for high-speed stability. Before starting, watch tutorial videos or seek assistance to minimize errors. Generally, beginners will find it smoother after practicing a couple of times.
