Does Changing Tires Include Changing the Wheel Hub?
2 Answers
Changing tires does not include changing the wheel hub. If you want to increase the width of the tires or reduce the thickness of the tires to enhance the road grip while driving, then it becomes necessary to widen and enlarge the wheel hub. The wheel hub is the rotating part of the wheel that connects the inner contour of the tire to the wheel core via spokes, which is the metal component mounted on the axle that supports the tire. It is also known as the rim, steel ring, wheel, or wheel disc. The tire is a circular elastic rubber product assembled on various vehicles or machinery that rolls on the ground, usually mounted on a metal rim. It supports the vehicle body, cushions external impacts, ensures contact with the road surface, and guarantees the vehicle's driving performance.
I work in auto repair and often help customers with tire changes. Actually, changing tires doesn’t require replacing the rims—it’s like putting new shoes on your feet without changing the feet themselves. Unless the rim is damaged from an impact or you actively want an upgrade—like switching from steel wheels to alloy wheels—then you’d need to replace the whole set. Last time, a customer hit a pothole and cracked their alloy rim, ruining both the tire and the rim, so a full replacement was necessary. For a simple tire change, the mechanic will remove the entire wheel, strip off the old tire, mount the new one onto the original rim, and perform a wheel balance. Changing just the tire saves a lot of money, but if the rim edge is deformed and causes air leaks, then it’s time for a replacement.
