How long does it take to change tires?
2 Answers
Generally, it takes about 30 minutes for a beginner to change one tire, but an experienced person may take less than 30 minutes. Professional technicians at a 4S shop can replace a tire in about 15 minutes. Changing all four tires would take around an hour. Here are some relevant details: 1. If conditions allow: If conditions permit, it is recommended to change all four tires of the car at the same time. This ensures that all four tires have the same tread pattern and wear level, providing consistent grip for all wheels. If different tread patterns or wear levels are used together, at least ensure that tires with the same tread pattern and wear level are on the same axle to avoid performance issues due to varying grip. 2. If conditions do not allow: If conditions do not permit, you can replace the two tires on the same axle, but make sure they have the same tread pattern, structure, brand, specifications, load index, and speed rating. For safety reasons, it is best to place new tires on the front and old ones on the rear. At the very least, ensure that tires on the same axle are identical to avoid skidding during emergency braking due to uneven friction between the left and right tires.
As someone who frequently helps friends with car repairs, changing tires doesn't take too long, but it depends on the situation. For example, when I do it myself with familiar tools and vehicles, a single tire can be done in about 15 minutes. For a full set of four tires, it usually takes forty minutes to an hour. However, tools are crucial—whether the jack is stable or if an impact wrench is available affects progress. On windy days, using a manual wrench can cause bolts to get stuck easily, adding an extra ten minutes or so. I advise beginners not to rush—safety first. Find a flat surface, or the car might wobble, increasing risk. If the tire type is special, like for off-road vehicles, the rubber seal might stick tightly during removal, taking more time. I often see customers struggling for hours only to misalign the tires, bringing them to our shop where we have to rebalance the rims, wasting time. In short, experienced workers can do it quickly and efficiently, but if unsure, a professional shop can get it done neatly within half an hour.
