Should the Handbrake Be Applied When Changing a Spare Tire?
2 Answers
When changing a spare tire, the vehicle should be in park and the handbrake should be applied. Same Specifications: Tires of different specifications have different outer diameters and section widths when inflated, resulting in uneven load distribution when mounted on the same axle. Same Structure: Due to the different carcass structures of radial tires and bias tires, their cushioning performance and circumferential deformation vary. Mixing these two types of tires on the same axle will inevitably lead to uneven load distribution and inconsistent wear. Same Material: Material mainly refers to the carcass cord material. For example, all-steel radial tires and fiber radial tires have significant differences in carcass thickness, cord strength, and heat dissipation performance, which can affect performance when mixed.
I firmly believe applying the parking brake is absolutely essential when changing a spare tire, just as important as fastening your seatbelt before driving. Once on the highway shoulder, I forgot to engage the handbrake while replacing a flat. After jacking up the car, it slightly slid and nearly crushed my hand—a real wake-up call. Since then, I've made it routine to park securely, firmly set the handbrake, and even wedge a rock behind the tire for extra precaution. Without the handbrake, the vehicle can shift unexpectedly, risking anything from tool damage to fatal accidents—especially in manual transmissions, where leaving it in gear provides crucial backup. My advice: never skip those few seconds to secure the handbrake. Safety first—it's non-negotiable.
