What are the key points to pay attention to when changing car tires?
4 Answers
When changing car tires, the key points to pay attention to are: 1. Tire shelf life: Tires should not be stored for more than 3 years from the production date. There are 4 digits near the wheel hub on the tire sidewall indicating the production date; 2. Tire tread pattern and color: Worn tires have shallow treads, while retreaded tires often appear unnaturally bright in color; 3. Tire hairs: Original new tires have many small rubber hairs on the surface, which cannot be replicated on retreaded tires; 4. Scratch test with a key: Retreaded tires that have been used for a long time will show marks when lightly scratched with a key; 5. Junction between tread and sidewall: New tires have smooth and even junctions, while retreaded tires have manually attached treads to old carcasses; 6. Raised markings on original tires: Authentic new tires have integrated markings that cannot be easily removed, whereas retreaded tires have markings that can be peeled off by hand.
I've been driving for twenty years and have changed tires dozens of times. Before changing a tire, park the car on a hard, level surface, engage the handbrake and put the transmission in P (Park), and place a warning triangle 50 meters behind the car. When using a jack, make sure to position it under the metal load-bearing points on the car's underside—plastic parts will crack under pressure. Loosen the lug nuts in a diagonal sequence, and don’t remove them all at once. When removing the tire, step on the lower part and push outward—it’s easier than pulling hard. After installing the new tire, hand-tighten the lug nuts first, then use a wrench to tighten them diagonally in three stages. The most important step is to check the tire pressure afterward. The spare tire is only for temporary use—don’t exceed 80 km/h. Remember to take the old tire with you—some shops offer trade-in discounts for recycling.
As a mother of two, I pay special attention to safety details. Changing a tire isn't just about strength—preparation is crucial: bring gloves and a reflective vest, especially at night. Don't panic if the spare tire is smaller; the speed limit signs are marked for it. Insert the jack lever all the way to prevent slipping, and stand sideways when cranking, not directly in front. Kids must never wait in the car—they might accidentally release the handbrake. After changing, don't forget to check the tire date—the four-digit code circled indicates the production year and month. Tires harden after six years. Finally, take a photo of the installed tire for the mechanic to check if it's mounted correctly.
Off-road enthusiasts share some unconventional tips: Place rocks as chocks when changing tires in the wild to prevent rolling. Don't force rusty bolts—spray WD-40 and use a pipe for extra leverage. Slide the removed tire under the vehicle as a safety measure; it could save you if the jack fails. Apply some grease to the wheel hub contact surface before mounting the tire to prevent noise and corrosion. For five-lug vehicles, remember to tighten in a star pattern. The most common pitfall is torque specs—typically 100-120 Nm for sedans and 150+ for pickups. If you don't own a torque wrench, get it checked at a shop for peace of mind at just 10 bucks.
