What should be noted when replacing tires?
3 Answers
Precautions for tire replacement: 1. Pay attention to the front and back sides of the tire; 2. Replace the valve as well; 3. Installation direction and inflation; 4. It is best to install new tires on the rear axle of the vehicle; 5. Avoid sudden braking after replacing new tires; 6. It is recommended to perform a four-wheel alignment when replacing new tires. The lifespan of car tires is related to factors such as the driver's habits and road conditions. Judging solely based on age and mileage may lead to discrepancies. If driving frequently on roads with average or good conditions, tires may need replacement after about 80,000 kilometers; if often driving on rough gravel roads or muddy roads with poor conditions, tires may need replacement after about 60,000 kilometers.
I've changed tires several times myself, and experience tells me safety must come first. Park on level ground, engage the handbrake and shift to P gear. Before jacking up the car, take out the spare tire and place it nearby. Remember to check the spare tire's pressure and condition - you don't want to find it unusable in an emergency. Position the jack correctly, usually in the metal groove under the door, avoiding plastic parts. When removing the old tire, loosen the bolts in a diagonal sequence, and do the same when installing the new one. Don't overtighten the bolts to avoid damaging the wheel hub. After finishing, drive a short distance and recheck the bolts. Also, consider the season - winter may require snow tires, while summer calls for better heat dissipation. It's best to carry warning triangles for roadside changes. These small details can prevent breakdowns or worse accidents on the road.
When replacing a new tire, safety is my top concern, especially since changing a tire on the roadside is too dangerous. First, move the car to a safe area like an open roadside space, turn on the hazard lights, and place a warning triangle 50 meters away to alert vehicles behind. Check if the jack is stable, and avoid putting hands or feet under the chassis when lifting the car. Stay focused during the tire replacement process and avoid distractions like phone calls. Use a torque wrench to tighten the bolts—over-tightening can deform the wheel hub or break the bolts, causing issues during high-speed driving. After replacement, check that the tire pressure matches the standard value, usually indicated on the tire sidewall. Regular maintenance can extend tire life, such as rotating positions and periodic alignment, reducing the risk of unexpected blowouts. Developing these habits ensures peace of mind when family members ride in the car.