What to Pay Attention to When Changing Car Tires?

[OCharlie]

Tire replacement requires attention to the following points: 1. Distinguish between new and old tires. The differences between new and old tires are immediately apparent when placed side by side, with noticeable distinctions in tread depth and rubber color. The small particles on new tires and the tread hairs on the sidewalls indicate that the tire has not been driven on, serving as markers of a brand-new tire. 2. Pay attention to the correct side of the tire. The so-called correct side of the tire specifically refers to which side should face outward. Tires that appear symmetrical in tread pattern actually have a direction; incorrect installation may lead to uneven tire wear. When installing the tire, ensure the side with numbers faces the front of the hub. However, different manufacturers have varying labeling methods—for example, some brands may mark "OUTSIDE" on the tire's sidewall. After installing the tire, another essential step is to adjust the dynamic balance. 3. Choose the appropriate tire. The specifications of the new tire must match those of the previous tire and the other tire on the same axle, including speed rating, load index, tread pattern, brand, size, etc., to ensure safe driving. 4. Replace the valve stem as well. This is because, after changing the tire, the aging cycles of the new tire and the old valve stem differ. During the lifespan of the new tire, the valve stem may develop issues that are not easily noticeable. Therefore, it's advisable to replace the valve stem simultaneously when changing the tire.

[SanStephen]

I've been driving for fifteen years, so changing tires requires careful attention. The first step is to choose a safe location—flat ground is best—turn on the hazard lights, and place the warning triangle at least 50 meters behind the car. Engage the handbrake and shift to P or first gear, loosen the bolts but don't remove them completely, leaving a bit of grip. The jack must be positioned at the chassis support points; avoid jacking up the side skirts, as this can cause deformation. When installing the new tire, first hand-tighten the diagonal bolts, then lower the car and use a wrench to cross-tighten them for even force distribution. After the change, don't rush to speed off—spare tires usually have higher pressure, so check the tire pressure and drive slowly to prevent blowouts, especially with non-full-size spares limited to 80 km/h. Head to a shop promptly to replace it with a regular tire.

[KatherineRose]

The worst thing when traveling with kids is having tire trouble. Before changing a tire, I make sure the kids stay in a safe area, lock the car doors, and keep away from the road. Don't compromise on tools—always keep a reflective vest and thick gloves in the trunk. When loosening lug nuts, use both feet on the wrench for extra leverage. Spare tires can lose air if stored too long, so my trick is to carry a small air pump. After changing the tire, always check under the car for any forgotten tools—I once nearly left a wrench in the middle of the road. For the first few kilometers after driving off, listen for unusual noises. Once, I didn't tighten the nuts enough, causing the wheel to wobble—luckily, I caught it in time. When traveling with children, safety always comes first.

[VanJudah]

Last time I had a flat tire, my friend taught me how to change it, emphasizing three key points: find a solid surface for the jack, as soft ground will sink; take photos of the screw positions before changing the tire for reference; spare tires come in full-size and compact versions, the latter being like a bicycle tire and only for emergencies. When changing, first loosen the screws before lifting the car, hold the old tire when removing it to avoid dropping it on your feet, and make sure the new tire is installed in the correct direction with the side arrow pointing forward. Tighten the screws in a diagonal sequence and do it in two stages for a secure fit. After changing tires three times, I’ve gained experience—spare tires should only be driven for up to fifty kilometers before switching back to the regular tire, otherwise it can damage the suspension.