What Tools Are Needed to Change a Tire?
2 Answers
Tools required for changing a car tire include: a small jack, a socket wrench for loosening lug nuts, a locking wheel nut remover, a lug nut cap remover, and a warning triangle. To ensure safety, the vehicle needing a tire change must be parked on the roadside or emergency lane on a flat surface; turn off the engine, engage the handbrake, and activate the hazard lights, then place the warning triangle behind the vehicle (about 100 meters on highways). Below is relevant information about tires: Tire lifespan: The wear lifespan of a tire is 30,000 to 50,000 kilometers. If the tire hasn't reached the wear limit or mileage but has been in use for 5 years or shows extensive sidewall cracking, it should be replaced. Tire material: The main component of a tire is rubber. The maximum storage and anti-aging period for rubber, from natural latex to EPDM and nitrile, does not exceed 10 years, with the average service life of various rubber products in use being 3 to 5 years.
When it comes to tools for changing tires, I often do it myself and find it quite practical. You'll need a jack to securely lift the car—make sure to place it at the designated points underneath the vehicle, otherwise it's unsafe. A tire wrench is also essential for loosening and tightening the nuts; I always opt for a sturdy, anti-slip design. A spare tire is a must, and don’t overlook regular tire pressure checks. Wheel chocks are important to prevent the other wheels from rolling; I prefer lightweight rubber ones. Don’t forget to wear gloves to protect your hands from dust and skin irritation. It’s also good to carry a torque wrench to adjust the tightness when tightening nuts—over-tightening can damage the rims. Safety tip: Turn on your hazard lights before changing the tire, work on level ground, and have a mechanic double-check after you’re done. This set of tools is simple but can save you a lot of money and time.