How to change tires? Yes, honestly, I do ask this question :-)

Alright, I have been driving before so much motorbike, I experienced already having a flat tires, but to be honest I never did changing tires yet. How come? Well, I always looked my own way not to, because I do not know how. Quite a pity I know, but I do speak here honestly.

And since I do not drive yet car, I even wonder how is it with changing tires of the car. How hard it is actually to change a tires? Can you cite some tips how to do this properly? Is it that hard?

 

It may not be as hard as it is unpleasant. Everything from jack stands that may be difficult to set up, the "donuts" (the tiny temporary tires) and some vehicles have them strapped underneath the rear end. I haven't changed one in years on the road, since I have road service.

If I am playing around at home, it is not that bad to do, but you have to have some strength to loosen the lug nuts, especially if they were put on in a shop.

 

I only learned how to change a tire after about a year of actually driving a car It wasn't because I had a flat, but I asked my dad to show me, because you never know when you might need that knowledge. It's actually very easy and for a good reason, the car manufacturers didn't want to changing of a tire to require a mechanic, anyone can do it.

 

I see no shame in wanting to learn something even if it's how to change tires. I had a little difficulty learning too, although I think my not learning easily had to do with me not wanting to get down and dirty.

 

@rosa is right, there is no shame in wanting to learn how to change tires. It's actually one of the basics that every driver should know. It might seem hard at first, but once you're able to change tires two or three times, you're good to go.

 

I haven't actually changed tires since I had the car about 3 years ago. Now I'm thinking of doing a couple of tests over the weekend because you'll never know when you will get a flat tire. Hopefully, I don't break or damage anything.

 

I have a 2002 Chrystler Pt Dream Crusier with custom wheels. The tires on it are the low profile ones, they look like you have a low tire when you don't. In the center of the wheel , there is a cap that is gold colored and says Pt Cruiser on it. A year after I bought the car, I noticed one wheel was missing this cap. I didn't know if someone stold it or what. I know this car is rare and you hardly ever see a gold pt cruiser running around. It was time for new tires so I went to Les Swhabb. Before they started to put my tires on, I asked if they could get a replacement for the missing wheel cap. They could, so I told them to order one. When they took the tires off from my car, they broke the clip on another cap, so then I needed two. They did order them and charged me just for the one they had broken. When ever I go in there to get my tires rotated, or new tires I warn them to be careful when taking the wheel caps off. So far so good. It is good to know how to change your own tires, I could do it if I HAD to, but I don't want to. I have AAA and a towing service thru my State Farm policy.

--- Double Post Merged, Jul 14, 2014 ---

If you have custom wheels with a wheel cover that has to come off to get to the lug nuts, be careful of taking it off. I think you use a screw driver to coax it out. There are metal clips on it that hold it in, and they will break if you are not careful. Good luck with it !

 

I have never changed a tire in all my years of driving a car. I don't think I could even do it now. When I used to drive every day for my job, I tried to get the best set of tires that I could afford, since my life might depend on them not blowing out, or even just going flat.
I also always carried AAA+ , which would tow you up to 100 miles back home when necessary. Sometimes, I had to wait for a while when I had vehicle trouble, but it was worth the cost of the AAA, and they would either fix it or tow it; depending on what it needed.
I think that AAA (or a similar service from your auto insurance company) is well worth the cost of it, even when you are able to change your own tires.

 

I have purchased a AAA membership for my wife, but not for myself. As far as changing tires goes, I've done it a few times...it is relatively easy as long as you don't park too close to the highway lanes. I had a blowout on the highway, thankfully it was not a pop, but a leak...and when I pulled over I didn't go far enough into the breakdown lane. That was a hairy situation as I changed the driver's side front tire. The longest 20 minutes of my life.

 

You're not the only one, so don't feel bad. I have been driving for quit sometime and never have I changed a tire either. I have had one before, but thankfully I made it home and my dad and brother were able to take care of it for me. That being said learning how to change my own tire is a skill I hope to retain some day. I think it's important and beneficial for anyone who operates a motor vehicle to know how. Good luck!