Views: 0 Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2025-07-09 Origin: Site
Every driver—whether on the road daily or occasionally—should know how to change tyres. This simple mechanical skill can save time, reduce costs, and prevent being stranded in unsafe or remote locations. While tyre replacement is often handled by professionals, learning to perform it yourself can empower you to handle emergencies confidently and keep your vehicle in optimal condition.
At Qingdao Maxtop Tools Co., Ltd, we manufacture and export professional tyre tools that simplify every step of the tyre-changing process. With the right tools and preparation, replacing a tyre becomes a task any driver can manage safely and efficiently.
Understanding the right time to change tyres is crucial for safety and vehicle performance. Here are the most common situations when a tyre change is necessary:
A flat tyre is the most obvious signal that change is needed. Punctures, sidewall bulges, visible cords, or cracking rubber indicate that a tyre is no longer roadworthy. Other signs include:
Dashboard tyre pressure warnings (TPMS)
Uneven tread wear
Excessive vibration while driving
Driving on a damaged or worn-out tyre not only compromises safety but also affects braking, cornering, and fuel economy.
When replacing a flat tyre with a spare tyre, it’s essential to understand its limitations. Most spare tyres—especially space-savers—are intended only for temporary use. They typically have:
Reduced speed limits (e.g., max 80 km/h)
Shorter distance range (under 100 km recommended)
Less traction and cornering performance
A new tyre or full-size spare should be installed as soon as possible. Using a compact spare longer than intended can lead to uneven wear on your drivetrain and suspension.
Before you start, make sure you have the correct tools and understand how to use them safely. This preparation is key to preventing accidents or damaging your vehicle.
Keep the following tools in your vehicle at all times:
Car jack: A scissor or hydraulic jack strong enough for your car’s weight.
Wheel wrench: Typically an L-shape or cross wrench to loosen and tighten lug nuts.
Wheel chocks: Blocks to prevent the car from rolling during the lift.
Spare tyre: Fully inflated and regularly checked for pressure and condition.
Optional: gloves, flashlight, tyre pressure gauge, and a reflective vest.
Maxtop Tools provides durable jacks and wrenches designed for strength, ease of use, and safety—trusted by mechanics and drivers worldwide.
Park on a flat surface – Never attempt to change tyres on a slope or uneven ground.
Apply the handbrake – Prevents the vehicle from moving.
Turn on hazard lights – Alerts other drivers of your presence.
Set up a warning triangle – Place it at least 30 meters behind your car if you're near traffic.
These steps protect both you and others while working roadside.
Once the area is secure and you have your tools ready, follow this procedure carefully.
Before lifting the car, use your wrench to loosen each lug nut by turning counter-clockwise. Do not remove them completely—just break the tension. It’s much easier to loosen nuts while the tyre is still grounded.
Tip: If the lug nuts are stuck, use your foot to apply controlled downward force on the wrench handle, or use a longer breaker bar for leverage.
Refer to your vehicle’s manual for the correct jacking point—usually located behind the front wheels or in front of the rear wheels. Place the jack and slowly raise the vehicle until the tyre is off the ground. For added safety, use a jack stand if available.
Never place any part of your body under the car when it's supported only by a jack.
Now that the car is lifted and the nuts are loose:
Remove all lug nuts and place them in a safe spot (a small tray or the hubcap works well).
Gently pull the tyre straight toward you and set it flat on the ground nearby.
If the tyre is stuck due to rust, tap it gently on the sidewalls with a rubber mallet to break the seal.
Align the holes in the wheel with the studs and slide the spare tyre into place. Screw the lug nuts on by hand in a star pattern to ensure the wheel seats evenly.
Avoid using a wrench at this stage—you will tighten the nuts fully once the car is lowered.
Lower the car slowly until the tyre touches the ground and the full weight of the car is supported. Use your wrench to tighten the lug nuts in a star or crisscross pattern, which distributes pressure evenly and ensures the wheel is centered.
Do not tighten the nuts in a circular order—it can cause uneven torque and lead to future issues.
After successfully mounting the new or spare tyre, perform these final checks:
Use a torque wrench if possible to ensure the nuts are tightened to the manufacturer’s recommended specification. Over-tightening can warp brake rotors; under-tightening may cause the wheel to loosen while driving.
Use a pressure gauge to confirm the new tyre is inflated to the correct PSI. An underinflated spare can limit performance and increase the risk of a blowout.
Qingdao Maxtop Tools Co., Ltd offers portable pressure gauges that are easy to carry and provide fast, accurate readings wherever you are.
Put all tools back in your vehicle’s emergency kit. After driving 50–100 km on a newly installed tyre or spare, stop and recheck the lug nut tightness. Vibrations can cause nuts to shift slightly, so retightening is an important final step.
Learning how to change tyres is a valuable self-reliance skill that every driver should practice. Whether it’s for an unexpected roadside flat or replacing worn tyres in your driveway, the process is manageable with the right tools and safety precautions. By following the step-by-step method, you can protect your vehicle, avoid unnecessary delays, and improve road safety.
At Qingdao Maxtop Tools Co., Ltd, we manufacture high-quality tyre repair and replacement tools used by professionals and vehicle owners across more than 39 countries. From jacks and wrenches to gauges and tyre inflators, our products are designed for performance, reliability, and ease of use.
Need reliable tools for tyre maintenance? Contact us today and explore how Maxtop Tools can support your customers, your garage, or your fleet operations.