Changing a tire can be an intimidating task, but with the right tools and some patience, it doesn’t have to be complicated.
In 2022, there were an estimated 664 Traffic Fatalities related to flat or heavily worn tires. (according to NHTSA)
Whether you’re dealing with a flat tire, or simply changing tires at home – understanding how long it takes to replace a tire can help alleviate anxiety, while on the road.
Learn more about changing your own tire, by reading this article. Let’s get into it!
How long does it take to replace a tire?
Generally, you can expect to spend about 30 minutes replacing a single tire; the time involved depends on several factors such as the type of car, the quality of tools available and the experience of the person changing the tire.
Taking extra care to ensure that everything is secure and tightened properly will also add time to the process – but ultimately make for a much safer ride.
Additionally, it can be helpful to practice changing a spare tire before being faced with an unexpected flat on a roadside. This can help familiarize yourself with where components are located and teach you how to use tools efficiently, allowing for a smoother and quicker process when you actually need it.
Is changing a tire easy?
Changing a tire is not an overly difficult process, but it does require a bit of know-how. It is important to be prepared for unexpected flat tires on the road and have basic tools for changing the tire.
It can also be helpful to have an extra set of hands for safety reasons. Overall, changing a tire doesn’t need to necessarily cause distress.
With the proper tools and knowledge in hand, it can be a relatively straightforward task.
How do you change a tire?
If you find yourself in a situation where you need to replace a tire, the following steps can help guide you:
1. Loosen and remove the lug nuts on the wheel that needs to be changed.
2. Lift the car with a jack or use ramps if available.
3. Remove the old tire from the wheel hub.
4. Put the new tire (or donut) on the wheel hub, making sure it is properly aligned.
5. Lower the car slightly, and tighten the lug nuts in alternating crisscross (star) pattern with a lug wrench or socket wrench until they are snug.
6. Lower the jack or remove ramps and give all of the lug nuts one final tightening
Is it cheaper to replace tires yourself?
Replacing tires yourself can be a cheaper option, however it is important to weigh the cost against the time it takes, and the level of difficulty to complete the task.
Generally speaking, it will take one to two hours to change your tires unless you have specialized equipment that is made for tire changes but even then it will likely still take around an hour.
If you do not feel comfortable changing a tire yourself, there are plenty of individuals and companies who offer services at varying price points.
Ultimately everybody’s situation is different so make sure to factor in both cost and time when deciding whether or not replacement tires should be done yourself.
If you’re stuck on the road, check to see if your car insurance policy has roadside assistance.
How much should it cost to replace 1 tire?
We’ve already gone over “how long does it take to change a tire” but what about the cost associated with buying tires, or having a professional replace them for you?
This is an important question, as getting new tires can be costly. The price of replacing one tire will vary depending on many factors, especially the type of new tires you purchase. Generally speaking, replacing just one tire will cost anywhere from $50-$200.
If it’s a simple swap out of an old tire for a new one, it’ll take the average 20-30 minutes, but if more extensive work needs to be done, such as wheel alignment, it could take up to an hour or two at the mechanic’s shop.
In any case, knowing the costs associated with replacing your tires ahead of time can help you budget better for future replacements.
How long does a tire change take at Firestone?
A tire change at Firestone typically takes anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour. The length of time for the change ultimately depends on the model of car, the tire size and what type of repair is needed.
If a flat tire needs to be replaced with a spare tire, it should take no longer than 15 minutes. Additionally, Firestone Professional Technicians will always use first-grade quality tires and check twice to ensure they are safe, with the workmanship having at least 90 day warranty.
You must also consider that Firestone is a large brand, and very popular in many areas. Depending on how many technicians are on hand, sometimes there can be a wait before getting to your vehicle.
How long does Costco take to replace tires?
Changing a tire at Costco can be a fast, efficient process when done right. The process generally takes no more than 45 minutes to an hour, depending on the type and size of tire being replaced and how quickly the work is done.
Customers should know that selecting the correct type of tire for their vehicle is essential to receiving professional fitting and installation at Costco. For customers who are unsure of what type of tires their vehicle requires, there are knowledgeable staff readily available in-store to help select the perfect replacement.
Knowing this information upfront saves time both inside and outside of the store, meaning that you get your new set of tires without spending more than necessary on unnecessary labor.
Personally, we’ve found that most drivers will opt to buy tires at Costco, and have them professionally installed somewhere else, not due to inexperienced staff at Costco, but because specialty tire shops have more experience.
How long does tire installation take at Walmart?
On average, it takes less than an hour to have your tires installed and ready to go! To make sure you get the best experience out of the process, be sure to book an appointment in advance.
Once you arrive at a Walmart Auto Care Center, the technicians can perform a free evaluation of your tires and provide you with a complete tire service package if required.
After they assess your vehicle’s needs, they can get started on your tire installation even while you wait. The labor time may vary depending on the size and type of tires being fitted; however, you can expect to be back on the road quickly with new tires!
An added advantage is the lower cost tires available at Walmart, so if you’re on a budget – Walmart Auto Care Center may be a good option to check before committing to another tire shop.
How long does an alignment take?
How long it takes to get an alignment really depends on the type of alignment needed, the make and model of vehicle, and your chosen service center.
Generally allow anywhere between 30 minutes to an hour for most common alignments. Keep in mind, a typical tire change will take much less time than getting a full alignment – usually only fifteen minutes to half an hour.
Once you or your mechanic have determined what type of alignment your vehicle needs, you can determine how long to plan for at your local service center.
How often should tires be replaced?
It depends on a variety of factors: how much a car is driven and what type of terrain is typically navigated, as well as the quality of the tire itself.
Generally speaking, replacing your tires every 2-4 years will help ensure optimal vehicle performance and stability when driving.
Furthermore, the suggested life expectancy of a tire can vary depending on the age and condition of it; so if you’re reaching that time frame (or unsure), consider taking extra steps such as having your tires inspected or determining tread depth with a penny test to ensure they are still good to go!
Although it may take some time to get new tires, this investment in your vehicle will pay off in the long run – especially when it comes to efficient fuel consumption.
Conclusion
Getting new tires or an alignment don’t have to be long and drawn out processes. With the right knowledge and preparation, you can get your tires replaced and your car back on the road in no time!
