Changing Tyres
You may not have any experience in changing tyres, so knowing
when to do so could be difficult without a proper inspection. If
you don't feel comfortable diagnosing the problem prior to
changing tyres, then a professional can help. However,
determining how to change a tyre can be quite easy.
One sign that can tell you it's time to change your tyres is by
how well they are performing. One example could be that your
car, which usually handles well in poor weather conditions, is
suddenly not handling as well. Another is that it takes longer
to stop when you brake.
A tyre's tread should not be worn beyond the legal limit, which
is a minimum limit of 1.6 millimeters. Most tyre manufacturers
mould T.W.I, or tread wear indicators, right into the tyres
tread pattern, usually at 1.6 millimeters. When the tyre is worn
to the T.W.I, then it should be replaced.
Tyre wear can be caused by several factors, not just through age
and use. Emergency braking, under- or over-inflation, and
migalignment can cause them to wear. Once a tyre is worn to, or
even past its legal limit, changing tyres is a must.
To avoid wearing out your tyres too early, check to see if your
tyres are properly inflated. To do so you will need a few simple
tools.
You will need a tyre pressure gauge to check the tyre's
pressure. This can be either mechanical or electronic, or can
even use a pump with a gauge built right in. You can also opt to
by a small compressor that powers through your car's cigarette
lighter. They are great for saving time and effort, but make
sure to avoid buying a cheap one. They don't work as well, and
often break very quickly.
If you've done all your checks, but your tyres are still in bad
shape, then changing tyres is inevitable. But don't worry, the
process can be done easily and quickly with just a few tips.
Before you begin changing tyres, you should check to see that
your car's jack is there, you have a properly inflated spare
tyre, you have a lug wrench that properly fits your wheel, and
you also have the correct lug bolts.
Once you have safely parked your car, make sure you put a couple
of bricks or large stones beneath the tyres to ensure that it
doesn't roll or move. Bring the jack, spare tyre, and lug wrench
to where you will be changing tyres.
Begin byremoving the hubcap/plate and loosening the nuts prior
to jacking up the car to prevent the wheels spinning on you.
Turn them counterclockwise to loosen until it comes off. Once
this is done, you can jack up the car.
Remove the old tyre. Since you have already taken out the lug
nuts, pull it with your weight forward in order to prevent you
from falling backward.
Now you are ready to put the new tyre on. Adjust the tyre in the
threaded shafts so they fit. Then you can replace the lug nuts,
tightening them in the proper order.
Once this is done you can lower the jack so that they tyres are
once again resting on the ground. Lastly you can replace the
hubcap or plate.
Changing tyres can be hard the first time you try, but once you
get the hang of it, it will be easier and easier each time you
do it.