Changing Tires
Joel Noah has contributed this excellent article on
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 by removing 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.
Tyres:
Resources and Information about them
If you found this article on changing tyres useful,
check out our other great articles and resources on
tyres and all aspects of tire maintenance...
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