How to Change a Tire: A Step-by-Step Guide

A friend of mine, who recently bought a Dongfeng truck, had a near miss on Lang Ha Street one afternoon. The culprit? A flat tire from a nail. The bigger problem was he didn’t know how to change it and had to frantically call for roadside assistance. Since then, he’s been diligently checking his tires and carrying a complete spare tire kit. His story reminded me of something important: knowing how to change a tire is essential for every driver, whether you’re driving a car or a truck like my friend’s Dongfeng.

When Do You Need to Change a Tire?

Tires are like the “feet” of your vehicle, supporting its entire weight and ensuring a safe journey. Recognizing the signs that your tires need replacing is crucial for your safety and the safety of others on the road. Here are some indicators that it’s time to get new tires:

• Worn Tread: Most tires have wear indicator bars. If the tread is worn down to these bars, you need to replace the tire immediately.
• Cracks in the Sidewall: Cracks in the tire sidewall can indicate aging or damage from impacts.
• Bulges or Deformations: Bulges or deformations in the tire can be caused by strong impacts or poor tire quality.
• Vehicle Vibration: Uneven tire wear or deformation can cause the vehicle to vibrate, especially at high speeds.

A car tire with worn tread

Changing a Tire: A Simple Process Anyone Can Do

Many people are intimidated by the thought of changing a tire, but the process is quite simple if you understand the basic steps:

Step 1: Preparation

• Park on a level, dry, and safe surface.
• Engage the parking brake and turn on hazard lights.
• Gather necessary tools: jack, lug wrench, spare tire…

Step 2: Loosen the Lug Nuts

• Use the lug wrench to loosen the lug nuts by turning them counterclockwise.

Step 3: Raise the Vehicle

• Place the jack in the appropriate position on the vehicle frame (consult your owner’s manual).
• Raise the vehicle until the tire is about 4-6 inches off the ground.

Step 4: Remove the Wheel

• Completely remove the lug nuts and store them safely.
• Carefully remove the wheel from the axle.

Step 5: Install the Spare Tire

• Mount the spare tire onto the axle.
• Hand-tighten the lug nuts in a clockwise direction.

Step 6: Lower the Vehicle

• Slowly lower the vehicle using the jack until the tire touches the ground.

Step 7: Tighten the Lug Nuts

• Use the lug wrench to tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern.

A person changing a tire on a car

Note: After changing the tire, you should take your vehicle to a reputable garage in Hanoi, such as those in Nguyen Van Cu, Long Bien, or Le Van Luong, to have the tire pressure checked and adjusted to the recommended level.

Tire Replacement Price Guide

Note:

• This price list is for reference only. Actual prices may vary depending on the tire brand, size, and location.