Last Update 06-22

Auto Tire Change Guide

Changing tires might seem like a small task, but choosing the right ones is crucial for driving safety and experience. With so many brands and types available, many car owners find it challenging: how do you choose? Where is the best deal? What should you pay attention to during installation? Don't worry! Let Car Guy guide you from selecting tires to purchasing and installing them, unlocking the correct way to change tires all around. Get it done right the first time—safe and worry-free! 🚗💨

Tire Lifespan

Generally, a tire's lifespan is about 30,000 to 50,000 miles. If you drive 10,000 miles per year, you'll need to replace them in 3 to 5 years. To put it simply: tires usually have tread wear indicators (TWI). Take Michelin tires as an example ⬇️

Image via Michelin, copyright belongs to the original owner

The rubber bumps in the tread grooves are the wear indicators (TWI) (usually marked by a small triangle on the sidewall). When the tread wears down to the same level as the TWI, it has reached the 1.6 mm wear limit. Grip and water drainage will significantly decrease, making the car prone to slipping and losing control, so the tires need to be replaced immediately.

Tire Markings

Typically, the tire surface has a series of numbers and letters that tell you the tire's size, model, and other information. Using the image above as an example: 195/55R15 means: Tire width: 195 mm; Aspect ratio: 55 (sidewall height as a percentage of width); Wheel diameter: 15 inches.

Tire Selection

Image via Walmart, copyright belongs to the original owner

Once you know your tire's size specifications, you can go directly to a tire website and place an order. Of course, if you find it too much trouble, you can also search on sites like Walmart. Just enter your car's year and model, and it will automatically find the right tires for you.

Typically, tires are replaced in sets of four. Having four identical tires ensures smoother driving and extends the overall lifespan of the tires, especially for all-wheel-drive vehicles. For front-wheel or rear-wheel drive cars, it's best to replace them in pairs to avoid imbalance. Plus, buying four tires often comes with a better deal.

Tire Installation

Proper tire installation is key to ensuring driving safety and vehicle performance. Choose a professional installation point and follow the correct installation direction (such as directional markings for unidirectional and asymmetric tires). You can get tires installed at a dealership or a local tire shop; or Walmart offers a full service from purchase to installation. Just find a Walmart Auto Center near you to book an appointment.

Image via Walmart, copyright belongs to the original owner

After installation, be sure to perform dynamic balancing and, if necessary, a four-wheel alignment to ensure driving stability. Also, inflate the tires to the recommended pressure as per your vehicle's manual. Finally, do a low-speed test drive to confirm everything is normal, and you're good to go!