It is crucial to know how to change a car tire in case of emergencies. You never know when you might need to replace a car tire in the middle of your journey, so it is an essential skill for every driver in the UAE to learn. Especially if you are an off-road driver and go on long trips often, you should know some primary factors of car tire replacement.
Before we delve into the details of how to change tires, you must know the RTA law of tire air pressure in the UAE. A car tire should not be more than five years old, and the recommended tire depth should not be less than 1.6mm. In addition, the tire you purchase must be able to withstand the UAE’s highly heated weather. It is essential to follow the Road and Transport (RTA) law to avoid heavy road fines and unnecessary accidents.
When to Change Car Tires?
Car tires, like any other car part, have an expiration date. Typically, a tire expires five years after its manufacture date, regardless of its condition. Therefore, it’s essential to be aware of the tire’s expiry period. When buying a new tire, ensure that it’s newly manufactured, as some make the mistake of purchasing a new tire with a manufacture date older than 150 days. This mistake can cause the tire to get damaged earlier than expected.
Additionally, your driving habits can impact the lifespan of your tires. If you frequently drive recklessly or in harsh conditions, such as in rainy or hot weather, it increases the chances of your tires getting damaged sooner. Therefore, it’s essential to replace your car tires accordingly.
Keep your tires maintained and in top condition by following our Top Car Tire Maintenance Tips.
How to Know When a Tire Needs Replacement?
If you’re wondering how to know when your tire needs to be replaced, there are a few things to look out for. If you’re having trouble accelerating or taking turns smoothly, your tires may be losing their grip. Additionally, if a tire looks flat, it’s likely time for a replacement.
To check your tire’s air pressure, you can use a common coin technique to check the tread depth. Simply take a coin and insert it into a tread. If the tread depth is less than 1.6mm, which is the recommended depth as per RTA in UAE, it’s time to replace the tire.
However, it’s important to note that the legal tread depth varies depending on the type of vehicle. For heavy vehicles, the legal tread depth is 3.3mm, while for motorcycles, it’s 0.8mm. If your tire tread depth is less than the recommended depth for your vehicle, it’s definitely time to replace your car tire.
Read More: How to Check Tire Tread Depth? A Simple Guide
Steps to Change Car Tire
It is essential to know the basics of changing a tire for emergencies. For instance, if you find out that your tire needs replacement and you are in the middle of your commute or if you are in a situation where no mechanic is available, you can replace the tire yourself.
Tools You Need
To change your car tire successfully, you need the tools mentioned below. You will likely find these tools and a spare tire in your car boot.
- Spare Tire
- Jack
- Lug wrench
Before you begin a long trip, always check and make sure that your car has these tools to change tires without any hazards.
Safely Pull Over
The first step is to pull over your vehicle to the side of the road safely and turn your hazard lights on to signal other drivers.
Loosen the Lug Nuts
The next step is to take out your equipment and start unscrewing the lug nuts with the help of a lug wrench. First, remove the hubcaps on your wheels if you have installed one. Then loosen the wheel nuts, but don’t remove them.
Lift the Vehicle
To lift the vehicle, position the jack under the tire firmly and elevate your car from the ground. Make sure that the wheel is off the ground with about a 5 to 10-centimeter gap.
Replace the Tire
Now that you have lifted the tire, remove the lug nuts from the wheel and place them safely somewhere near you. Get the spare tire and replace it with the flat tire by aligning it with the bolts on the wheel hub. Push the tire until it fits the wheel properly.
Tighten Lug Nuts
Once the tire is replaced, lower the wheel using the jack and place it on ground level. Again, using the lug wrench, properly tighten the lug nuts back on the spare tire.
Continue Driving
Lastly, you are good to go. Continue your journey after replacing the equipment and flat tire safely in the boot of your vehicle.
Conclusion
By following these simple steps to replace a car tire on your own, you can avoid frequent visits to the mechanic for such minor issues. However, it’s always a good idea to have a professional workshop check your car’s tire pressure before starting your journey. This will help ensure your safety and prevent any potential tire-related problems while driving.
