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How do I replace a car tire on a rim?

The tread on my tires is worn, so I need to replace them. I don’t want to pay the high price tag at a tire shop, so I’m going to replace them myself. What are some tips and tricks to replace a car tire on a rim?

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Eric Schad · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Tires typically wear out after about 50,000 to 80,000 miles, so if your tread is looking worn, replacing it is a great way to stay safe behind the wheel.
Fortunately, replacing a car tire on a rim is fairly easy. All you need is a jack, a stretching strap, and a new tire.
To take the car tire off the rim, follow these steps:
  • Deflate the tire and take it off the car.
  • Place the jack under the tire, making sure not to put the jack on the rim.
  • Run your strap through the spoke and bring it back around through another spoke. Clasp it to ensure it’s strapped on and ratchet it to tighten the strap.
  • Jack up the tire until the bead is broken.
  • Use a crowbar or a Sawzall to slice the tire off.
To put a new tire on the rim, use these instructions:
  • Lay the rim on the ground.
  • Spray window cleaner or put soap on the bead of the tire.
  • Position the tire on the rim.
  • Step on top of the tire to get one side on.
  • Spray again with the cleaner or soap.
  • Use a crowbar to tuck the other sides of the tire into the rim.
While replacing a car tire on a rim seems easy, it can give you grief if you’ve never done it before. Persistence usually pays off, but if you’re at your wit’s end, take it to a tire store.
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