What does almost no one know about when changing the tires on your car?

[Ralusates]

People usually think you put them on the drive wheels, and most cars are front wheel drive, because you want good traction with the drive wheels. In the old days, when almost every car was rear-wheel drive, that wasn't a problem. When people started buying front wheel drive cars, they still put new tires on the front. But then either the problems started or people got smarter. The problem is that when you hydroplane or hit the brakes hard, the old ones lock up first and slide because they have less traction.

[Walikatim]

Wheel offset is important to determine if the wheel touches or fits correctly in the wheel when buying rims and tires. If I remember correctly, wheel offset is measured from the wheel's centerline to the mounting surface. I found these measurements for my car toyota tacoma offset . There is a detailed guide there that will help you.

[cathy37]

When I buy tires I buy all four at the same time.  I have always done this because then I would not have any problems later on.

[dsawan]

I let the mecahnic tell me when i need new tires. but on average i think its 2-3 yrs. They tell me to do two at a time. so like fron first then the back tires

[mrisha]

I never attempt to change a tire on my vehicle.  That is why I have AAA.

[dreamyxo]

I just had a flat tire last Thursday, luckily I was at home and not coming from work.  I didn't even notice.  It had to have been flat when I left the house.  I went out to get some food and heard a noise when I stopped and got out and looked and sure enough my back driver's side tire was flat. 

Luckily there was a gas station right across from the restaurant and I put some air in it and luckily too there was a Fiirestone about a 1/2 mile down the street so I made my way there for them to look at it.  They changed it for me and put my donut on at no charge but I gave the guy a tip anyway because I was grateful.  I know how to change a tire myself but it was much easier for them to do it. 

It was time for new tires anyway.  I got some at Costco yesterday and they had a special for $150 off some Michellins and my brother gave me a $25 gift card from last year so that helped a little  Set me back almost $600.

[ccandpam]

I do not know how to change a tire. I have Roadside Assistance on my Insurance Policy. They have always been there for me.

[mrisha]

It doesn't bother me because I have a tow service that include all the necessities I need for my car.

[applemaker]

Most people don't realize that improper torque when tightening lug nuts after a tire change can lead to serious safety issues or even warped brake rotors. Always double-check this step! I get all my parts locally through https://www.nkautomotive.com/ — quality matters.

[JOHNTA1976]

Honestly, I used to always put new tires on the front since my car is front-wheel drive, but after reading up and some experience, I switched to putting new tires on the rear instead. It makes a big difference, especially in wet conditions or if you have to brake hard. The rear tires losing grip can cause the car to fishtail or slide, which feels way scarier and harder to control than the front slipping. So even though it feels natural to focus on the drive wheels, keeping the back tires in better shape actually helps keep the car more stable overall.