DIY – Tire change – Save Time

Business | Sport

Time is Money: How a DIY Tire Change Can Save You Time and Money

When it comes to changing tires for the winter season, many people immediately think of going to their trusted garage. However, what is often overlooked is how much time and money you can save by doing the tire change yourself. In this article, I’ll show you how a simple do-it-yourself approach can help you save both valuable time and cash with minimal effort.

The Traditional Route: Tire Change at the Garage

For most, the seasonal tire change means driving to the nearest workshop. While this may seem convenient at first glance, it can quickly turn into a time-consuming task. Here’s a typical scenario:

  1. Driving to the Garage: On average, the trip to the garage takes around 20 minutes. This doesn’t even account for traffic.
    2. Waiting Time: Upon arrival, you might have to wait for your appointment or for a mechanic to become available, which can easily add another 10–15 minutes.
    3.  The Actual Tire Change: Once the process begins, the change typically takes around 25 minutes.
    4.  Driving Back Home: After the job is done, you’ll spend another 20 minutes driving back home. Don’t forget the possibility of delays due to traffic or even minor accidents.

All in all, you’re looking at investing roughly 1.5 hours for a simple tire change – something you likely do twice a year.

The Smarter Way: DIY Tire Change at Home
So, why not take the tire change into your own hands? With the right tools and a bit of practice, you can complete the process in under 30 minutes, saving both time and money in the process.

Here’s what you need:
–  Car Jack: A simple jack is enough to lift the vehicle.
–  Torque Wrench: This ensures the lug nuts are tightened to the correct torque.
–  Air or Electric Impact Wrench  (optional): For maximum efficiency, you can use a pneumatic or electric wrench to quickly loosen and tighten the lug nuts.

Why It’s Worth Doing It Yourself
1.  Time Savings: The entire process takes a maximum of 30 minutes – far quicker than driving to the garage and back. Compared to the traditional route, you can save around an hour of your time.
2.  Cost Savings: A tire change at a garage typically costs between 30 and 50 euros, depending on location and provider. These costs are completely avoided with a DIY change.
3.  Flexibility: You can change your tires at a time that suits you best, with no need to schedule appointments or deal with waiting times. Whether it’s early morning, late at night, or on the weekend – you’re in control.

Potential Risks and How to Avoid Them
Of course, there are a few challenges that come with changing your own tires, such as ensuring the lug nuts are tightened properly or safely handling the car jack. But with a bit of caution and the right equipment, these risks can be minimized. The most important thing is to make sure that the lug nuts are tightened securely enough to ensure your safety. A torque wrench is your best tool for this job.

Conclusion: Maximize Your Time and Money
Changing tires at a garage might seem convenient at first, but when you factor in driving time, waiting, and costs, the DIY approach can be a more efficient and cost-effective alternative. With the right tools and a little practice, you can save both money and precious time – time that can be used for more important things.

Try it out the next time you need to change your tires – you’ll be surprised how quick and easy it can be!

Good Luck!
Tommy