Last Updated on April 4, 2024
Not sure if you should take the time to wait for a tire change or drop your car off? Or maybe your day took a turn for the worse and got a flat tire, and need to break out the spare tire. You might be wondering then, how long does it take to change a tire?
It generally takes a tire shop 15 to 30 minutes to change a tire. If using roadside assistance, expect 30 to 45 minutes. Or, if you’re changing a tire on the side of the road yourself with a spare tire, it may take 30 minutes to an hour.
Truth is, there are a number of factors that can affect how long it takes to change a tire. In fact, changing a tire can take longer than expected for a variety of reasons.
Weather conditions, for instance, is a factor that will affect the process of putting on or taking off the tire.
For example, cold wet weather can cause ice to form between the lug bolt threads, wheel and nut surface. Just the slightest bit of frozen moisture is enough to add extra tightness, making the lug nuts nearly impossible to remove.
Also the efficiency of the process is largely affected by the skill set of the individual changing the tire. If it’s your very first time putting on a spare tire, expect extra time to get familiar with the process.
In fact, about 10% of motor vehicle accidents involve damage to the tire. In these events, you might find yourself on the roadside replacing a tire yourself.
Whether you are changing a tire yourself, or taking the car to a tire shop, let’s review how much time is needed to change a tire. Let’s jump into this!
How Long Does It Take to Change a Tire at a Tire Shop?
Expect a tire shop to need about 15 to 30 minutes to replace your tire. However, if you need to replace all four tires, expect 45 minutes to an hour.
Changing a tire is a straight forward process, but the time it takes can vary greatly depending on the type of vehicle tire, and the busyness of the tire shop.
The good new is, a tire shop is equipped with all the necessary tools to ensure your tire change experience is as fast as possible.
From hydraulic jacks used to raise your vehicle off the ground, to torque wrenches that secure each lug nut in place.
How Long Does it Take Roadside Assistance to Change a Tire?
When you call for roadside assistance, your tire changing needs will typically be taken care of in just a half an hour to 45 minutes tops.
But keep in mind, calling for roadside assistance can be like playing the lottery. As soon as calls come in, the number of help trucks diminish rapidly.
Waiting can be difficult, but being patient is key. With that said, a technician is typically likely to arrive at your location within 30 minutes.
Pursuing roadside support requires patience and some luck from your side. With a little bit of both, you’re sure to quickly get back on road.
How Long Does it Take to Replace a Tire Yourself?
Changing a flat tire on your own can be done in as little as half an hour to one full hour, depending on how confident you are with the process.
How to Change A Flat Tire
To install a spare tire, you will need a lug wrench, a jack, owners manual, and the spare tire. These tools can typically be found in the trunk of your car.
Time needed: 45 minutes
How to Change a Flat Tire with the Spare Tire
- Turn on your hazard lights
First, put on your hazard lights so other motorist know to take precaution when passing your car.
- Locate the spare tire and tools
You can find the spare tire and tools in the truck of your car. Check the owners manual if you are unsure.
- Use the lug wrench to break loose each lug nut
Using the lug wrench, loosen each lug nut on the flat tire.
- Place jack on the jacking point underneath the car
Once the lug nuts are loose, use the jack to lift the car off the ground. Make sure to place jack on the proper jacking point under the car. Check your owners manual if you are unsure about placement.
- Pull off the wheel with the flat tire
Pull off the wheel with the flat tire. It may require some wiggling to pull the wheel off the wheel studs
- Put the spare tire on
Place the spare tire on the car, aligning the holes with the bolts. Then, carefully hand-tighten the lug nuts as much as you can.
- Lower car back to the ground
Now lower the car back to the ground and use the lug wrench to fully tighten the lug nuts. Make sure to tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern to ensure that the tire is mounted properly.
- Double check each lug nut
Before driving away, double-check that each lug nut is tight.
- Put the wheel with the flat tire in the truck
Place the flat tire and tools in the truck of the car.
Someone familiar with the process can replace a tire in 15 to 20 minutes, but if it’s your first time, then expect to spend about 45 minutes to an hour with the process.
If you’re in doubt about your capability to change a tire safely, then make a call for roadside assistance.
Final Thoughts
Generally, it takes a tire shop 15 to 30 minutes to change a tire. If using roadside assistance, expect 30 to 45 minutes.
Or, if you’re changing a tire on the side of the road yourself with a spare tire, it may take 30 minutes to an hour.
However, there are many factors that can affect how long it takes to change a tire and usually, it takes longer than expected.
How long did it take you to replace a tire? Share your story in the comments below.
Managing Editor
Christopher is an automotive technical writer. When he’s not at the local autocross event, he can often be found working on one of his cars. Specializes in automotive class action law, industry trends, and automotive maintenance. Email me direct, or learn more about us
