You’re probably wondering, how long does it take to change 4 tires? It’s a common question when you’re facing a flat or planning a seasonal swap. The honest answer is that it depends, but for a typical DIY job, you should budget between 45 minutes to 2 hours. For a professional at a tire shop, it’s often much quicker.
This timeline isn’t just about spinning off lug nuts. It involves preparation, the actual work, and crucial finishing steps. Whether you’re in your driveway or at a service center, understanding the process helps you plan your day and set realistic expectations. Let’s break down what really goes into a tire change and where the time goes.
How Long Does It Take To Change 4 Tires
The core job of physically swapping four mounted tires on a vehicle takes a professional technician about 30 to 45 minutes. This assumes they have a hydraulic lift, an impact wrench, and a tire balancing machine right there. For you at home with standard jack and a lug wrench, the same task can take 60 to 90 minutes of hands-on work.
But that’s only part of the story. The total time you’ll invest from start to finish includes gathering tools, prepping the vehicle, doing the swap, and then the vital post-installation steps. Rushing can lead to mistakes, so it’s better to plan for a longer window, especially if it’s your first time.
Key Factors That Influence Your Timeline
Several variables can stretch or shrink your tire-changing time dramatically. Don’t get frustrated if you hit a snag; they’re common.
- Your Experience Level: A first-timer will always be slower. Knowing the order of operations and how your tools work saves huge amounts of time.
- Tool Quality & Access: A scissor jack is slow, a floor jack is faster. A basic lug wrench is a workout, while an electric impact driver changes everything. Having the right tools within arms reach is crucial.
- Vehicle Type & Condition: Trucks and SUVs have larger, heavier tires. Sedans are generally easier. Rusted or over-torqued lug nuts (“frozen lugs”) can add 20+ minutes of struggle.
- Tire and Wheel Type: Alloy wheels require more care than steel rims to avoid damage. Performance tires with stiff sidewalls can be harder to seat on the rim.
- Working Conditions: A flat, paved driveway is ideal. Gravel, grass, or a sloped surface adds complexity and safety checks, slowing you down. Weather is a big factor too.
The Professional Shop Process: Why It’s Faster
When you pull into a tire shop, their efficiency comes from specialization, high-end equipment, and a streamlined process. Here’s what you’re paying for in terms of speed.
- Check-In & Vehicle Assessment (5-10 mins): They note your tire specs, check for existing damage, and discuss services.
- Lift & Tire Removal (10 mins): The car is hoisted on a lift. An impact gun removes all lug nuts in seconds per wheel. Tires are taken off and rolled to the service area.
- Mounting & Balancing (15-20 mins): A tire machine pops the old tire off and mounts the new one onto the rim. Each new assembly is then placed on a balancer. Small weights are added to ensure a smooth, vibration-free ride.
- Installation & Torquing (10 mins): The balanced tires are put back on the vehicle. Lug nuts are tightened in a star pattern with a torque wrench to the manufacturer’s exact specification, which is critical for safety.
- Final Check & Cleanup (5 mins): Tire pressures are set, a visual inspection is done, and sometimes a quick test drive is performed.
This orchestrated flow is why a shop can often have you in and out in under an hour for a simple swap. Their biggest time saver is the dedicated tire mounting and balancing equipment, which is impractical for most DIYers.
The DIY Step-by-Step Timeline Breakdown
Doing it yourself is rewarding and saves money, but be honest about the time commitment. Here’s a realistic phase-by-phase breakdown for a home mechanic with some basic tools.
Phase 1: Preparation & Safety (15-20 Minutes)
Don’t skip this! Good prep prevents accidents and frustration.
- Gather all tools: jack, jack stand, lug wrench, wheel chocks, gloves, and your new tires.
- Park on a level, solid surface and engage the parking brake. Place wheel chocks against the tires that will remain on the ground.
- If you have alloy wheels, consider using a torque wrench and the correct socket to avoid stripping lugs.
- Loosen the lug nuts on all four wheels slightly (about a quarter turn) before you lift the vehicle. This breaks the initial torque while the tire is firmly on the ground.
Phase 2: Lifting & Removing the Old Tires (20-30 Minutes)
This is the most physically demanding part for many people.
- Lift the first corner of the vehicle using the jack at the manufacturer’s specified lift point. Never rely solely on the jack; immediately place a jack stand under a secure part of the frame or axle.
- Once the vehicle is secure on the stand, finish removing the loosened lug nuts. Pull the tire straight off the hub. It might be stuck; a firm kick at the bottom of the tire can free it.
- Repeat this process for all four wheels. It’s often easiest to lift and remove one tire at a time if you only have one jack stand. For two stands, you can do one side at a time.
Phase 3: Installing the New Tires (15-25 Minutes)
Take care during installation to avoid cross-threading the lug nuts.
- Lift each new tire onto the wheel studs. It can be heavy, so use your knees.
- Hand-tighten the lug nuts in a star or crisscross pattern. This centers the wheel evenly on the hub.
- Once all tires are hand-tight, lower the vehicle until the tires just touch the ground but the full weight isn’t on them. This stops the wheel from spinning.
- Now, use your wrench to tighten the lug nuts in the star pattern. Get them as snug as you can.
Phase 4: Final Torquing & Cleanup (15-20 Minutes)
This final phase is non-negotiable for safety and long-term wear.
- Fully lower the vehicle and remove the jack and stands.
- Using a torque wrench set to your vehicle’s specified value (found in the owner’s manual, usually 75-100 ft-lbs), go around each wheel in the star pattern and tighten each lug nut to the exact torque. Do not guess this step.
- Put away all your tools and old tires. Check the tire pressures on all four new tires with a gauge and inflate to the PSI listed on your driver’s side door jamb sticker, not the tire’s sidewall.
As you can see, the DIY approach has a lot of steps. Your total hands-on time will likely land between 65 and 95 minutes, plus any time spent dealing with problems like rust or finding a lost socket. Always budget extra time for your first attempt.
When Things Take Longer: Common Time Delays
Even pros encounter delays. Being aware of these helps you stay calm if they happen.
- Frozen or Stuck Lug Nuts: The most common delay. Using penetrating oil like WD-40 and letting it soak for 10 minutes can help. A breaker bar (a long pipe over your wrench) provides more leverage.
- Stuck Wheels: Wheels can corrode to the hub. Tapping the inside of the tire with a rubber mallet from different angles can break the seal. Avoid excessive force.
- Missing or Wrong Tools: Realizing your jack is too small or you lack the correct socket size wastes a huge amount of time. Check everything first.
- Balancing Issues (DIY Limitation): At home, you cannot balance a tire. If you feel vibration after installing, you’ll need to visit a shop just for balancing, adding another trip to your overall timeline.
- Unexpected Damage: Finding a damaged wheel stud, torn boot, or severe brake wear during the change means the job stops until that part is fixed.
TPMS and Alignment: Additional Time Considerations
Modern cars add two more time factors: TPMS and alignment.
TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System): If your new tires are going on the same wheels, the TPMS sensors are usually fine. If you have new wheels, the sensors may need to be transferred or new ones programmed. This can add 15-30 minutes at a shop. You’ll also need to reset the system after inflation, which your manual explains.
Alignment: Changing tires does not require an alignment. However, it is a highly recommended time to get one, especially if your old tires wore unevenly. A proper alignment takes a shop about 30-60 minutes and is a separate service. It adds to your total stop time but protects your new investment.
Tips to Speed Up Your DIY Tire Change
A few smart practices can shave precious minutes off your project.
- Invest in a Quality Floor Jack and Stands: A 2-ton floor jack lifts the car much faster and higher than the factory scissor jack. Two jack stands let you work on two wheels simultaneously.
- Use an Impact Driver or Torque Wrench: A cordless impact driver makes removing lug nuts trivial. Finish with a torque wrench for safety and precision; it’s faster than a standard wrench too.
- Organize Your Workspace: Lay out all tools and the four new tires before you start. Keep lug nuts in a small bowl so they don’t roll away.
- Lift One Whole Side: If you have two jack stands, lift the entire side of the car from the central frame rail. This allows you to remove both front and rear tires on that side at once.
- Break Lug Nuts Early: Always loosen them while the car is on the ground. It’s the single best tip to avoid struggle.
FAQ: Your Tire Change Questions Answered
How long should it take to change 2 tires?
For two tires on the same axle, a pro takes 20-30 minutes. DIY will take 30-50 minutes, as you still need to go through all the safety and prep steps for that end of the car.
Can I change all 4 tires by myself?
Absolutely. With the right tools, patience, and by following safety procedures (especially using jack stands), it’s a very manageable task for most people.
How long to change tires at Costco or Walmart?
At big-box stores, the tire change itself is quick (30-45 mins), but wait times can be long due to high volume. You might leave your car for several hours or need an appointment. Always call ahead.
Why does tire balancing take extra time?
Balancing is a separate machine process that ensures the tire/wheel assembly has even weight distribution. An unbalanced tire causes steering wheel shake and uneven wear. It’s a critical step shops include.
Is it faster to change tires or wheels?
Changing entire wheels (with tires already mounted) is vastly faster. You’re just swapping the whole assembly. This is what you do with winter/summer sets. A DIY swap of four pre-mounted wheels can take as little as 30 minutes.
How long to change a tire with a flat?
Just changing one flat tire with a spare? In an emergency, aim for 15-20 minutes. The process is simpler because you’re only doing one corner and using the car’s emergency jack. But for a proper fix, you’ll still need to repair or replace the flat later.
In summary, the time it takes to change 4 tires hinges on your method. A professional with a lift and machines can do it safely in under an hour. For the home gamer, setting aside a solid two-hour block is a wise plan, allowing for a careful, safe job without rushing. The key is not to focus solely on speed, but on doing the job correctly. Proper torque, correct pressure, and good safety habits ensure your new tires perform well and keep you safe for thousands of miles to come. Remember, a little extra time spent now prevents problems down the road.