How to Change Bicycle Tires

A flat tire is a jam, but changing a tire is also a fairly simple task that you can do yourself. Usually you just need to change the inner tube of the wheel, but you may need to replace the tire if it is badly damaged or worn out. Before changing a tire, you will have to remove it, then replace with a new tube and tire if necessary. Finally, you will put the tire back in place.

Table of Contents

Remove the wheel

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Place the bike on its side, side with the chain facing up. You cannot remove the wheel if the vehicle is standing upright as it will tip over. When placing the bike on its side, always keep the side with the chain facing up to avoid damage.

You can also turn the bike upside down, resting on the handlebars (handles) of the bike. Many people do not like to turn their bicycle upside down for fear of damaging the handlebars or saddle. ^{[1] X Research Source}
Another option is to buy a bike rack to hold the bike while working. You can buy bike racks at bike shops or online.

Adjust the gears so that the chain is on the smallest ring if you are changing the rear tire of the bike. Usually the smallest ring is the outermost gear. Shift the chain onto the outer and smaller gear to make it easier to remove the wheel. ^{[2] X Research Source}

If you remove the front wheel, you do not need to adjust the wheel gear.

Open and remove the quick release lever, if applicable. Find the quick release lever in the center of the bike wheel. Pull the lever up, then rotate it 180 degrees to loosen it. Remove the lever from the shaft and set it aside. ^{[3] X Research Sources}

If you need a quick release that won’t come off after a 180 degree turn, keep spinning until you can remove it.
If you don’t know how to remove a bike wheel, it’s best to read your bike’s manual or look it up on the manufacturer’s website.

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Use a wrench to loosen the nuts if the vehicle does not have a quick release lever. Attach the wrench to the nut and loosen it. Continue twisting until it loosens. Remove the nuts on both sides of the wheel. ^{[4] X Research Sources}

If the nuts do not loosen, you can spray WD-40 or cooking oil to make them easier to remove.
A 15mm wrench is usually the right size to remove the nuts on a bike.

Remove the brake cable if necessary. In many cases, when you open the quick release lever, the brake cable is also removed. If your bike doesn’t have this feature, squeeze the brake calipers to remove the brake cable. ^{[5] X Research Sources}

Check your bike’s manual or the manufacturer’s website if you can’t remove the brake. Different models often have different instructions.

Lift the bike wheel off the frame. Lift the wheel off the fork. You may have to move the wheel when removing it. ^{[6] X Research Sources}

If you remove the rear wheel, you may have to remove the chain.

Remove tires and tubes

Deflate the tire. Open the valve cover. Set the valve cover aside if it comes off completely. Properly inflate your tires depending on the valve model. This will make it easier for you to remove. ^{[7] X Research Sources}

If your bike has a Schrader valve (American valve), you need to use a small tool like a wrench to push the plunger inside the valve to release the air.
If it’s a Presta valve, you’ll screw the valve cap and pull it up to release the steam.
If you have a Dunlop valve, pull the valve up to release steam.

Hook the round end of the tire lever under the outer rim of the tire. This step helps pry the edge of the tire and remove it from the rim. Pull the other end of the trap down towards the spokes, then hook the other end of the trap onto a spoke to prop up the tire rim. ^{[8] X Research Sources}

If you don’t hook the other end of the tire lever into a spoke, the tire will return to its original position and close around the wheel again.
The outer rim of a bicycle tire is called the “tire belt.”
You can buy cheap tire traps at bike shops, picnic shops, or online.
You can also use a spatula or screwdriver to remove the tire, but be careful not to damage the tire.

Use an extra tire lever around the tire rim. Insert the second tire lever near the first and pry the tire up. Move the tire lever clockwise around the tire and pry it up. Continue doing this until the entire side of the tire comes out of the rim. ^{[9] X Research Source}

Pull the inner tube out of the tire. Reach your hand under the side of the tire. Grab the inner tube and pull it out. When you reach the valve, push it through the hole in the wheel rim and continue removing the tube. ^{[10] X Research Source}

You can either throw away the old tube or put it in the recycling bin.

Install a new tube on a tire

Remove the inner tube and remove the dust cover, latch ring and valve cover. Carefully open the tube. The valve may have a dust cover and latch ring that you will need to remove. Loosen or remove the valve cap to inflate the tire. ^{[11] X Research Source}

Inflate the inner tube just enough to keep it in shape. Inflating the inner tube is to help you avoid clamping, breaking or twisting the tube during mounting. This will make it easier for you to install new tubes. ^{[12] X Research Source}

Check the inside of the tire to make sure there are no holes. Look for sharp objects that may have punctured your tires, such as nails, spikes, or shards of glass. Visually, use a rag or gloved hand to inspect the tire surface. ^{[13] X Research Source}

If you find something stuck inside the tire, remove it if you are going to patch the tire.
Do not install a new tube on a tire without checking it. If something like spikes or nails gets stuck inside the tire, it will puncture the new tire again.

Place the tube inside the tire. Use your hand to insert the inner tube into the tire. The tube will follow the shape of the tire. Make sure there are no folds, twists or twists in the tyres. ^{[14] X Research Source}

Make sure the inner tube fits inside the tire before you continue to the next step. If the inner tube cannot be fully inserted, take it out and redo it. You may have to deflate the inside of the tire to make it easier.

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Buy a new set of tires if you can’t fix it or the treads are worn out. Usually, you just need to change the tire to fix the flat tire. However, your tire may need to be replaced if it is damaged beyond repair, such as a tear or a large puncture. Tires must also be replaced if the treads are worn, the wheels are dry, or they are too old. You can buy a new set of tires at bike shops or online. ^{[15] X Research Source}

You need to buy a set of tires according to the correct model, preferably from the manufacturer of the vehicle you are using.
Tires are folded neatly in the packaging. Usually a set of tires is packaged in a package.
Always change both tires if you need to change one. Otherwise, the two tires will not synchronize with each other and there is a risk of breaking one of the tires, especially the old one.

Put the tire back in place

Reinsert the tire to the wheel on one side. Insert the valve on the inner tube into the valve hole, then insert the outer rim onto one side of the wheel. Push the outer rim into its place along the wheel rim. ^{[16] X Research Source}

Look for the arrow on the tire indicating which direction the tread should be facing. This is called the “way of movement”. If the tire has an arrow, be sure to install it so that the arrow is facing forward. Some tires can move in both directions and have no arrows.
Do not use any tools when changing tires to avoid punctured tires or tubes. Use only your hands to change tires.
Whether you install an old tire or a new tire on the wheel, the installation process is the same.

Fit the other side of the tire onto the wheel rim. Make sure the tube fits under the tire. Place your fingers on one side of the valve and press the tire into place. Press around the rim, pushing the tire into the rim. Ends at the valve part, the loosest part of the tire when attached to the wheel rim. ^{[17] X Research Source}

Make sure there are no bulges on the tire, as that is an indication that the tube is pinched, twisted or clamped.
You may need to use a tire lever near the end of the operation, but be very careful not to puncture the tire or tube.
Fitting a tire to a wheel can be difficult, especially with a new tire, but you can do it with your bare hands.

Screw the pin ring to the valve if present. Some tubes have a screw-down ring on the valve. The pin ring will hold the collar tube in place in the wheel. Place the pin ring to match the valve thread and screw down. ^{[18] X Research Sources}

Skip this step if you are using a tube without a pin ring.

Inflate the tires to the correct pressure. You can use a hand pump or an electric pump to inflate the tires. Attach the pump nozzle to the valve and pump. Close the valve cap when the tire has reached the proper pressure. ^{[19] X Research Source}

The correct pressure level is usually indicated on the sidewall of the tire. You can also find information in the manual or online.

Put the wheel back on the chassis and reinstall the nuts. Insert the wheel into the fixing slot, then slide the lever or metal bar holding the wheel back into place. Tighten the nut, using a wrench if necessary. The lock needs quick release if your bike has it. ^{[20] X Research Source}

If you install a rear wheel, you will have to lift the chain to reassemble it.
Check to make sure the wheel turns smoothly.

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Reinsert the brake if it is still loose. Squeeze the brake calipers and put the brake back in place. Squeeze the brake to see if it tightens on the wheel. ^{[21] X Research Source}

Before riding, check your brakes again to make sure they are working properly.

Advice

Fixing bicycle tires on a flat surface is best.
If you’re having trouble changing your bike’s tires, take it to a bike shop and ask. They will show you how, although there may be a small fee.
If possible, you should have your bike repaired in-house to keep the bike clean and easier to work with.

Warning

Usually, tubes and tires that have been aged for a long time will be degraded. Indoor bicycles usually need to be changed every 10-15 years, while outdoor bicycles will have to change tires after about 7 years.
Never overinflate the inner tube, as it can blow the tire. Find the correct pressure information on the tire sidewalls.
Keep bicycle tubes away from hot objects. Heat can cause the tires to expand and even explode.
When removing a tire, you need to be careful not to warp anything. If you accidentally damage a part, you will have to repair or replace the part.

Steps