Every driver will get a flat tire at some point in their life. It may be on your way to that business meeting, or with your family on the way to your vacation destination. For the sake of time, it is important to know how to safely change tires. You will find that your car’s manufacturer has provided you with tons of tools to change a tire but the tools must be used properly. In this 10 step guide, we will outline the procedures for you to follow when changing a tire. Feel free to do an internet search, too, as there are videos and pictures of how this is done, if supplementing this article with one of those resources may be helpful!
Steps:
- If you think one of your tires has gone flat, pull off to the side of the road on a level surface, put on the emergency flashers, put the vehicle in park and set the emergency brake. According to Reedman Toll in Springfield, PA, these are super important steps; don’t skip any of them!
- Now, find your tools and spare tire. The lug nuts that hold the flat tire’s rim on the axle have to be loosened a turn or so using the tire tool while the wheel is still on the ground, which is also super important!
- You may now jack your car up in the air, with safety in mind. First slide the jack underneath the car and position it on the frame, but on a secure spot! Your owner’s manual can help you find the best spot under your car’s frame.
- Slowly turn the handle on the jack until the tire lifts off the ground. Then you can completely remove the lug nuts from your flat tire and place them someplace for safe keeping.
- Remove the tire from the axle. It could be heavy, so do this slowly and carefully. If the tire is stuck on the hub, give kick it with your foot, but be careful and don’t lose balance.
- Once the flat tire is taken off the hub, lift your spare tire onto the screw studs, lining up the screws with the holes in your tire. Then screw on the lug nuts until they’re hand tight.
- Lower the car with the jack just enough so that the tire does not spin.
- Using your tire tool, tighten your lug nuts in an alternating pattern. Turn the lug nuts to the right to tighten and put some strength into it! You want those lug nuts on tight.
- After all the lug nuts are tight, lower the car all the way and remove the jack.
- Put everything back in your vehicle and drive carefully to the closest tire shop or head either to a close destination or home, as a spare tire is not meant for extended travel!
