All drivers need to know how to change a tire. A flat tire can happen anywhere, and it can be detrimental in a tight situation if you don’t see how you’re going to fix it. You may not have time to wait for roadside assistance, or you may be stuck in a remote area. You may be in an absolute rush to get to your destination and desperately need to be on time!
It is easy to change your tire and quickly get back to the road if you have the correct information and tools.
Items that you will need to change a tire
These should be included with your car:
- Jack
- Wrench
- Spare tire (inflated and in good condition)
- Instruction manual for the vehicle owner
Any items you lose, damage, or are not included in the original care package should be replaced. You don’t have to use these items, but they are helpful to keep in your car.
- Flashlight with batteries that are not drained – it could be dark!
- Poncho for rainy weather
- 2″x6″ hardwood pieces – secure the jacks
- Gloves for grease protection
- Wheel wedges to stop your car from rolling
How to Change a Tire: A Step-by-Step Guide
A. FIND A SAFE SPOT TO PULL OVER
Do not suddenly slow down or turn if you see a flat. Don’t try to change your tires while driving on a shoulder with oncoming traffic. It is better to get the rim replaced than to be hit by a distracted driver.
Refer to your owner’s guide for the correct steps to replace your flat tire.
B. USE YOUR HAZARD LIGHTS
Other motorists will see flashers and hazard lights if they are on.
C. USE YOUR PARKING BRAKE
You must use the parking brake after your car has stopped and you are going to be working on the tire. This helps prevent injury or accident from your car rolling on its own.
D. WHEEL WEDGES
You can fix a flat tire with wheel wedges by placing them behind or in front of the tire.
Large stones and bricks or 2″ x 6″ wood pieces work equally well.
E. TAKE OFF THE WHEEL COVER OR HUBCAP
It is easier to remove a hubcap before lifting your car. Refer to your manual for the correct methods to remove wheel covers and hubcaps.
F. LOOSEN THE LUG NUTS
The wrench can be used here, turning counterclockwise. This will cause them to become less resistant. Turn the nuts 1/4 to 1/2 turn to loosen them.
G. LIFT YOUR VEHICLE
The jack should be touching the frame of your vehicle
To prevent your jack’s weight from shifting and causing it to lose balance, place a little bit of 2″ x 6″ wood underneath it.
After the jack has been appropriately installed, raise the vehicle so that the flat tire is at a minimum of six inches above the ground.
Your body and any other parts should not be under the car or jack when it is raised.
H. UNSCREW THE LUG NUTS
Now, you can altogether remove the lug nuts.
I. REMOVE THE FLAT TIRES
Take the tire with the treads on it and pull it towards yourself until it is free. Turn it so that it does not roll.
J. MOUNT THE SPARE TIRES ON THE LUG BOLT
Now align the spare part with the lug nuts and press gently until the rim is exposed.
K. STRENGTHEN THE LUG NUTS BY HAND
You should reattach the lug nuts to the bolts. Once the vehicle has been lowered to the ground, you will tighten the bolts with the wrench.
L. LOWER THE VEHICLE AND TIGHTEN UP THE LUG NUTS
Lower your vehicle by using the jack. Put your entire weight into pushing the lug wrench into the ground. Turn the wrench counterclockwise to tighten the nuts.
M. LOWER YOUR VEHICLE COMPLETELY
Bring the vehicle to the ground and then use the wrench to tighten the nuts.
N. REPLACE THE HUBCAP
Make sure the spare tire hubcap you removed is compatible with the spare.
O. SEEK OUT THE PRESSURE IN YOUR SPARE TIRE
Check your spare tire’s pressure to ensure safety. You should drive to a service station immediately to check the condition of the tire.
P. GET YOUR FLAT TIRES TO A TECHNICIAN
Temporary spare tires can’t be used for long distances or at high speeds. It is important to drive slowly until you can visit a professional to diagnose your tires’ situation.
Conclusion: Changing a tire is easy!
We hope that you remember these tips on how to change a tire the next time it happens to you. It’s a little greasy, and you may have some dark streaks on your clothing and hands—but it’s a quick and easy fix to get back on track!
And you don’t have to let it ruin your day. It’s a minor inconvenience that happens to the best of us; make sure to keep your tires aligned and visit Phobia Auto if you are in the Saskatoon region!