How to Change Car Tires in 10 Simple Steps

A flat tire can happen anywhere at any time. There may not always be cell service to contact help, as there may not be a service in the area that can provide help when needed. Drivers should understand the basics of changing a car tire in case they are ever in a situation where they have a flat and no help is available.

Be Prepared

The first step to changing a tire is to be prepared. Before a vehicle is driven, especially on long trips, it is important to ensure the car has everything it needs to handle a flat tire. The staff at heber city auto parts can help drivers find a spare tire and the tools needed to stay safe on the road.

Pull Off the Road

Upon noticing the tire has gone flat, the first thing to do is to pull over. It is important to find a safe and level area to pull over. Turn on hazard lights and drive slowly to ensure control can be maintained even with a flat tire. It is also important to pull as far away from any traffic as possible.

Gather Tools

Remove the spare tire, jack, and lug wrench from the trunk. It is also a good idea to get the owner’s manual for the vehicle to find the proper placement of the jack for that vehicle. If it is dark, a flashlight is a good idea to help see. A mat or rain poncho are also good items to keep in the trunk for these occasions.

Secure the Vehicle

Engage the parking brake to ensure the vehicle does not move while you’re changing the tire. It is also a good idea to place a heavy object on either side of the tire that is opposite the flat tire. Blocking the tires will provide extra security against movement while changing the tire.

Loosen Lug Nuts

Next, remove any hub cap from the tire. Using the lug wrench, loosen the lug nuts on the tire. Do not remove the lug nuts yet.

Raise the Vehicle

Place the jack under the vehicle near the flat tire. Line up the jack so that it will make contact with the vehicle’s frame. The owner’s manual should have a guide to help find the correct positioning for the jack. Once the jack is in place, use the crank to raise the vehicle about an inch or two off of the ground.

Remove the Tire

Finish loosening and remove the lug nuts. Then, carefully remove the flat tire from the vehicle. Place the spare tire onto the vehicle and replace the lug nuts. Only tighten the lug nuts enough to hold the tire in place.

Lower Vehicle

Next, lower the vehicle gently back down with the jack. Remove the jack from under the vehicle. Finish tightening the lug nuts with the lug wrench. Ensure the lug nuts are secure by using your full upper-body strength.

Put the Tools Away

Next, gather all the equipment used and place it back in the trunk. Place the damaged tire in the trunk as well. Remove the blocks around the tire and check to ensure nothing is forgotten.

Drive Carefully

Once the tire is changed, release the parking brake and drive away. For most vehicles, the spare tire is a smaller tire meant to be used only in emergencies. With a spare tire, drivers must maintain a slower speed and be cautious since the car will not be as easy to control.

The damaged tire must be taken to a repair shop or replaced as soon as possible. The repair shop will be able to replace that tire and put the spare back in the trunk for future use.