For every driver, knowing how to change a flat tire is a highly necessary skill. This unwanted mishap can happen anywhere and anytime. When you’re on the road, it’s always better to be prepared and safe than sorry.
Fortunately, replacing a tire isn't that complicated. Here is a step-by-step guide so you’ll be ready when you get a flat tire. Also, make sure to review your car’s user manual for more specific information.
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1. Park at a safe location.
Do not suddenly brake or turn when you first notice you have a flat tire. Slow down and look for a straight, flat section of the road with a wide shoulder. i. Try to park on level terrain as this will keep your car from rolling. Furthermore, straight sections of the road are preferable to curves since they increase the likelihood that incoming vehicles will spot you.
Never try to change a flat tire near approaching traffic on a narrow shoulder. Continue to drive (slowly) until you reach a safer location. Although driving on a flat tire puts your rim in danger of getting damaged, this is better than getting hit by an inattentive motorist.
2. Turn on your hazard lights and/or set up your early warning device.
Your hazard lights, often known as "flashers," will make you more visible to fellow motorists. These lights should be turned on as soon as you recognize you need to stop to prevent an accident.
3. Use the parking brake.
When preparing to replace a flat tire, always apply the parking brake after coming to a full stop. By doing this, the likelihood of your car rolling will be reduced.
4. Prepare all the necessary tools.
These are the four items that your vehicle should have come with: a lug wrench, jack, vehicle owner’s manual, and fully inflated spare tire.
If any of these items are missing from your car or if they weren't included when you bought it, you should buy replacements straight away. Additionally, make sure you regularly inflate the spare tire to the PSI (pounds per square inch) that the vehicle's manufacturer recommends. Every time you check the air pressure in your other tires, you should also include the spare. Always check your tire pressure each month, especially before lengthy travels or when carrying extra weight.
Here are other important items that you should store in your trunk or glove compartment for when you need to change a flat tire: a flashlight with working batteries, wheel wedges, rain poncho, gloves, a small cut of 2”x6” wood to secure the jack.
5. Use the wheel wedges.
To further assure that the car won't roll while you replace the flat tire, put wheel wedges in front of or behind the tires. Put these in front of the front tires if you're changing a rear tire. Put the wheel wedges behind the rear tires if it’s the front tire that is flat.
Big rocks or bricks can be used in place of actual wheel wedges. Make sure they are sturdy enough to prevent the automobile from rolling.
6. Remove the wheel cover or hubcap.
If your tires have hubcaps, make sure to remove them first before elevating the car with the jack. You can move on to Step 7 if your lug nuts are exposed.
To remove the hubcap, use the flat end of your lug wrench. Some hubcaps require a different tool to remove. For instructions on how to remove a hubcap or wheel cover properly, consult your owner's handbook.
7. Loosen the lug nuts.
Turn the lug nuts counterclockwise with the lug wrench until they lose their resistance. It's okay if you must use force. If required, use your foot or your entire body weight to apply pressure on the lug wrench.
Once the lug nuts turn loosely, keep them in place for the time being to make sure the tire won’t fall off as you are raising your car with the jack.
Image by jcomp on Freepik
8. Use the jack to raise the vehicle.
Under the car's frame, next to the flat tire, is normally where the jack should be placed. A cleared piece of exposed metal on the bottom of many car frames is designated for the jack and is covered in molded plastic. Follow the jack positioning directions in your vehicle owner's manual to properly raise and prevent damage to the car. Before attempting to elevate your vehicle, insert a small cut of 2”x6" wood beneath the jack to keep it from sliding or toppling under the weight of your car. On asphalt, this technique is very useful.
Lift the car with the jack in the right place until the flat tire is roughly six inches off the ground.
Never place any portion of your body under the car while it is being raised with the jack or later.
9. Unscrew and remove the lug nuts.
It's time to fully remove the lug nuts at this point. You should be able to unscrew them mostly by hand since you've already loosened them.
10. Remove and set aside the flat tire.
Once the tire is entirely free from the hub behind it, slowly pull it toward you while holding it by the treads. To prevent it from rolling away, position it on its side.
11. Place and mount the spare tire.
Align the rim with the lug bolts, and then insert the spare tire on the hub. Gently press down until you can see the lug bolts through the rim.
12. Tighten the lug nuts with your hand.
Reinstall the lug nuts on the lug bolts and manually tighten them all the way. Once they are all attached, double-check each one and tighten as much as you can.
13. Lower your vehicle and retighten the lug nuts.
Lower the car using the jack until the spare tire is touching the ground but isn't holding the entire weight of the car. Tighten the lug nuts as much as possible using the wrench. Use your entire body weight to press down on the lug wrench.
Fully lower the car to the ground until you can easily remove the jack. To make sure the lug nuts are as snug as possible, give them one more tug with the wrench.
14. Reattach the hubcap.
Put the hubcap you removed from the flat tire back on if it fits your spare tire. If it doesn’t fit, store it with the flat tire.
15. Check the spare tire’s pressure.
To make sure the spare tire is safe for driving, you should check its air pressure. Temporary spares known as "T-Type" and "mini-spares" need 60 psi (420 kPa). If the tire has to be inflated, proceed (slowly) to a gas station right away or a vulcanizing shop where the flat tire can be fixed and reattached to your vehicle. Since temporary spare tires aren't designed for longer journeys or high speeds, proceed with caution until you can visit a tire expert.
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16. Pack up your equipment.
Don't forget to load them all into your car before you go.
Final Thoughts
To make sure you're ready to handle this unwanted circumstance should it ever arise, it's also helpful to practice changing a tire in your garage or driveway. It shouldn't take longer than 30 minutes. Simply follow this step-by-step guide.
While it's essential to know how to fix a flat tire, regular tire maintenance is even more crucial. In addition to constantly examining this manual, keep in mind to:
Rotate your tires as advised by the manufacturer.
Make sure your tires are all properly inflated.
Inspect for tread wear.
Observing good maintenance can enhance your vehicle’s performance as well as extend the lifespan of your tires.
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