How To Change A Car Tire

Changing a tire is a skill every driver should possess. Whether you're dealing with a flat tire on a busy road or in your driveway, knowing how to change a tire on a car can save you time, money, and stress.

In this guide, we will walk you through the steps of how to change a flat tire on a car, ensuring you feel confident and prepared for any roadside emergency.

Why Knowing How to Change a Tire is Essential

Did you know that the average driver will experience up to five flat tires in their lifetime? Despite this common occurrence, many drivers are unprepared when it happens. So, don't be one of them, understanding how to change a tire not only empowers you but can also prevent unnecessary delays and costs associated with calling for roadside assistance.

Main Steps to Change a Tire – Simply Explained

1. Ensure Safety

Park on level ground, turn on hazard lights and apply the parking brake.

2. Gather Your Tools

Collect the spare tire, jack, lug wrench, and any other necessary tools.

3. Loosen the Lug Nuts

Use the lug wrench to loosen the lug nuts slightly before lifting the vehicle.

4. Lift the Vehicle

Position the jack and lift the car until the flat tire is off the ground.

5. Remove the Flat Tire

Fully remove the loosened lug nuts and take off the flat tire.

6. Install the Spare Tire

Place the spare tire onto the wheel hub and hand-tighten the lug nuts.

7. Lower the Vehicle and Tighten the Lug Nuts

Lower the car and then fully tighten the lug nuts in a crisscross pattern.

Main Equipment to Change a Tire:

1. Spare Tire
2. Tire Jack (to lift the car)
3. Lug Wrench (to remove the lug nuts)
4. Wheel Wedges (to prevent the car from rolling)
5. Car Owner's Manual (for specific instructions)
6. Flashlight (for nighttime or low-light situations)
7. Reflective Triangles or Flares (to alert other drivers, especially at night)
8. Gloves (Optional to protect your hands)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Ensure Safety

Park on Level Ground

Finding a safe location is your first priority. Look for a flat, stable surface away from traffic. This could be a parking lot or the shoulder of a road. Avoid sloped areas, as they can make the vehicle unstable while you work.

Turn on Hazard Lights

Once you’ve parked, immediately turn on your hazard lights. This alerts other drivers that you’re experiencing an issue and helps keep you safe by making your vehicle more visible.

Apply the Parking Brake

Engaging the parking brake is crucial. This prevents your vehicle from rolling while you change the tire. Pull the parking brake lever up firmly until it clicks into place.

Step 2: Gather Your Tools

Before you start changing the tire, make sure you have all the necessary tools within reach. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Spare Tire: Ensure it’s fully inflated and in good condition. It’s important to check your tire pressure regularly to avoid unexpected flats.
• Tire Jack: This will lift your vehicle off the ground.
• Lug Wrench: This tool is used to loosen and tighten the lug nuts.
• Wheel Wedges: These help prevent the vehicle from rolling.
• Owner's Manual (optional): This can provide specific instructions related to your vehicle.

Take a moment to double-check that you have everything ready before proceeding to avoid any interruptions during the process.

Step 3: Loosen the Lug Nuts

Before lifting the vehicle, use the lug wrench to loosen the lug nuts on the flat tire. Here’s how:

1. Position the Wrench: Place the wrench over one of the lug nuts.
2. Turn Counterclockwise: Apply force by turning the wrench counterclockwise (to the left). You may need to use your body weight for leverage; standing on the wrench handle can help loosen stubborn nuts.
3. Loosen but Don’t Remove: Only loosen each lug nut slightly—about a quarter turn—so they’re easier to remove once the car is lifted.

It’s important not to remove them yet; doing so while the tire is still on the ground prevents the wheel from spinning.

Step 4: Lift the Vehicle

Positioning the Jack

Now that you've loosened the lug nuts, it’s time to lift your vehicle:

• Locate Jack Points: Consult your owner’s manual for specific jack points on your car. These are usually located near each wheel and are reinforced areas designed to handle weight.
• Set Up the Jack: Place the jack under one of these points, ensuring it’s stable and secure.
• Lift the Vehicle: Turn the jack handle (or pump it if it's hydraulic) until the flat tire is off the ground. Lift it high enough so that there is ample space for removing and replacing tires safely.

Always keep an eye on stability as you lift; if anything seems off, lower it back down and reposition.

5. Step 5: Remove the Flat Tire

Once elevated, remove the lug nuts completely and set them aside in a safe place. Carefully pull the flat tire straight off the wheel hub and set it aside.

Step 6: Install the Spare Tire

Now that you’ve removed the flat tire, let’s put on that spare:

1. Align Spare Tire with Hub: Position your spare tire so that its holes align with those on the wheel hub.
2. Push It On Firmly: Once aligned, push it onto the hub until it fits snugly against it.
3. Hand-Tighten Lug Nuts: Start placing each lug nut back onto its respective bolt and tighten them by hand as much as possible without using tools yet.

This ensures that they are seated properly before applying full torque later.

Step 7: Lower the Vehicle and Tighten the Lug Nuts

You’re almost done! Now it's time to lower your vehicle back down and secure everything:

1. Lowering the Vehicle: Carefully turn your jack handle (or pump) in reverse to lower your car back onto solid ground until all tires are firmly on contact with it.
2. Tightening Lug Nuts Fully: Once lowered, use your lug wrench again to tighten each lug nut fully:

Tighten them in a crisscross pattern (tighten one nut, then skip one and tighten another). This ensures even pressure across all nuts and helps prevent them from loosening while driving.

Make sure each nut is securely tightened; this is crucial for safety when driving on a spare tire.

Final Checks

After changing your tire:

1. Store your tools back in their designated spots.
2. Check that your spare tire has adequate air pressure.
3. Drive carefully and avoid high speeds until you can repair or replace your flat tire.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

If changing a tire feels too dangerous or difficult, it’s best to call for assistance.

• Busy Roads: On busy highways, traffic risks make it safer to call for roadside help.
• Lack of Tools: Missing essential tools? Don’t improvise—get professional help.
• Health Issues: If you're unwell or physically unable, avoid risking injury and call for assistance.

In these cases, don’t hesitate to call for roadside assistance! Many insurance policies include this service, so check if you're covered before heading out.

How to Call for Help

To ensure a safe and successful tire change, avoid these common pitfalls:

• Not Tightening Lug Nuts Properly: Always tighten lug nuts securely in a crisscross pattern after lowering the vehicle to prevent loosening while driving.
• Failing to Secure the Vehicle: Confirm the parking brake is engaged and wheel wedges are used to prevent movement during the process.
• Ignoring Safety Precautions: Always use hazard lights and park on level ground to avoid accidents while changing tires.

Conclusion

Knowing how to change a tire on your car is an invaluable skill that enhances your confidence as a driver. By following these steps, you can tackle this common roadside issue efficiently and safely. Remember, practice makes perfect—consider practicing so you're prepared for any situation!