How to Change a Tire

Photo by Maxime Agnelli on Unsplash

Unfortunately, you may find yourself stuck on the side of the road with a flat tire. If you’re late to a meeting, on a date, or running to the store, it can happen at any time. Put the situation aside and do not worry — this blog post will walk you through the steps of changing the tire on your car.

The first thing you should do if you find yourself with a flat tire is to pull your car over to a safe place. If you are on a road, ensure you are pulled as far from the road as possible. The ground should be level and solid to prevent the car from rocking or falling off the jack. Turn on your hazard lights and activate your parking brake to keep you and your vehicle safe.

Materials needed:

• hydraulic jack
• tire iron
• spare tire

1. Loosen the lug nuts. Some tires on vehicles have hub cabs that cover the lug nuts. If this is the case, safely pry it off and reveal the lug nuts. Secure your tire iron or wrench onto the lug nuts and loosen them by turning the wrench counterclockwise. Repeat this with each lug nut and ensure they are loose enough to turn by hand.
2. Lift the vehicle. Place the jack in a secure place under the metal part of your car’s frame. Avoid any plastic areas as this will damage them. If you are unsure where to place the jack, view the owner’s manual and follow the guide accordingly. Once placed, use the jack to lift the vehicle until the tire you are changing is off the ground.
3. Remove the lug nuts and tire. Loosen and remove the lug nuts by hand. Place them all in a safe spot where none will be lost. Pull the flat tire off the vehicle and place it in your trunk or bed of your truck (depending on your vehicle).
4. Replace with the spare tire. Line up the holes on the spare tire with the lug nut screws and push it as far onto the wheelbase as possible.
5. Replace the lug nuts. Screw the lug nuts onto the tire by hand. Do not tighten them all the way as it is important to tighten them evenly.
6. Lower the vehicle. Use the jack to slowly lower the vehicle enough to touch the tire to the ground. Do not fully lower the vehicle as you still have to tighten the lug nuts evenly. Tighten the lug nuts, alternating sides to ensure balance.
7. Lower the vehicle completely. When the lug nuts are tight, lower the vehicle to the ground. Make sure the lug nuts are tight and the spare has not moved. Use the tire iron or wrench to tighten the lug nuts further.

You have successfully changed a flat tire!