How to change a tire on your car

If you have owned a car for just a couple of years, chances are you have had to change a tire on your car. It is not some intuitive task, so it is perfectly understandable if it was a frustrating endeavor. If, however, you are fortunate enough to never have had to deal with a flat tire, here are some easy steps for when that moment inevitably comes your way.

Read more: 4 Reasons Why Your Check Engine Light Is On 

Flat tires happen for many different reasons—something sharp in the road, tire loses too much air, you name it. We all have or all will deal with it at one point or another. First, here are the things you will need:

• Spare tire 
• Tire iron 
• Jack 

Those three items should have come included with your car, but make sure you have them all handy in the special trunk compartment. 

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Steps to changing a car tire 

1.) First thing’s first, find a safe location. If you can/have to, put your car in neutral and try pushing it away from busy traffic. Turn on your hazard lights so passing motorists more easily see you. Then apply the parking brake so there is virtually no chance of your car moving. 

2.) Remove the hubcap if the lug nuts are not exposed. If they are, disregard this step. 

3.) Loosen the lug nuts by using the tire iron. Don’t remove them, only loosen them by about ½ turn. 

4.) Place the jack underneath the car’s frame on the side of the flat tire. Raise the jack until the flat tire is about six inches off the ground. Note: a small block of 2×6 wood can be used to prevent the jack from settling under the weight of your vehicle and coming off balance. 

5.) Remove the lug nuts and take off the flat tire. 

6.) Mount the spare tire on the lug bolts. 

7.) Replace the lug nuts, lower the car, and tighten the lug nuts fully. 

8.) Replace the hubcap, stow all equipment. 

Congratulations! You have change a tire on your car. Friendly reminder, it is unsafe to take a spare tire to speeds above 40 mph. Although you have changed the tire, it is only a temporary fix. You should take your car in to the mechanic and get fitted for new tires as soon as possible.

Do you have any other maintenance questions? Give us a call!