Learning the Basics of This Important Vehicle Repair Skill
You are driving around town when you suddenly experience a blowout. Now you are stuck on the side of the road with a flat tire. What do you do? Learning how to change a flat tire is an essential skill that you should know. Today, we will go over the basics of changing tires quickly and safely.
Preparation: Tools and Safety Measures
Before you get started, you need to make sure you have the right tools in your vehicle. Also, it is critical to know the right safety measures to take while changing a flat on the road. Here, we will discuss the work that must take place before your change a flat tire.
Essential Tools You Need
Make sure you have all the tools you need to change a tire. The following equipment should always be in your vehicle.
● Spare Tire: Make sure that your spare is properly inflated and in working order.
● Car Jack: The tools is used to lift your vehicle to change the tire.
● Lug Wrench: This will be used to loosen and then tighten the lug nuts on your wheel.
● Wheel Wedge: Use this tool to prevent your vehicle from rolling while changing your tire.
● Vehicle Owner’s Manual: This can help you understand more about your vehicle during the tire changing process.
● Flashlight: Have one of these handy in case you need to change your tire in the dark.
● Reflective Triangles/Flares: Make sure you have something to alert other drivers to your position.
Safety First
Make sure you follow all the below steps to ensure that you are safe while changing your tires:
1. Find a Safe Location: Make sure that you pull over to a location where it will be safe to change your tire. Look for a flat surface at least six feet away from moving traffic.
2. Turn on Hazard Lights: The hazard lights will alert other drivers on the road.
3. Apply the Parking Brake: The parking brake will prevent your vehicle from moving while working on your vehicle.
4. Use Wheel Wedges: The wheel wedges will ensure that your vehicle will not roll while working on changing your flat tire. Be sure to place one wedge in front of a tire and one wheel behind the tire.
Step-by-Step Guide to Changing a Flat Tire
Follow these essential steps to safely and quickly change a flat tire.
Step 1: Prepare the Vehicle
Place your vehicle in the “Park” position and have the parking gear engaged. After that, place the wheel wedges in front of and behind the wheel that you will be changing. HOwever, if you are changing a rear tire, then place the wedges in front of and behind the front tire on the same side.
Step 2: Loosen the Lug Nuts
Now it is time to loosen the lug nuts on the tire that you are going to change. Take your lug wrench and turn it counterclockwise on the lugs of the wheel where the tire is to be changed. You’ll want to loosen the lug nuts but not completely remove them.
Step 3: Lift the Vehicle
After you have loosened the lug nuts, it is time to lift the vehicle with the car jack. Be sure to consult your owner’s manual before using the jack. Lift the vehicle about six inches from the ground and check to make sure that the vehicle is stable.
Step 4: Remove the Lug Nuts and Tire
Now it is time to remove the lug nuts and the tire. Make sure you keep the lug nuts in a safe place after you remove them. Next, remove the flat tire by rolling it towards you. Then place the tire under the vehicle as a precaution in case the jack fails.
Step 5: Mount the Spare Tire
Now it is time to take the spare tire and mount it onto the lug bolts. Push the tire back until it is far into the lug bolts and tighten the lug nuts. However, don’t tighten them too much. Be sure to spin the tire to make sure it is moving properly.
Step 6: Lower the Vehicle and Tighten the Lug Nuts
Now lower your vehicle to the ground and tighten the lug nuts. When you are done, remove the jack and place the flat tire into your trunk. Be sure to check around your vehicle for any loose items or tools.
Step 7: Check the Spare Tire’s Pressure
Before you drive off, be sure to check the tire pressure on your space tire. Your owner’s manual should have the optimal pressure level for the spare tire.
Changing Your Flat Tire Like a Pro
Knowing how to change a flat tire is essential if you want to quickly get back on the road. Make sure you have all the tools you need and be sure to check your spare tire to ensure that it is ready for the road. If you want, consider practicing changing your tire in your driveway. With the right practice, you will be ready for any flat tire emergency.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
You may have additional questions about fixing a flat tire. Here are the answers to your most frequently asked questions.
How long can I drive on a spare tire?
Spare tires are not designed for long-term driving. Ideally, you will want to drive no more than 50 miles on a spare tire.
Do I need to balance the spare tire?
Spare tires are designed to be balanced. However, if you experience any vibration when driving on the road, you should pull over at the nearest opportunity and either get a new tire or check the installation of the spare.
Can I change a tire on a hill?
It is not ideal to change a tire on an incline. If you have no other choice. Be sure that the vehicle is secured with wheel blocks before lifting the vehicle.
Can I change a tire at night?
Yes. You can change your flat tire at night. However, you need to make sure that you have the equipment needed for changing a tire in low-light conditions. Make sure you have a flashlight, a reflect triangle, flares, and a reflective vest.
