When you’re driving down the road, the last thing on your mind might be the tires that are on the road. Unfortunately, something in the road or the tire giving out could take place and you find yourself suddenly faced with a flat tire and the need to change it with the spare that you’ve got in your vehicle. This shouldn’t be something you don’t know how to do, and it’s not a difficult thing to accomplish.
Change your Flat Tire Easily
Safety First
The first thing you need to do is find a safe place to stop the car. You’re going to need some room to work and you need to be as far from the traffic as you can be. Put your vehicle in park, or reverse if you drive a manual vehicle, and set the parking brake. Make sure the spot you chose is level, solid ground so that you can work. The last thing you need is ground that’s too soft for the jack which could cause the car to fall off the jack.
Get Started
You should know where the jack, lug wrench, and the spare tire is all located in your car. Take these items out and place them where you need them for the work you’ve got to do. Before lifting the vehicle, loosen the lug nuts on the wheel that has the spare without removing them. Find the jacking point and start to lift the car. If you’re unsure of the jacking point, consult your owner’s manual for the information you need.
Secure the Situation and Lift
Prior to the flat tire being lifted off the ground, place a block of wood or brick under the tire that’s opposite the flat tire. This will secure that side of the car and help avoid the vehicle rolling while you’re working. Lift the car on the jack until the wheel and tire are up off the ground at a height that will allow the spare tire to be easily placed on the vehicle.
Get to Work
At this point, you’re ready to remove the flat tire by removing the lug nuts. Make sure you place these nuts where you can find them easily. Pull the flat tire off the vehicle and slide the spare onto the threaded studs. Check that the valve stem, where the air is put in the tire, is facing outward so that you know the tire is on right. Screw the lug nuts back on and tighten them by hand.
Finish the Job
Lower the car to the point where the spare tire touches the ground, tighten the lug nuts with the lug wrench and then lower the car all the way and remove the jack. With the spare tire taking all the weight of the car, tighten the lug nuts one final time to make sure they are fully secure. Put your tools and your flat tire in the back of the car and drive to a service station to have the tire replaced.
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