It doesn't matter if you are a beginner or experienced driver, there is always a chance that a wheel might get a puncture, which is why knowing how to change a tire is a necessity for all drivers. Firstly, it's important to check your spare tire regularly to ensure it is inflated and has suitable tread. This will help you avoid any tricky situations if your wheel ever goes flat.
Luckily, it does not take long to change a tire. Usually, it takes around 30 minutes to remove a flat tire and put on the spare one. However, it might take longer depending on the weather conditions and where you have broken down. At the end of the day, it doesn't matter how long it takes - the priority is to put the wheel on correctly.
What you will need:
- a jack
- a wrench
- a spare tire
- Vehicle manual (to check locations and specifications)
- a torch and reflective jacket just in case you need to change your tire at night.
How to change your tire:
Step 1: Get ready!
- Pull over to a safe spot so as not to cause any accidents. Switch your engine off and put your hazards on to warn other vehicles on the road.
- Get your tools from the boot.
Step 2: Righty tighty, lefty loosey
- Loosen the lug nuts counterclockwise with the wrench. Do not remove them completely. Remember: righty tighty, lefty loosey. At this point you may also need to take off your hubcap too.
Step 3: Lift off!
- Next, lift your car off the ground using the jack. The jack should be wound out, so it fits into the jacking point and the flat foot of the jack touches the ground. Make sure to check that the jack remains straight and parallel. Your car should be about 6 inches off the ground - high enough to get the inflated tire on.
- Remove lug nuts completely and take the tire off. Be careful as the tire might be heavy. Store the lug nuts in a safe pile where they won't get lost. The lug nuts may have a right or wrong way around so check this as you go along.
Step 4: Put the spare tire on.
- Next, you can put the spare wheel on the car by positioning the lug nut posts with the holes. Put the spare tire on by pushing it all the way onto the wheelbase. When putting the lug nuts on – make sure they are not too tight.
- Bring your vehicle back down to the ground by using the jack again. It should make firm contact with the ground and remove the jack from underneath the car.
- Next, you can fully tighten the lug nuts. These don't have to be done in order. You can do them diagonally.
- Put your flat tire and tools back in your boot and make sure not to leave anything behind. That's it! You have successfully just changed your own tire and can continue your journey! Drive safely!
Step 5: Go to the auto repair shop!
Once you have put on a new tire you should go to a repair shop to check the pressure of the spare tire, as well as make sure the nuts have been tightened properly. You can then also get a new spare tire or repair the damaged one.
If you need tire repair or services, bring your vehicle to Auto DR today!