How to Change a Car Tire

Car Tire Puncture Bolt Repair

How to Change a Car Tire, Step-by-Step Guide.

Flat tires can happen but changing a tire is not as hard as it sounds, it’s harder if it rains though.
With patience and the correct tools which you already should have next to your spare tire at the back of the car that is, you can get back on the road in no more than 24 hours.
This is my guide to help you change a car tire like a professional wrestling champ.

What You Need

Before you start, make sure you have these essentials:

  • A spare tire (check that it’s properly inflated).
  • An electric pump compressor if the tire is soft which both you and I know it is.
  • A car jack, the tiny jack that comes with the car not the truck heavy duty type of jack.
  • A lug wrench (the tool that loosens the bolts).
  • A flashlight or better a head lamp with led and batteries (if it’s dark)
  • Wheel wedges or bricks or just some larger stones (optional, but helpful for extra safety)

Step 1: Find a Safe Spot

If you notice a flat tire while driving, don’t panic. Slow down and look for a safe, flat area to pull over. Avoid hills or curves, and try to park on the side of the road where you’re visible to other drivers. Turn on your hazard lights to alert others.
If you can, use your hazard indicator triangle to place it behind the car 10-20 meters at least so any incoming car can see you are there.
This is especially important on the highway. On the highway it might be a better idea not to change the tire yourself but to call road assistance.
While waiting, don’t wait inside of the car but get out of the car and away from the car just in case another car coming doesn’t see your car stopped and hits it.

Step 2: Secure Your Car

Once you’re parked, put your car in “Park” (or first gear if it’s a manual) and engage the parking brake. If you have wheel wedges or bricks, place them in front of or behind the tires to keep the car from rolling.

Step 3: Loosen the Lug Nuts

Grab your lug wrench and locate the lug nuts on the flat tire. Turn them counterclockwise to loosen them, but don’t remove them completely yet. If they’re tight, you might need to use a bit of force. Make sure the wrench is securely on the nut to avoid slipping.

Step 4: Jack Up the Car

Refer to your owner’s manual to find the correct jack point near the flat tire. Place the jack under the car and slowly raise it until the flat tire is off the ground. Make sure the car is stable before you move on to the next step.

Step 5: Remove the Flat Tire

Now that the car is lifted, fully unscrew the lug nuts and set them aside. Carefully pull the flat tire straight off the wheel bolts and place it on its side so it doesn’t roll away.

Step 6: Mount the Spare Tire

Take your spare tire and line it up with the wheel bolts. Push it onto the bolts until it’s snug. Then, hand-tighten the lug nuts back onto the bolts in a star pattern (this helps ensure the tire is evenly secured).

Step 7: Lower the Car and Tighten the Lug Nuts

Use the jack to slowly lower the car back to the ground. Once the car is stable, use the lug wrench to fully tighten the lug nuts in the same star pattern. Double-check that they are secure.

Step 8: Pack Up and Check the Spare

Put your flat tire, jack, and tools back in your car. If your spare is a “donut” (a temporary spare tire), make sure to drive cautiously and get your flat tire repaired or replaced as soon as possible.

Car Tire Puncture Repair Kit

Conclusion

Changing a tire might seem hard at first but it is hard or even harder than you imagine.
You might want to change the spare tire yourself so you don’t have to wait hours for road assostance to come and make you feel like a lesser man.

It’s totally a skill that’s totally worth learning. With a little practice hopefully not too much, you’ll feel confident changing a flat tire on your own with 1 hand and you’re eyes closed almost. Remember to stay calm, aware of your surroundings and always make safety priority number one!


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