how to change a flat tire
Changing a flat tire isn’t near as hard as you would think it is to do, and it’s a great skill to have for times of emergency. You never know when one of your tires might decide to pop, or what may pop up in the road that gives you a flat, however, it’s best to know what to do either way.
When you first realize that you have a flat tire, the most important thing is safety. The first important thing to remember is to not slam on the brakes, or turn abruptly when you realize your tire is flat. Make sure you pull over or pull off the road in a safe location and out of the way of traffic. If you can find an empty parking lot, this is ideal. Somewhere that has a level ground will work best because you don’t want your car to roll.
In addition, never change your tire if you are on a tight or narrow curve of the road, keep driving slowly until you find a safer spot. If you drive slow you can help reduce the possibility of ruining your wheel, but a ruined wheel is better than risking your life.
• Pull over to a safe, level location away from traffic
• Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers
• Apply your parking brake to prevent the vehicle from rolling
• Apply wheel wedges opposite the tire you’re changing — no wedges? Large stones or bricks work too
• Remove the hubcap or wheel cover if your lug nuts aren’t already exposed
• Loosen the lug nuts counterclockwise about ¼ to ½ a turn — don’t remove them yet
• Place the jack under the vehicle frame alongside the flat tire — check your owner’s manual for the exact spot
• Raise the vehicle with the jack — use a 2×6 piece of wood under the jack if you’re on asphalt to keep it stable. Lift until the flat tire is about 6 inches off the ground
• Unscrew and remove the lug nuts completely
• Remove the flat tire and set it aside so it won’t roll away
• Mount the spare tire onto the lug bolts
• Tighten the lug nuts by hand as much as possible
• Lower the vehicle halfway and tighten the lug nuts the rest of the way — use your body weight for extra torque
• Lower the vehicle completely, remove the jack, and tighten the lug nuts one final time
• Replace the hubcap if it fits your spare — if not, store it with your flat
• Store all equipment — jack, wrench, wheel wedges, and wood
• Check the tire pressure on the spare before driving — if it’s low, drive slowly to the nearest service station
• If you have a mini or “T Type” spare, remember it’s temporary and not meant for long distances — bring it to Tyrrell Tires and we’ll get you back on the road!