Are your tires flat for an unknown reason, and you are stranded at the side of the road? Are you there, awaiting the arrival of a brave hero? It can be difficult for any driver, especially newbies, to handle a flat tire. You may have to wait a long time if you count on a white-horse-riding hero to save you. You must understand how to change a tire if you own a car properly. Being able to change tires is a crucial driving ability. Fear not—we'll walk you through changing a tire independently in this post.
Make sure you have all the necessary tools before attempting to change your tires.
What tools are required to fix a flat tire?
1. Spare tire: Make sure the spare tire is correctly inflated
2. A car jack: To find the proper jack points, go to the owner's manual for your vehicle.
3. Wheel wrench: This is the instrument used to loosen and tighten the lug nuts
4. A caution triangle
5. A lamp or flashlight
6. A first aid box
7. A blanket
8. A visibility jacket
9. If there are locking nuts installed, a wheel nut key
10. Gloves: To shield and keep your hands clean
11. Optional wheel chocks: to stop the vehicle from rolling. If the ground is uneven, you can use big rocks or pieces of wood to stabilize the car jack in the absence of chocks
12. A tire pressure gauge to make sure your spare tire is correctly filled
First of all, slow down and stop in a secure area.
1. Make sure your car is parked in a secure area
Reduce your speed gradually and stop at a safe spot with level ground if you have a flat tire.
Make sure you are sufficiently away from approaching traffic and automobiles. Furthermore, turn on your hazard lights to warn other motorists.
2. Prepare yourself and the car
Ensure the handbrake is engaged, then request that all occupants exit the car. Remember to install wheel wedges and turn on your danger lights to stop the automobile from rolling.
It is unsafe to leave kids on the side of the road while you are changing a tire; therefore, if you have kids with you, it is best to stay in the car and phone for help.
3. Unscrew the wheel bolts
Take off the hubcap if it covers the lug nuts on your car.
Wait to remove the nuts altogether; instead, loosen them enough to be twisted by hand by rotating the wheel wrench counterclockwise.
Your body weight might assist in releasing the tighter wheel nuts if you place your foot on the wheel bracing.
4. Raise the vehicle
Place the jack at the designated location beneath the car's frame. Follow the instructions in your owner's manual to position the jack in the proper spot. This typically occurs along the pinch welds or boundary.
Never jack up your car somewhere other than the suggested location specified in the owner's manual, as this may result in damage.
To keep the jack steady, place a flat piece of wood underneath it. Lift the vehicle until the flat tire is elevated above the ground.
Raise the car by pumping the jack until the flat tire is approximately 6 inches off the ground.
Please note this is not the time to go under the car.
5. Take the flat tire off
The lug nuts can now be entirely undone and removed. After they are all removed, rotate them counterclockwise.
The flat tire should be carefully removed from the hub and placed aside.
6. Put on the extra tire
Please ensure the spare tire is correctly aligned with the studs before lifting it onto the hub. Next, manually tighten the wheel nuts as much as you can.
7. Drop the vehicle
Using the jack, carefully lower the vehicle back to the ground. Then, using the wrench, tighten all of the wheel nuts.
Make sure it isn't resting on the jack but rather on the ground.
8. Secure the nut
To provide uniform pressure, use the lug wrench to tighten the nuts in a star or crisscross configuration tightly.
Tighten each lug nut a little at a time rather than entirely before going on to the next.
9. Verify one more time that you did everything correctly
- Verify that all of the lug nuts are securely tightened
- Check if the hubcap is missing from your car, replace it
- Return the lug wrench, jack, flat tire, and other tools to your vehicle
- If it is feasible, make sure the spare wheel is filled with a tire pressure gauge
10. Travel cautiously
Typically, spare tires are smaller and intended for low speeds or short distances. To get your flat tire fixed or changed quickly, drive to a nearby service station or repair shop.
If your spare tire is a "space-saver," steer clear of fast traffic (maximum 80 km/h) and get a new one as soon as possible. Space-saver tires are not meant for long-term use; they're best for a single or double trip.
11. Bring your flat tire to a repair shop.
Remember to get your flat tire fixed or changed immediately by taking it to a professional.
Now that you have this knowledge, you are prepared to take the necessary actions to resume your driving. You won't be scratching your head on the side of the road if you bookmark this list or take a screenshot of it.
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To repair a flat tire, always remember that it's safer to call for roadside assistance or a professional if you need clarification on any stage of the operation, lack the required supplies, or lack experience.
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