Introduction
Flat tires are frustratingly common occurrences, but learning how to change a tire can save you time, money, and stress. More importantly, knowing how to perform this basic maintenance task can help keep you and your passengers safe while on the road. In this article, we’ll walk you through the process of changing a tire, offer tips for avoiding common mistakes, explain the different types of tires and how to maintain them properly, provide advice for staying safe during a DIY tire change, and offer insights into when to call for roadside assistance instead of changing the tire yourself.
Step-by-Step Guide to Changing a Tire
If you’re stuck with a flat tire, don’t panic, you can get it changed in a few simple steps. Here’s all you need to do:
Gather necessary tools and materials
You need a spare tire, jack, lug wrench, and wheel chocks or an old brick. Newer cars will have the necessary tools in the trunk. If you are not sure where the tools are, check your owner’s manual.
Locate and secure vehicle
Find a safe and level area where you can change the tire. Turn on the hazard lights. Use wheel chocks, or an old brick, to prevent the car from moving.
Remove hubcap/wheel cover
Use the flat end of the lug wrench to remove the hubcap or wheel cover. For bolt-on caps, unscrew each fastener and pull the cap off. For clip-on caps, carefully pry it off using the flat end of your lug wrench. Note: not all cars have hubcaps or wheel covers.
Loosen lug nuts
Place the lug wrench on the first nut and turn counter-clockwise. Repeat the process with each nut, but don’t remove them just yet.
Jack up vehicle
Place the jack in the designated jacking spot. Usually, this is close to the flat tire. Once in position, use the jack handle to raise the vehicle. Raise the car enough to be able to remove the flat tire and put on the spare tire. Do not raise the car any higher than necessary.
Remove lug nuts and flat tire
Remove all the lug nuts and keep them in a safe place to prevent losing them. Gently pull the flat tire toward you to remove it from the car.
Place spare tire on and secure with lug nuts
Lift the spare tire onto the car and align it with the bolt holes. Push the tire gently onto the wheel hub. Replace the lug nuts and begin tightening them by hand. Tighten them as much as possible, but don’t use the wrench yet.
Lower vehicle and torque lug nuts
Use the jack handle to slowly lower the vehicle to the ground. Once on the ground, use the lug wrench to tighten the lug nuts fully. Tighten the nuts in a diagonal pattern to ensure even contact with the wheel.
Replace hubcap/wheel cover
If you have a hubcap or wheel cover, reattach it by pressing it into place. If it has bolts, put them back in and twist them clockwise until they’re tight. For clip-on hubcaps, line up the clips with the slots and gently push them on.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Changing a Tire
Changing a tire might seem like a simple task, but several common mistakes could turn a straightforward task into a disaster. Here’s what to avoid:
Over-tightening or under-tightening lug nuts
Lug nuts control the tire to the wheel manually. Not tightening them enough could cause the tire to come off while driving, while overtightening them could damage the wheel studs or bolts. Use a torque wrench if available, or tighten each nut finger-tight and then make sure that each nut is tight with a wrench.
Not properly securing the vehicle before jacking it up
A vehicle that isn’t completely secure could easily shift or fall off the jack while you’re working on it. If the sturdiness of your vehicle’s jack is not enough, make sure to use wheel chocks, an old brick, or a heavy object to brace the opposite end of the car.
Placing the jack in the wrong location
The jack needs to be on a firm, even surface. The owner’s manual can give you the correct location for placing the jack. Some cars have specific lifting points marked with specific text or symbols.
Not checking tire pressure before driving on the spare
Driving on a spare tire for too long can lead to more damage and increased tire wear. Check the tire pressure with a gauge and inflate if necessary before driving on it.
Different Types of Tires
Understanding the different types of tires can help you determine when and why to use each one. Here’s a rundown of the most common types:
Summer tires
These tires are designed for warm weather and not intended for winter or snowy conditions. They offer excellent traction and handling in dry and wet conditions.
Winter tires
These tires are designed for use in snowy, icy, or slushy conditions. They provide better grip on slippery roads, thanks to rubber compounds that stay flexible at extremely low temperatures.
All-Season Tires
These are a year-round option for drivers who don’t experience extreme weather conditions. They are suitable for most conditions, including light snowfall and wet and dry roads.
Performance Tires
These tires are designed for high-performance vehicles and provide excellent handling, control, and grip at high speeds. They tend to wear out faster than other types of tires and are typically only suitable for high-performance vehicles.
When and why to use each type of tire
You can choose between tires based on your location and your driving habits. If you have harsh winters, it’s best to use winter tires. Summer tires are the preferred option for those who live in warmer areas while all-season tires are a suitable option for those who live in mild climates. Performance tires should only be used for high-performance vehicles that are driven in safe conditions.
Properly Maintaining Tires to Avoid Road Hazards
Maintaining your tires correctly can help you avoid road hazards and improve your car’s performance. Here are some essential maintenance tips:
Check tire pressure regularly
Use a tire pressure gauge to check your tire pressure regularly – ideally once a month – and keep it at the recommended level, which is usually found in the vehicle owner’s manual.
Rotate tires
Rotating your tires regularly helps extend their lifespan and prevents excessive tread wear. Check your owner’s manual for specific recommendations on rotation schedules.
Check for wear and damage
Look for any damage such as cuts, cracks, punctures, or bulges, and replace the tire if they are present. Check the tread depth of the tire regularly, and replace the tires if they are worn down to the recommended level.
Align wheels
Correctly aligned wheels ensure that your car handles and drives correctly and that the tires wear evenly. Check for any signs of uneven wear and have the wheels aligned if there are any irregularities.
Replace tires in a timely manner
Driving with worn-out tires is not only dangerous but can also result in penalties. Replace tires when the tread level becomes very shallow and is outside of the recommended wear range. It’s also recommended that you replace your tires after six years even if the tread looks good.
Tips for Staying Safe While Changing a Tire on the Side of the Road
Changing a tire on the side of the road can be dangerous. Here are some tips for staying safe during a DIY tire change:
Move the vehicle to a safe location
If possible, move your vehicle to a side of the road or parking lot where you can safely change your tire. Stay away from bends or slopes in the road.
Warn passing traffic with flares or reflectors
Place the flares or reflectors in a triangle pattern behind your car before you start changing your tire. This alerts other drivers and decreases the likelihood of a collision.
Keep an eye out for hazardous conditions
Watch out for traffic, uneven surfaces, or inclines that could move the vehicle or jack. Stay clear of the vehicle as much as possible.
Have someone stand guard if possible
If possible, ask someone to stay with you while changing the tire. They would be able to help look for hazards or assist you.
Tools You Need In Your Car for Changing a Tire and Other Basic Maintenance Tasks
In addition to knowing how to change a tire, you should keep basic tools and materials in your vehicle to perform other basic maintenance tasks:
Spare tire
Every vehicle should have a spare tire that is fully inflated and in good condition.
Jack
You need a scissor jack or another model that is compatible with your vehicle to lift the car.
Lug wrench
This tool is used to loosen or tighten the lug nuts that hold the wheel to the hub.
Tire pressure gauge
Check your tire pressure regularly and keep the gauge in your car.
Reflectors or flares
Place these on the roadside to warn other drivers of your presence.
Basic toolkit
A basic toolkit should include a screwdriver, pliers, and adjustable wrenches.
Reasons Why It Might Be Better to Call for Roadside Assistance Instead of Changing the Tire Yourself
While changing a tire is a manageable task, there are some situations where calling for roadside assistance would be the best course of action:
Lack of experience or tools to change a tire
If you’re not confident in changing a tire or lack the necessary tools, it’s safer to call for roadside assistance.
Physical limitations
Physical limitations can make changing a tire difficult or impossible. Call for assistance if your injury or disability makes it impossible to change your tire.
Dangerous or unsafe situation
If you’re in a hazardous or unsafe location, like a highway ramp or a busy intersection, call for assistance.
Time constraints
If you’re tight on time or have other obligations to attend to, calling for assistance can take one less item off your to-do list.
Conclusion
If you’re a driver, chances are good that you’ll need to change a flat tire at some point in your life. By following the simple steps and tips outlined above, you’ll be able to change a tire quickly and safely, ensure your tires last longer by performing proper maintenance, and only call for assistance in situations where roadside help is the best option.
Remember, changing a tire is a manageable task that anyone can learn with the right preparation and experience. Practice changing your tire in a safe, controlled environment to feel more confident in the event of an emergency.