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Knowing how to change a flat tire is a fundamental skill that all drivers should learn. These days, we rely on the internet to teach us to do so many things. However, there's always the off chance that your phone's battery is dead or the flat occurs in an area with no cell service. Before learning to change a flat tire, you need the proper tools to do so. Some of these tools may already be present in your vehicle, but you may need to purchase additional tools to store in your trunk.
What Tools Do I Need?
You will need the following items:
- Jack
- Lug Wrench
- Fully inflated spare tire
- Vehicle Owner's manual
To be extra cautious, you should check if your vehicle has these tools stored in your car, especially before embarking on a trip. If you do not own any of the items above, please purchase them as soon as you can. You should also make sure that the spare tire is properly inflated. To make the changing process more manageable, you may consider buying and adding the following items to your trunk:
- Flashlight with working batteries
- Rain poncho
- Small piece of 2" x6" wood to secure the jack
- Gloves
- Wheel wedges
Steps
Step 1: Loosen the wheel bolts
Use the lug wrench to loosen the bolts on the affected wheel by turning the bolt counterclockwise. Do not completely remove the bolts.
Step 2: Raise the car
Use your owner's manual to locate your car's jacking points. Secure the jack in the place listed in the manual and turn the lever clockwise to raise the vehicle. It should be at least 6 inches off the ground.
Step 3: Remove the tire
After the car is lifted, it is time to remove the tire entirely. Once the bolts are unfastened, remove the tire by pulling it towards your body. Take the spare tire in place of the damaged tire. Fasten the bolts on the spare, but do not fully tighten them all the way.
Step 5: Lower the car
Turn the lever on the jack to the left or counterclockwise to lower the vehicle's initial position. Once it is on the ground, please remove the jack.
Step 6: Tighten the wheel bolts
Once the car is lowered, you can finish tightening the bolts on the spare tire by turning the wrench clockwise.
Step 7: No tools left behind!
Don't leave any of your valuable tools behind. After cleaning up, you are safe to drive to the nearest location to repair your flat tire.
Not so bad - right? We hope these simplified steps help you understand the process of changing a flat tire. The key to successfully doing this from start to finish is to have the right tools to do the job. If you ever experience a flat tire and need repairs, please give inMOTION Auto Care a call or visit!