Changing a tire is an important skill that every driver should know. Here are the steps to follow:
- Find a safe location to change the tire: Move the car to a level surface and turn on the hazard lights. Make sure the car is parked away from traffic, on a solid, level surface, and the handbrake is on.
- Gather the necessary tools: Locate the spare tire, jack, and lug wrench. These tools are usually found in the trunk or under the vehicle.
- Loosen the lug nuts: Use the lug wrench to loosen the lug nuts on the flat tire. Turn them counterclockwise, but don’t remove them just yet.
- Lift the car with the jack: Position the jack in the appropriate spot (as mentioned in the car manual) and raise the car until the flat tire is off the ground. Make sure the car is stable and secure.
- Remove the lug nuts: Now, completely remove the lug nuts and keep them in a safe place.
- Remove the flat tire: Carefully pull the flat tire off the hub by gripping it with both hands from the top and bottom.
- Install the spare tire: Align the spare tire with the wheel studs and push it onto the hub. Tighten the lug nuts by hand, turning them clockwise.
- Lower the car and tighten the lug nuts: Use the jack to lower the car and remove it from under the vehicle. Tighten the lug nuts as much as possible using the lug wrench in a diagonal or star pattern to ensure even tightening.
- Verify the tire pressure: Use a tire pressure gauge to check the pressure in the spare tire. If it’s low, inflate it to the recommended pressure.
- Put away the tools: Put all the tools and the flat tire in the trunk and double-check that everything is secured.
Remember to take your vehicle to a qualified technician to inspect the tire and make sure it’s properly inflated and installed.
