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Having to pay for a mechanic or a tow truck to come and get out of a jam when you've got nothing more than a flat tire seems silly. Changing a flat tire is a simple task, but if you're not sure how to do it, it can be overwhelming, especially on the side of a busy highway. Read on to learn how to change a flat tire.
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Introduction
- You can't plan a flat tire. They seem to happen at the most inopportune time, for example, five o'clock rush hour traffic on a Friday. Being prepared to change a flat tire yourself can make a harrowing experience easier, and if you've already got the tools you need, it's free.
Step 1: Park the Car
- You'll know when you've got a flat tire. The car will start to thump as the uneven tire deflates. The first thing you want to do is steer the car toward level ground and out of traffic. Once you are on level ground, put the car in park and engage the emergency brake. Turn on your hazard lights to let approaching motorists know that you are there.
Step 2: Your Supplies
- Most cars have a special compartment that comes with everything you need to change a tire, often including a donut or a spare tire. You will need the following tools:
- Spare tire
- Car jack
- Tire iron
- Wheel clock or piece of wood to place behind the tire
Step 3: Jack It Up
- Before you jack your car up to remove the tire, you'll need to take off the hubcap and loosen the lug nuts. Loosen lug nuts in a star pattern, and avoid going from one lug nut to the next. Check your car's safety manual for instructions on the best placement for the car jack. Every car is different. Once you've got the car jack in place, lift the car off the ground, allowing enough room to remove the old tire and replace it with a new tire.
Step 4: Removing the Tire
- After you have jacked the car up to the right height, you should be able to finish unscrewing the lug nuts by hand. Keep them in a safe place, so you don't lose them. It is now time to remove the flat tire. You may have to turn and tug to get it off, but be careful you don't apply more strength than necessary, otherwise you may fall backwards.
Step 5: Replacing the Tire
- Your spare tire should fit perfectly into place. Once you're sure it's on, replace the lug nuts, but do not secure them completely. Use the same star pattern to tighten them that you used to remove them. Lower the car back to the ground and then use the tire iron to secure the lug nuts. Replace the hub cap.
Conclusion
- Changing a tire may seem like a daunting task, but with the the proper tools and a a little patience, anyone can do it. Make sure you steer your car toward out of harm's way and to level ground before you attempt to change your tire. Once the car is in a safe position and you've applied the emergency brake, jack the car up and take off the old tire. Replace it with a new tire and secure all the lug nuts into place. Don't forget to replace your old tire with a new one, just in case it happens again.
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