Did you know that around 22% of Americans have no idea how to change a flat tire? If you have never changed a flat tire, you are not alone.
While many people don’t know how to change a flat tire, it is a useful skill that can save you from being stranded on the side of the road. Knowing how to change a tire can save you time, money and improve your safety.
Do you want to learn how to change a car tire? If so, keep reading to learn all about changing a flat tire.
Have the Right Tools
Before you end up with a flat tire, you should make sure you have all the tools. If you don’t, changing your flat tire will be difficult, if not impossible.
To change a flat tire, you should have a wrench, jack, spare tire, and your vehicle owner’s manual. It is helpful to have a flashlight, gloves, and tire gauge.
Safety First
As soon as you realize you have a flat tire, pull over onto the side of the road. Look for the safest spot possible to change your tire. If you find yourself on a busy highway, get as far away from traffic as possible.
Be sure to turn on hazard lights so that other drivers can see you. If you get a flat tire at night, try to find an area with good lighting.
Remove the Flat Tire
Once you have pulled over safely onto the side of the road, it is time to start the process of changing your tire. The first thing you will need to do is remove the flat tire.
To start, loosen the lug nuts on the flat tire, but don’t remove them. Once the lug nuts are loose, use the car jack to lift the vehicle.
You want the flat tire to be 6 inches off the ground. Once the vehicle is off the ground, remove the lug nuts and the flat tire.
Put On the Spare Tire
After removing the flat tire, you can replace it with your spare tire. To do this, line the spare tire up with bolts. Then put the lug nuts back on to keep the spare tire in place.
Once the spare tire is back on, lower the car to the ground and tighten the lug nuts. Once the lug nuts are tight, you can remove the car jack.
Repair/Replace Your Tire
The next step is to repair or replace your old tire. You can only drive on a spare tire long enough to get to a tire shop, so do this right away.
Tire shops, like OZZYTYRES, will give you the option to repair or replace your tire, depending on the damage. Don’t forget to ask if you need a new spare tire.
Now You Know How to Change a Car Tire
Changing a flat tire is a useful skill that can save you time, money and allow you to feel safer. If you were wondering how to change a car tire, you are now prepared if you find yourself on the side of the road with a flat tire.
Did you enjoy reading this article on changing car tires? If you are looking for more car maintenance tips, check out the automobiles category.