Changing tires is not quite as complicated as it is made out to be. Likewise, it does not take the stamina of a bodybuilder to complete the task (unless you are changing the tires of a large truck). This is a skill that anyone can learn and develop. These are the steps fix a car tire quickly and easily:
Things You Will Need To Change a Tire on A Car
Some basic things you would need while changing tires include:
- Owner’s Manual-The owner’s manual of all cars includes details that are helpful when changing a tire. You’ll find concise but critical information here, such as the kind of wrench that will suit your car’s nuts and bolts.
- Lug Wrench– A lug wrench comes in a variety of shapes and sizes, including double-sided nut socket, or X-shaped, or L-shaped. This is used to remove and then re-tighten the wheel’s lug nuts.
- Spare Tire- To be used in the event of a flat tire.
- Jack- This is needed to raise the car a few inches in order to change the tire quickly. Nowadays, a wide variety of jacks is available to consumers. A jack is generally included with the car.
Items Not Included In The Vehicle Yet Are Valuable When Changing A Flat Tire:
- A Working Flashlight: This is very useful while working in low light conditions or at night.
- Small and Flat Wooden Boards: Ensure that you have two small and flat wooden boards measuring approximately 26 inches. These will help you secure the jack in place.
- Gloves: To shield your hands from potential injuries, keep dirt from the tire; it also provides a better grip
- Wheel Wedges: They will aid in securing other wheels as you focus on the flat tire
- Raincoat: It can come in handy when there is rainfall.
How to Change a Car Tire
1. Locate a Safe Area
When you see your vehicle has a flat tire, it is important to move off the road safely. Avoid abrupt swerving, since this is risky for both you and other cars cruising down the lane. Following that, find a convenient location to park your vehicle, exit, and change the tire. Remember to leave an adequate amount of defined area between the vehicle and the road while parking.
2. Switch on Parking Lights
By activating the hazard or parking lights, you are warning other motorists. They’ll see the flashing lights from a distance, and you’ll be able to safely change the tire.
3. Employ the Hand-break
Pull the hand-break to its maximum position to park the vehicle. This would keep the vehicle in one position while you use force to adjust the tire.
4. Secure the Wheel Wedges
To ensure additional protection, secure the wheel wedges right behind the good tires. These are advantageous, especially on an inclined path.
5. Remove Wheel Covers
Wheel covers are used to protect most automobile tires. You must remove these prior to changing the flat tire. Consult the owner’s manual for instructions on how to do this. Take note that different car types can have different wheel cover settings.
6. Half-Loosen the Lug Nuts
The lug nuts should be loosened halfway before lifting the car with a jack, as lifting the car first would allow the tire to continue spinning. Loosen the lug nuts with the lug wrench. Ascertain whether you are using the right sized wrench.
7. Use Wooden Boards to Secure The Jack
Determine the jacking point under the vehicle. This is the location where the jack should be attached to the vehicle. Place the wooden boards underneath the jacking point before securing it with the jack. Then, insert the jack into the jacking point and raise the car until a slight distance between the ground and the tire is visible.
8. Fully Remove all the Lug Nuts
Remove all the lug nuts by completely unscrewing them with a wrench.
9. Replace the Flat Tire
Remove the flat tire from the frame of the vehicle and swap it with a replacement.
10. Reinstall Lug Nuts and Wheel Cover
This is the next step in the process of fixing a flat tire. Proceed to lower the car by screwing the lug nuts halfway. Remove the jack and all the wooden boards until the wheel is securely set on the ground. Replace the tire cover and tighten the lug nuts.
Keep all equipment safely in the car and driving after checking the tire pressure. If you do not have a pressure-checking tool, drive to the closest garage where they will do the needful. It is also important that you repair the flat tire immediately, so that you have a spare for when you need one next. As you can see, these steps are quite easy and you can master them by handling the task yourself in case you find yourself dealing with a flat tire.
