A flat tire usually shows up when you least expect it and then demands that it goes to the top of your list of things to do. A flat tire can happen to anyone at anytime, anywhere. Regardless of your situation, whether you’re in your Sunday best or on your way to the beach, the basics of changing a tire are universally the same, no matter what type of vehicle you are working with. We’ve broken it down into 10 steps that will help you when you’re stuck on the side of the road.
1. FIND A SAFE PLACE TO PULL OVER AND MAKE SURE IT’S LEVEL
The ground should be solid and level to keep your car from rolling downhill or off of the jack. If you’re on the side of the road, pull over as far possible to avoid an accident. Avoid stopping by bends in the road, as this reduces visibility for not only you, but for other drivers as well. If you’re in a dark or unsafe area, carefully drive to a better spot if possible.
2. USE YOUR HAZARD LIGHTS AND PARKING BRAKE
Use your hazard lights and parking brake to keep yourself and your vehicle safe by increasing your visibility and decreasing the vehicle’s ability to roll.
3. CHECK FOR MATERIALS
At the bare minimum, you’ll need a jack, wrench, and a spare tire. These three items should always be in your vehicle just in case a flat tire occurs. Many vehicles come with these things already included, either under your car itself, in the trunk, or a hidden compartment in the back. Other items that can make the process easier include:
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-Flashlight
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-Gloves
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-Mat for kneeling on
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-Rain poncho (if the weather isn’t cooperating)
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-Tire gauge
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-Your vehicle’s owner’s manual
4. LOOSEN THE LUG NUTS
If your vehicle has a wheel cover, or usually called a hub cab, pry it off. Secure the wrench onto a lug nut and turn it counterclockwise to loosen it. Repeat this process with each lug nut, making sure each one is loose enough to turn by hand. This process can be difficult, and it can take quite a bit of elbow grease. As always, make sure you are turning in the correct direction. Remember: lefty loosy, righty tighty.
5. GET YOUR VEHICLE UP OFF OF THE GROUND WITH YOUR JACK
Place the jack under the metal portion of your vehicle’s frame. Do not place the jack where it will have contact with any plastic molding. It needs to be under the metal part of your car to ensure it won’t fall down and it’s stable. The best jack placement differs depending on the vehicle. Looking over your owner’s manual is the best way to learn proper jack placement. Once properly placed, use the jack to raise the tire you’re changing off of the ground. Ensure the jack stays perpendicular to the ground at all times. If it isn’t, this can cause your car to fall towards the ground.
6. REMOVE THE LUG NUTS AND THE TIRE
Turn the lug nuts counterclockwise until they are all very loose and then remove them completely. Keep the lug nuts all together in a safe spot, as you’ll need them to secure the replacement tire. We recommend putting them in a cup holder so they don’t get lost on the ground if they fall out of a pocket. With the lug nuts removed, there is nothing keeping your tire attached to the vehicle. Securely grip your tire and pull it directly toward your body.
7. PUT THE SPARE TIRE ON THE CAR
Line up the holes in the spare with the lug nut posts and place the spare on the wheelbase. Push the spare as far onto the wheelbase as possible.
8. REPLACE THE LUG NUTS
Put the lug nuts on so the spare tire stays put. Don’t tighten them all the way just yet. It’s very important to tighten your lug nuts in a way that keeps the tire even.
9. LOWER YOUR VEHICLE AND BEGIN TIGHTENING
Using the jack, slowly lower your vehicle until your spare tire starts touching the ground. This holds the tire in place as you begin tightening the lug nuts. Tighten the lug nuts in increments, alternating every-other nut. For example, if you assign a number to each lug nut, tighten in this order: 1, 3, 5, 2, 4, 1, 3, 5, 2, 4, and repeat. This way you’ll keep the tire on straight.
10. LOWER YOUR VEHICLE COMPLETELY AND FINISH TIGHTENING
Once the lug nuts feel equally tight, completely lower your vehicle to the ground. Once grounded, you may be able to tighten the lug nuts a little bit further. Continue your tightening in the same incremental order until they no longer budge. It is important that your lug nuts are on tightly and evenly.
Finish up by putting your old tire in the trunk and clean up the tools you used, for you may need them again very soon. Depending on what’s wrong with it, your old tire might be salvageable. Bring it to us here at Schmit Bros and we can test and possibly repair it. Otherwise, you’ll need to invest in a new tire, which should be done ASAP. It’s never a good idea to operate a vehicle without a spare tire because it can cost you more money in the long run if you have to call a tow truck or can be stressful if you get stranded. Make sure to pre-check your spare tire and parts to make sure it is ready to use in case of an emergency because you never know when you’re going to need it.
Here at Schmit Bros, we check your tires every oil change to ensure they’re running smooth and you won’t get stuck on the side of the road. Stop in today if you’re in need of tires or anything because we are here and happy to help you!