A flat tire can happen at any time, and it’s important to know how to change it safely, especially if you’re on a busy roadway. Here’s what you need to do to change a flat tire safely.
What You’ll Need
To change a flat tire, you’ll need a few things:
- Spare Tire: Make sure you have a spare tire in your car before you need it.
- Lug Wrench: This is the tool used to remove and tighten the lug nuts that hold the tire in place.
- Jack: This is the device used to lift the car off the ground so you can remove the flat tire.
- Wheel Wedges: These are small wedges that go under the tires to prevent the car from rolling while you change the tire.
Flashlight: Use a flashlight to help you see what you’re doing, especially if you’re changing the tire at night.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Find a safe place to change the tire: Move your car as far off the road as possible and turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers. Avoid changing the tire on a slope or soft ground.
- Apply the wheel wedges: Place the wheel wedges on both sides of the tire that is diagonal to the flat tire. This will prevent the car from rolling while you’re changing the tire.
- Remove the hubcap or wheel cover: Use the flat end of the lug wrench to remove the hubcap or wheel cover.
- Loosen the lug nuts: Use the lug wrench to turn each lug nut counterclockwise until they are loose, but don’t remove them yet.
- Position the jack: Refer to your car’s owner’s manual to find the recommended jacking points for your car. Position the jack under the recommended jacking point and make sure it’s centered.
- Raise the car: Use the jack to lift the car off the ground until the flat tire is about six inches off the ground.
- Remove the lug nuts: Use the lug wrench to remove the lug nuts and set them aside in a safe place.
- Remove the flat tire: Carefully remove the flat tire from the car and set it aside.
- Mount the spare tire: Position the spare tire onto the wheel studs and push it onto the hub.
- Tighten the lug nuts: Use the lug wrench to tighten the lug nuts by turning them clockwise. Tighten them as much as you can
- Lower the car: Use the jack to lower the car back onto the ground.
- Tighten the lug nuts again: Use the lug wrench to tighten the lug nuts again, this time as tightly as possible.
- Replace the hubcap or wheel cover: Put the hubcap or wheel cover back on and secure it with the lug nuts.
- Put away your tools: Put the jack, lug wrench, and wheel wedges back in your trunk.
Tips for Changing a Flat Tire Safely
- Always change a flat tire on a flat, stable surface.
- Use the wheel wedges to prevent the car from rolling.
- Make sure the jack is positioned correctly and secure before lifting the car.
- Use the lug wrench to tighten the lug nuts as much as possible to prevent them from loosening while driving.
- Have your flat tire repaired or replaced as soon as possible.
Changing a flat tire on a busy roadway can be a daunting task, but by following these step-by-step instructions and taking the necessary precautions, you can do it safely and confidently.
In Philadelphia, PA, call All Roadside Services and let us do the dirty work.