Tire failure can be caused by many things such as improper pressure, worn tread, a puncture and/or other damage. Knowing how to change the tire in this case can be extremely beneficial. Before you can change the tire, you must first locate your jack, lug wrench, and spare tire. If you don’t already know where these things are, find them now so you are prepared in the case of an unexpected flat. You should also be familiar with the jacking point for your vehicle. Should you have trouble finding these things, our Quick Lane would be more than willing to assist you.
Pictured: Lug Wrench (left) and Jack (right)
As soon as you notice the flat tire, find the safest place to pull over and park your car. Gather your car jack, lug wrench, and spare tire. Use the car jack to lift the vehicle, using the jacking point nearest to the disabled wheel so that the weight of the car is on the jack while the tire is still in contact with the road. The jacking point is usually about three to four inches wide underneath the vehicle. The vehicle’s owners manual should include all the information you need about where to jack up the car.
Pictured: Jack Point
Next, removing the hubcap with the wrench will allow access to the lug nuts. With the tire still in contact with the road, begin loosening the lug nuts (turn counterclockwise) but don’t remove them. Jack the car up further until the tire is no longer in contact with the road. Then, remove the lug nuts completely. Take off the damaged tire and wheel assembly and replace it with the spare. Tighten the lug nuts (turn clockwise) by hand so they are firm but not fully tightened. Now, lower the car so the tire is touching the ground (the car’s weight should remain on the jack). Tighten the lug nuts further using the lug wrench in a star pattern (around the wheel, skipping every other lug) to ensure that they are tightened evenly around the wheel. Lower the car onto the ground and remove the car jack.
Pictured: Star pattern to tighten the lug nuts
Make sure that the lug nuts are as tight as possible. Now, you are safe to continue your trip! Replace the tire as soon as possible to avoid driving on the spare tire. Most spare tires (undersized “donut” tires) are not safe for long drives or speeds above 40-50 miles per hour. Use the spare tire as little as possible to ensure it is ready should you need it again in the future. Lastly, head into our Quick Lane to repair or replace the damaged tire.