How to Safely Change A Tire

Changing a flat tire can be a unpleasant experience for most people. Especially when you are on your way to, maybe an interview or work. Maybe you left a little later than usual, thinking that it would only take you 15 minutes to get to your destination. Well having a flat tire is one of those things, that we may not be able to control. By following these simple steps, you will get your car up and running again, in no time.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Spare tire
• Jack
• Lug Wrench
• Wheel block
• Flashlight(If it's dark)

1. 
   Owner's manual

   Get familiar with the tools, used to change a flat tire and where to locate them. Your owner's manuel should have that information.

2. Try to find a safe and level area to park your car. If you are travelling on the highway, i would advice you to make it to the nearest exit. Turn on your hazard lights and drive slower than normal to a safe area.

3. 
   Placing Wheel block

   Turn on your Hazard lights. Put your car in park. Pull up your emergency brake. (If manual transmission, put it in first gear) Place the wheel block at the end of the back wheels, opposite the flat tire.(Just incase the car starts to roll)

4. 
   Removing hubcap

   Have your spare tire, jack, and lug wrench ready. Remove the hubcap from the flat tire.

5. 
   Removing log nuts

   Loosen the lug nuts, using the wrench(counterclockwise). Then jack the car up, (check your manuel for the correct positioning of the jack) about 6 inches from the ground. Remove the loosened lug nuts, place nuts together, or place them in the center of the hubcap.

6. 
   Replacing the log nuts

   Take off the flat tire, pulling it towards you and replace it with the spare. Align the holes in the spare tire, with the lug nuts posts, then firmly push the tire on. Tighten the log nuts, but not too tightly.

7. 
   Job completed

   Jack the car down to the ground. Remember to remove the jack from under the car. Also the wheel block. Finally you can now tighten the lug nuts, for example, tighten one, then the one opposite it. Continue in this pattern until all the nuts are tightened. Gather up your tools and place them back in the car and continue your journey.

Tips & Warnings

• Lug nuts can be difficult to remove, you can try using a rock to hit the wrench, to help loosen the nuts.
• It is important to check air pressure, in your tire at least once a month.
• Check the pressure in your tires before you start driving, you get a more accurate reading when tires are cold.
• Make sure that you position the jack correctly under the car. (Check owner's manual)
• Drive immediately to a tire shop or a mechanic shop to replace the spare tire.
• Never get under the vehicle while its jacked up. Just in case the car slips off the jack or starts to roll.