How to Change a Tire

If you drive long enough, eventually you will experience a flat tire. This of course usually happens far away from a repair shop, and leaves you stuck on the side of the road. This is how to change a flat tire.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Jack
• Tire iron
• Spare tire

1. To change a flat tire you should first get the vehicle on stable/level ground if at all possible. You should also try to be as far away as you can from any traffic. Now you need to get the jack and tire iron (the "L" shaped bar that fits over the lug nuts) out. Most cars have what is known as a scissor jack. It lays flat, and when you raise it the sides come in and the middle raises.

2. You need to first insure that the car is in park (auto) or in gear with the emergency brake engaged (manual). Remove the spare tire, jack and tire iron. Now you will need to loosen the lug nuts (before you jack the car up!). Take the tire iron and place it on one of the lug nuts. Turn it counterclockwise to loosen the lug nut. Note that they are probably on very tight, considering the last time they were put on was most likely with an impact wrench. Loosen all of the lug nuts, but DO NOT remove them yet. If you do you risk the car falling. Now place the jack in the manufacturers designated position (it is in the owner's manual). If you do not have the owner's manual, look under the car, there may be arrows that show the lift point.

3. Only raise the car enough to get the tire off of the ground. Any more is simply a waste of time and energy. Now remove the lug nuts from the studs. Take the flat tire off, and place the spare tire on the car. Install the lug nuts by hand. Tighten them slightly with the tire iron. Now lower the car slowly to the ground. Once the weight of the car is off of the jack you will need to completely tighten the lug nuts. Tighten them as tight as you can using the tire iron. Place the flat tire in the vehicle, and put the tire iron and jack back in their place. Note that most spare tires are rated for a much slower speed, and for far fewer miles than a regular tire. They are meant to be a "crutch" so that you can limp somewhere to get the tire replaced. They are not meant to be used for extended periods of time.

Tips & Warnings

• Always be careful when working on a raised vehicle.
• Watch for traffic, if you can, have a passenger help you watch.
• Be aware of what is going on around you, watch for traffic.
• Never place any part of your body under the car while it is raised. The jacks that come with the vehicle are not very stable, and the car could fall on you.
• When in doubt, call for a tow. Even though they are getting more expensive nowadays, it is far easier to pay for a tow than to try to replace you.

Resources

• Replacement Tires

[Mitestarossa]

on 1/7/2009 Hopefully I won't need this anytime soon.

[HowDragon]

on 11/20/2008 Good article. I'll remember this if I ever need to change a tire. Thanks!

[kllmomof2]

on 10/27/2008 Very informative and well written!

[sunshine11219]

on 10/25/2008 great way of explaining

[mojoworkin]

on 10/19/2008 Good stuff. It amazes how many people don't know how to do this simple task. Very informative. 5*