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September 20, 2024 | By Ignatia Belle
Let’s face it—knowing how to change a tire is one of those life skills that every driver needs, even if they secretly hope they’ll never use it. Because guess what? A flat tire loves to strike at the worst possible moment, like when you’re running late or in the middle of nowhere with zero cell service. Sure, you could wait around for roadside assistance or pray that your phone stays charged just long enough, but why leave your fate to the tire gods?
The good news is, changing a tire is way easier than it sounds—seriously, if you can put together IKEA furniture, you’ve got this. So buckle up, we’re about to break it down into super simple steps that’ll have you back on the road faster than you can say ‘Where’s my spare?’ Plus, we’ve got a few pro tips to make sure you’re not caught off guard when your tire decides it’s time for a nap.
So you’re in a tricky situation, don’t worry we got you. Take a moment to ensure your car has all the essentials to change a tire. The basics include:
– A spare tire (usually in your trunk)
– A lug wrench (to loosen and tighten the lug nuts)
– A car jack (to lift your vehicle)
– Your vehicle’s manual (handy for any model-specific details)
These should have come with your car, but if you’re unsure, double-check. Additionally, keeping extras like a flashlight, gloves, and a small piece of wood (to secure the jack) is always a good idea.
If you notice a flat tire while driving, don’t panic. Gradually slow down, avoid sudden braking, and pull over to a safe, level area. A parking lot or wide shoulder works well (Psst…an Oscar parking spot always does the job best). Never attempt to change a tire on a slope or in a dangerous spot like a bend in the road. Safety first!
Turn on your hazard lights immediately to alert other drivers, and if it’s night, use your flashlight or phone for visibility. Once you’ve stopped, apply the parking brake to make sure your car stays in place.
Before you even think about lifting your vehicle, there are a few steps you need to follow to make the process safer and easier. First, grab your wheel wedges (if you have them) and place them in front of or behind the tires, depending on whether you’re changing a front or back tire. This will prevent any accidental rolling.
Next, remove the hubcap or wheel cover if your car has one. For most vehicles, the lug wrench will do the trick, but some may require specific tools. If you’re unsure, consult your vehicle’s manual.
Now, let’s get down to business. Using your lug wrench, loosen the lug nuts on the flat tire by turning them counterclockwise. You may need to put some muscle into it, but don’t worry if it’s tough! Keep loosening until the nuts are free, but don’t remove them just yet. We’ll get to that part after you jack up the car.
Place the jack under the vehicle frame near the flat tire. Your vehicle’s manual will show you the exact spot. To prevent any slipping or damage, make sure the jack is positioned securely.
Once in place, slowly raise the car by turning the jack handle. Lift the car until the flat tire is about six inches off the ground. Always be cautious when using the jack and never place any body parts under the car while it’s lifted.
With the car safely elevated, finish removing the lug nuts and pull the flat tire off the hub. If the tire sticks, give it a gentle nudge, and it should come free. Roll the flat tire to the side so it doesn’t get in your way.
Now it’s time to grab your spare and get it into place. Align the holes in the rim with the lug bolts on the hub and gently push the tire onto the car. Once it’s in place, hand-tighten the lug nuts onto the bolts. Don’t tighten them fully just yet—we’ll do that after lowering the car.
Carefully lower your vehicle with the jack until the spare tire is just touching the ground but not fully bearing the car’s weight. Now, use the lug wrench to tighten the lug nuts in a criss-cross pattern, ensuring each one is equally tight. Once you’re confident the nuts are secure, lower the car completely.
After the car is back on the ground, give the lug nuts one more check. Pull the wrench on each nut to make sure it’s as tight as possible. If your spare has a hubcap that fits, pop it on. Otherwise, store it along with your flat tire in the trunk.
Before driving off, check the pressure in your spare. If it’s low, drive cautiously to the nearest service station to inflate it. Most spare tires are designed for temporary use, so you shouldn’t drive at high speeds or for long distances. The goal is to get to a tire shop as soon as possible.
Once you’ve reached your destination, it’s time to visit a tire technician. They’ll assess whether your flat can be repaired or if you’ll need a replacement. Either way, it’s best to address the issue immediately so you aren’t left driving on a temporary spare for longer than necessary.
Knowing how to change a tire may sound intimidating, but once you get the hang of it, it’s a straightforward process. Knowing how to do it yourself will save you time, money, and stress in an emergency situation. Just remember, keep your tools handy, stay safe, and follow the steps we’ve outlined. With a little practice, you’ll be able to change a tire with confidence.
And when you’re back on the road, don’t forget to use Share with Oscar to find convenient parking—because nobody likes hunting for a spot after all that effort! Plus, if you have a parking space at home, why not rent it out and make some extra cash? You’ve already mastered changing a tire—now master parking with Share with Oscar!
Happy Tire Changing!
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