How to Change Your Tires without Flattening Yourself
Are you dreading the idea of having to change a flat tire? You’re not alone! The process can seem intimidating and even dangerous, what with all the heavy lifting involved. But fear not — changing your tires doesn’t have to be so daunting. With a few easy steps and basic knowledge, you’ll soon be feeling like an expert in no time. In this blog post, we’ll show you how to switch out that old tire for a new one without flattening yourself in the process — read on to learn more about the tools, safety info, and tips you need for successful tire-changing.
- Find a Safe Location
As soon as you have identified a safe location for vehicle maintenance, quickly move your car to that spot. Make sure the area is away from busy traffic and on a flat, level surface. One way to help ensure the visibility of the vehicle and its surroundings is by finding a well-lit spot. After positioning the car, don’t forget to put the parking brake in place and turn off the ignition. This will help keep you, your passengers, and your vehicle safe during any automobile repairs or inspections.
- Gather Your Tools
To help yourself pull off a successful tire change, you’re going to need some necessary tools. These are the same tools that mechanics use in their auto repair shops when fixing cars or changing tires themselves. You will need the spare tire, a lug wrench for loosening screws, and a car jack that would help you lift your car so it wouldn’t crash while replacing the wheel. The good thing is you can find these tools in the trunk of your car.
- Loosen the Lug Nuts
Now that you’ve gathered all your tools, it’s time to get to work. The first thing you should do is loosen the lug nuts holding the tire together with the car. Get a lug wrench and use it on the old tire you want to replace. Turn the lugs counterclockwise, until you feel they’re loose enough. Once they’re loose, don’t remove them yet.
- Position the Jack
Once you’ve loosened the nuts, time to lift your car with the jack. Position the jack under the jacking point recommended in your vehicle’s owner’s manual. Raise the jack by pushing the big lever down repeatedly to raise your car. Keep raising it until you see it’s supporting the vehicle, but not lifting it off the ground.
- Remove the Lug Nuts
Once your car is lifted high enough, now remove the old wheel from your vehicle. Use the lug wrench to remove the loosened lug nuts from your old tire. Once that’s done, pull out the old wheel with your hands. But be careful, you don’t want to put pressure on the brake line or any other part of your car.
- Install the Spare Tire
With your old tire detached from your car, now it’s time to put in your new spare tire. Begin by lining up the mounting holes in the spare tire with the wheel hub on your vehicle. Next, replace all the lug nuts and tighten them by hand. Once you have finished this step you can use an adjustable wrench to further turn and secure the lug nuts until they are tightened evenly. It is important to ensure that each nut is equally tight for proper performance over time.
- Lower the Vehicle
Carefully lower the vehicle using the jack and release it until it is resting securely on the ground. Ensure that the jack is appropriately stable and secure so that there are no risks of the vehicle dropping or sliding due to incorrect placement. It may be beneficial to keep your hands on the vehicle as you slowly lower it, as this will give you extra control over how far and fast it lowers. However, use caution when handling a car that has been lifted; always take safety precautions such as having someone around and wearing thick clothing while lowering it just in case something goes wrong.
- Tighten the Lug Nuts
With your car lowered, the next step is to make sure the lug nuts are tight as possible. Use the lug wrench to tighten the lug nuts as much as you can. Make sure to tighten them in a crisscross pattern to ensure that the tire is evenly seated.
- Double-check the Lug Nuts
It is very important to double-check the lug nuts on a vehicle before driving away. Not only could an untightened lug nut cause serious damage when driving, but it can also lead to major safety hazards. Checking each lug nut twice, in a star pattern and then again around the circle of the wheel ensures that they are tight and secure. This quick process will save you time and money long term, as well as provide peace of mind that your vehicle is running safely and smoothly.
- Check the Tire Pressure
Before leaving for a long drive, it is wise to check the tire pressure of your car and ensure the spare tire is inflated. Not only is it a safety concern, but having properly inflated tires improve fuel efficiency and can save you money on gas. Underinflated tires may suffer from increased wear and tear on the sidewalls which can lead to higher repair costs down the road. Make sure to consult your owner’s manual for specific air pressure recommendations as some vehicles have different requirements for the spare tire.
Conclusion
Changing your tires is a satisfying experience that can save you money, and now it can be done safely with the help of our blog. We hope you’ve taken away some helpful tips from our blog post and are ready to roll out new tires. Even with all these tips, changing your tire takes time and effort so don’t forget why many people choose to book a home mechanic instead. Booking one through Sirwiss is easy, safe, and convenient so you have more time for other activities in your day. Plus, you can be certain that the job is done safely and correctly as we only partner with certified mechanics who know their stuff. So whether you choose to change your tires or utilize Sirwiss’ services, we wish you successful travels.