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  How to Change a Tire

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Related Products: Automotive > Automotive Repair > Tire & Wheel Repair

For all you ladies and gentleman who don’t have roadside assistance change your own tire using these easy steps. For those of you who do, no more waiting! You can change your own tire and quickly be on your way. Remember safety first when doing a roadside change. Before you begin, make sure your car is on a flat area and pull your car as far off the road as possible.

Materials Needed:

  1. Spare Tire
  2. Car Jack
  3. Lugnut Wrench
  4. Flashlight (For a night change)
  5. Flares/Emergency Warning Triangles
    



Step One:


Put the car in park and set the emergency brake if your car is equipped with one. Turn your vehicle’s engine off and put your hazard lights on to alert other motorists that you are stopped. You may also want to lift the hood of your car to further show that you are stopped for repairs. For added safety, set out flares and or emergency safety cones. You are now ready to begin.







Step Two:


Retrieve spare tire and tools from car or trunk. With your lugnut wrench, you need to remove the hubcap from the flat. Simply loosen the lugnuts that are holding the wheel in place. About ½ turn clockwise should do the trick. Do not completely remove the lugnuts before jacking up your car so the tire does not drop off and injure you.

Step Three:


Jack the car off the ground. It is wise now to consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual for the correct and safest jack placement under the car. Jack the vehicle far enough off the ground so that a new, fully inflated tire will fit easily under the car. Too much space is better that not enough.

Step Four:


Now it is safe to completely remove the lugnuts from the flat tires. Be sure to keep track of them, put them in a safe place. You will need them to secure the spare tire. Remove the flat and put it out of your way. You will need plenty of room to work. Lift on the spare tire. Align the holes before attempting the placement. Make sure the air valve is faceing out towards you.

Step Five:


Now the tire is on, replace the lugnuts you have set aside using your lugnut wrench. Tighten opposite nuts then continue around. Work in a star pattern and only slightly tighten your nuts during this step.

Step Six:


It is now time to return your vehicle to the ground. Slowly lower the car using the jack. Once the vehicle is safely on the ground, you can finish tightening the lugnuts. Secure them as tightly as you possibly can. Now reattach your hubcap. You did it, you changed your flat! You are now ready to drive off safely.

* Be sure to replace your tools and equipment so that you can easily locate them next time you need them. You now need to schedule your car into a service station to have a full new wheel put on. Remember while changing your flat, be aware of passing motorists as they may not be aware of you.

Related Products: Automotive > Automotive Repair > Tire & Wheel Repair

DISCLAIMER: Check your state and local codes before starting any project. Follow all safety precautions. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and safety of the information in this document. Neither NRHA, any contributor nor Aubuchon Hardware can be held responsible for damages or injuries resulting from the use of the information in this document.

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