HOW TO CHANGE A FLAT TIRE

Knowing how to change a flat is a skill that any driver should learn. Changing a flat tire doesn’t need to be difficult, all you need is the right tools, knowledge, and practice.

To change a flat tire you will need the following:

• Jack
• Lug Wrench
• Fully Inflated spare tire
• Vehicles owner’s manual

These tools often come with the car. If you do not have them, they can be purchased at your local hardware store.

1. Turn on your hazard lights & Reduce Speed

This lets other drivers know that there is something going on with your vehicle and that you will be driving slower because of this.

2. Find a safe location

When you first realize that you have a flat tire, you should pull over as soon as it is safe to do so. You never want to try to change a tire on a narrow shoulder, your safety is always your number one priority. One of the best places to change a flat tire will be empty parking lots, as there is no oncoming traffic.

3. Apply your parking brake

Always use the parking brake when replacing a flat tire. This will help keep your vehicle from rolling.

4. Apply Wheel Wedges

Wheel wedges are used to keep your vehicle from moving. If you are changing the back tires, you want to place the wedges in front of the front tires. If you are changing front tires, you should place them behind the back tires.

5. Remove The Hubcap or Wheel Cover

If you have a Hubcap covering your lugnuts, you should remove this before you start. If not, then proceed to step 6.

6. Loosen the Lug Nuts

Using the Lug Wrench, break the resistance of the lug nuts. This is done by turning counterclockwise on most vehicles.

7. Place the Jack Under The Vehicle

Position the Jack on the outer frame of your vehicle. Your vehicle owner’s manual will give you specific information about the proper placement of the jack for your vehicle’s make and model.

8.  Raise the Vehicle

Turn the jack handle clockwise by hand until the flat tire is several inches from the ground.

9.  Remove the Lug Nuts

Unscrew the lug nuts that were loosened in step 6. Keep these in a safe spot.

10. Removing the Flat Tire

Gently pull the tire off the threads, and place it on its side.

11.  Mounting the Spare Tire

Place the spare tire onto the lug nut threads, push slowly until the threads are shown through the rims.

12.  Tightening the Lug Nuts

Put the lug nuts back onto the threads, and start tightening them by hand. Once you can no longer tighten by hand, start tightening them using the Lug Wrench. This is clockwise on most vehicles.

13. Lower The Vehicle

Bring the Vehicle to the ground by lowering the jack. Turn the jack handle counterclockwise until the wheel is touching the ground. Before removing the Jack and the wheel is safely on the ground. Try to tighten the lug nuts as best as possible to the recommended torque specifications that the manufacturer states.

14. Finishing Up

Put back on the hubcap that you removed earlier, check the tire pressure in the spare tire, and remove the wedges.

Once you have replaced your flat or damaged tire with the spare, make sure that you follow up with your mechanic to have your tire assessed. Your flat or damaged tire may need to be fixed or replaced. Spare tires are not meant to be driven on for long, or at high speeds. Drive with extra caution while using your spare tire.

If you have a flat or damaged tire that needs to be assessed, Simone Performance would be more than happy to help you.

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