Flat tires are never welcomed and they can happen at the most unexpected moments, regardless of how safely you drive. They can happen just about anywhere at any time, which means there’s a chance you’re unable to call for help. Knowing how to change a tire is an important skill for every driver. In this situation, preparation is key.
Here are some helpful tips on how to change your tires:
Items you’ll need:
- Jack
- Lug Wrench
- Spare tire (fully inflated)
- Towel (optional)
- Flashlight (optional)
- Gloves (optional)
1. Be prepared
Planning ahead will save you a lot of stress and frustration. It’s important that you have the basic tools needed in your trunk. It’s also highly recommended to periodically check in on your spare tire to make sure the air pressure isn’t flat, as they will naturally lose air over time. Just a heads up, the screws and tires are very dirty and oily, so you’ll want a towel to wipe your hands clean, although it’s optional. In the event that a flat tire occurs at night, it’s a good idea to have a flashlight handy.
2. Pull over to a safe spot
Driving with a flat tire can damage your rims which can be very costly to repair, but more importantly, it’s extremely dangerous. As soon as you’re aware of your flat tire, turn on your hazard lights and safely pull over to the side of the road. Give yourself a safe distance away from the main traffic and avoid steep hills. For extra safety precaution, put on your emergency brake.
3. Loosen the lug nuts
Once your vehicle is safely parked, it’s time to grab your tools and spare tire. Using the lug wrench, begin by loosening the lug nuts by turning the wrench to the left. Keep in mind, you’re not completely removing the nuts – just loosen them enough so that they come off easily once your vehicle is jacked up.
TIP: Place your floor mats on the ground to kneel on.
4. Lift up your vehicle
Next, it’s time to lift your vehicle using the jack. Every car is different, so it’s best to refer back to your owner’s manual to identify the jacking points. Once you’ve identified the jacking point, lift your tire about 6 inches off the ground.
You want it high enough so you have space to remove your tire and install your spare tire. Now you can remove the loosened lug nuts and remove the flat tire by pulling it out. Be careful as the tire is heavy!
5. Install your spare tire
Now you can place the spare tire on by lining up the lug nuts with the holes and pushing it into place. Next, screw the lug nuts on just enough so the spare tire stays on the car.
6. Lower your car
Next, carefully lower the car safely back to the ground and remove the jack from underneath. Lastly, begin tightening the lug nuts using the wrench by turning it to the right. Note, it’s important that the lug nuts are screwed on tightly for your safety. Keep in mind that a spare tire is meant for temporary use, so it’s a good idea to keep your speed limit under 80 km/hr. Don’t forget to head into the nearest car repair shop to replace your spare.
Destination Auto Group has 6 locations across the Lower Mainland; you can bring in your vehicle to your nearest Destination dealership where our dedicated Service Advisors are committed to delivering quality service and exceptional customer care for your safety and convenience. Visit us today at one of our six dealerships:
| Destination Chrysler 1600 Marine Drive, North Vancouver, BC Service: (604) 990-4364 |
Destination Toyota 4451 Still Creek Dr, Burnaby, BC Service: (604) 571-4399 |
Kingsway Honda 368 Kingsway, Vancouver, BC Service: (604) 874-6632 |
| Destination Hyundai 445 Kingsway, Vancouver, BC Service: (604) 292-8190 |
Destination Mazda 1595 Boundary Rd, Vancouver, BC Service: (604) 291-9666 |
Destination Honda 4780 Hastings Street, Burnaby, BC Service: (604) 294-6632 |
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