Changing a car tire is one of the most basic maintenance tasks for any vehicle owner. Knowing how to change a tire properly and having the right tools on hand can help you get back on the road quickly and safely in the event of a flat tire. In this article, we will go over the essential tools you need to change a tire, the steps involved, as well as some safety tips to keep in mind.
Page Contents
- 1 Essential Tools
- 2 Steps to Change a Tire
- 2.1 1. Position the vehicle
- 2.2 2. Chock the wheels
- 2.3 3. Loosen the lug nuts
- 2.4 4. Place the jack
- 2.5 5. Jack up the vehicle
- 2.6 6. Remove lug nuts and tire
- 2.7 7. Mount the spare
- 2.8 8. Lower the vehicle
- 2.9 9. Tighten lug nuts
- 2.10 10. Lower and remove the jack
- 2.11 11. Test tire inflation
- 2.12 12. Stow equipment and flat tire
- 2.13 13. Inspect repair
- 3 Safety Tips
- 4 Conclusion
Essential Tools
Here are the basic tools required for changing a tire:
Jack
The car jack is used to lift the vehicle so the flat tire clears the ground. There are several types of jacks available:
– Scissor jack – This is the basic jack that comes with most vehicles. It is operated manually with a screw-type mechanism.
– Hydraulic floor jack – Floor jacks use hydraulic force to lift vehicles quickly and smoothly. They provide greater lifting capacity than scissor jacks.
– High lift jack – These jacks have a large lifting range, allowing you to lift even large trucks and SUVs high enough to change tires. They are operated manually.
Make sure the jack capacity matches your vehicle’s weight. Refer to your owner’s manual to find the recommended jack type and lifting points on the vehicle chassis. Inspect the jack before use to ensure it is in good working condition.
Lug wrench
The lug wrench, also known as a tire iron, is used to loosen and tighten the lug nuts. It fits over the lug nuts and allows you to apply torque. Most vehicles come with a lug wrench, but you can also purchase one shaped to the lug nuts of your car. Make sure to use the correct size to avoid stripping the nuts.
Spare tire
The spare tire provides the replacement for the flat tire. On most modern cars, the spare is stored underneath the vehicle. Make sure it is properly inflated and in good condition. The spare should match the normal tire size of your vehicle.
Wheel chocks
Chocks are wedge-shaped blocks placed in front and behind the wheels on the opposite side of the vehicle from the flat. This prevents accidental movement as the car is jacked up. Chocks provide an additional safety measure.
Torque wrench
A torque wrench allows you to tighten lug nuts to the specified tightness (torque). Using a torque wrench prevents over or under-tightening which could damage the nuts or wheel. Refer to your owner’s manual for the proper lug nut torque specification for your vehicle.
Gloves
Good quality work gloves protect your hands from cuts, abrasions and dirt while handling the tire equipment. Leather gloves with rubber gripping surfaces provide protection as well as grip while working with lug nuts and the spare tire.
Safety supplies
– Wheel chocks
– Reflective safety cones/triangles
– Flashlight (for night-time tire changes)
These items provide additional roadside safety when changing a tire. Position cones/triangles around the disabled vehicle to alert passing motorists. The flashlight illuminates the tire area at night.
Steps to Change a Tire
Follow these steps to safely change a flat tire:
1. Position the vehicle
– Move the vehicle to a safe, flat location off the road and away from traffic.
– Apply the parking brake firmly.
– Manual transmission – shift into reverse or first gear. Automatic transmission – shift into Park.
2. Chock the wheels
– Chock the wheels on the opposite side of the vehicle to the flat tire. This prevents rolling.
3. Loosen the lug nuts
– Use the lug wrench to loosen each lug nut by turning counterclockwise.
– Loosen the nuts in a star pattern. Don’t remove the nuts yet.
4. Place the jack
– Position the jack at the proper lifting point referred to in your owner’s manual. Ensure the jack head (saddle) makes firm contact.
5. Jack up the vehicle
– Operate the jack to raise the vehicle until the tire clears the ground by several inches.
6. Remove lug nuts and tire
– Once raised, fully unscrew and remove the lug nuts.
– Pull the tire off the wheel lugs. Set the flat tire aside.
7. Mount the spare
– Pick up the spare and line up the holes with the wheel lugs.
– Push the spare all the way on and hand tighten a few lug nuts to hold it.
8. Lower the vehicle
– Turn the jack to slowly lower the car onto the spare until it is supporting the weight.
9. Tighten lug nuts
– Using the lug wrench or torque wrench, tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern. Refer to your owner’s manual for proper tightness.
10. Lower and remove the jack
– Once lug nuts are tight, lower the jack all the way and remove it from under the vehicle.
11. Test tire inflation
– Use a pressure gauge to check the spare tire inflation. Add or release air as needed to match specification.
12. Stow equipment and flat tire
– Return all equipment to their storage locations in the vehicle.
– Place flat tire in your trunk or designated spot.
13. Inspect repair
– Give the lugs, spare and wheel area a final inspection before driving away. Go immediately to have the flat tire properly repaired.
Safety Tips
Here are important safety precautions when changing a car tire:
– Set up flares/triangles and wear a safety vest when stopped roadside.
– Ensure the vehicle is parked on a flat, hard surface with the parking brake engaged.
– Chock both wheels on the opposite side to prevent rolling.
– Use a jack stand if you must get under the vehicle.
– Avoid being stranded at night – call for assistance.
– If on the side of a busy road, stay away from traffic.
– Make sure the jack is positioned on a flat, sturdy area on the vehicle frame.
– Do not get under the vehicle while it is jacked up.
– Keep fingers and hands clear of wheel wells when lowering vehicle.
– Double check lug nuts are tightened securely before driving.
Conclusion
Having the right tools and following proper tire changing steps is crucial for a safe repair. Always refer to your owner’s manual for model-specific instructions. Ensuring tires are properly inflated, maintained and replaced when worn will help prevent flats. Practicing tire changes under non-emergency conditions will build confidence and skills. With the necessary tools on hand and proper precautions, you can get back on the road confidently.