Everyone should know how to change a tire in the event that you’re caught with a flat. The process is simple enough for anyone to do on their own, but certain steps must be followed to do the job correctly. This guide provides you with a good reference when changing a tire.
- Pull off the road and onto a safe, flat area. Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers. Put automatic cars in park and set the parking brake; put manual cars in first or reverse gear.
- Collect your spare tire, tire iron and jack from the trunk of your car. It’s also a good idea to get the owner’s manual for further instruction.
- Use the tire iron to loosen the lug nuts. They fit tightly so you may need to use your body weight to leverage the tire iron.
- Jack up your car according to the instructions in the manual. Most cars have slots in the frame next to each tire for the jack. It’s normal to hear creaking sounds as your car is lifted. Raise your car high enough for the tire to spin freely. Never get underneath your car while it’s jacked up for your own safety.
- Use your hands to unscrew the lug nuts the rest of the way, then pull the old tire straight off the bolts.
- Lift the spare tire, match the holes on the rim to the bolts and push it straight back into place.
- Hand-tighten the lug nuts as tight as you can. At this point, using the tire iron will cause the wheel to spin.
- Slowly lower your car back down using the jack.
- Tighten the lug nuts the rest of the way using the tire iron. Work in a diagonal pattern, rather than going in a circle, to ensure even pressure.
- Once you’ve replaced the tire, drive to the nearest car dealership, mechanic or tire shop. Spare tires are designed for short-term emergency use and it’s likely that you’ll need to replace it with a full-sized tire.
Keeping an emergency kit in your trunk can help you perform this job with ease in a variety of weather and road conditions. Helpful items include gloves, tarp, flashlight with extra batteries, tire gauge and a poncho.
Prepare for many more emergencies with comprehensive coverage. Call us 208-365-2160 at for more information on Boise auto insurance.