How to Replace a Flat Tire

Changing a tire does not need to be a difficult task to accomplish as a driver. In fact, the process involves only a few steps.

Pull Off to an Area That Is Safe

Once you feel that a flat tire has occurred, you need to pull off to an area that is safe. This should be accomplished slowly and safely.

Take the Tire’s Hubcap Off

You now need to access the lug nuts by taking off the hubcap. This can be removed with the lug wrench’s flat end.

Loosen Each Lug Nut

To loosen each lug nut, they need to be turned counterclockwise. You will need to use some strength to loosen each one, but make sure that they are not taken off completely.

Set the Car Jack Beneath the Frame Near the Tire

It is important to have the car jack set beneath the car frame near the tire. This way the tire itself is off the ground and fully accessible. There should be a piece of metal that is ledged which is specifically for the jack. Now you can raise the vehicle with the jack.

Remove All Lug Nuts

With the car raised, you can now remove all lug nuts from the tire. This can be accomplished with your hand.

Take Your Flat Off

To take the flat off, make sure that you have a firm grip on the tire and pull it straight off. Place it on the ground next to you.

Secure Your Spare Tire on the Bolts

Have a firm grasp on the spare with both hands and secure the spare by lining the lug bolts with the rim holes. Now place the lug nuts on and tighten them by hand.

Jack the Car Down Completely

Make sure that the car is lowered slowly but not completely resting on its own weight. You can now use the wrench to tighten the lug nuts completely by turning them clockwise. Make sure to have the lug nuts tightened as tight as possible but without stripping the thread.

Jack the Car Down Completely Now

With the lugs tightened completely, your vehicle can be lowered down completely. You can now remove the jack and stow it in the trunk with the flat.

With your flat tire replaced safely, you can now head back out on the road. Before you do, it is important to have the flat tire replaced with a new permanent tire. To do this, bring your vehicle to Johnson Subaru of Cary in Cary, NC today.