Everyone who drives a car should be able to change a flat. It is as important a skill as driving is and will allow you to get yourself out of a sticky situation in less than half an hour. Lucky for you, the basic rule book for changing a flat is the same regardless of the type of vehicle you own. It’s also as easy as apple pie. We’ve broken down the steps to changing a flat tire into ten simple steps.
Find a Place to Pull Over:
Make sure the ground is level and solid so that you don’t roll downhill.
Put on Your Hazard Lights and Parking Brake:
This will let oncoming vehicles know where you are and the brake will stop your car from rolling.
Get Your Tools and Spare Tire out Of the Trunk:
Most cars already have a kit that includes a jack and wrench. You should also keep a flashlight, gloves, tire gauge, and the vehicle’s user manual handy, just for extra assistance. In a pinch though, your jack, wrench, and spare tire are all you need.
Loosen the Lug Nuts:
First, take off the hubcap or the wheel cover. Then, fasten the wrench onto a lug nut and turn it counterclockwise. A couple of turns and it should be loose enough to turn by hand.
Raise Your Vehicle Off the Ground:
Position the jack under the metal part of your car and raise the entire car till the tire you’re changing is off the road. The jack makes this a lot easier than it sounds. Use your user manual to find out where you should place the jack. Make sure the jack is perpendicular to the ground.
Remove the Lug Nuts and Tire:
The lug nuts will be loose enough to be removed by hand. Keep them all together in one place. Then grip the tire, brace yourself, and pull it firmly off the car and toward your body.
Position the Spare Tire on The Car:
Make sure it’s aligned with the lug nut posts. Then push the tire firmly onto the wheelbase.
Replace the Lug Nuts:
Put the lug nuts back in their posts but don’t tighten them yet.
Lower the vehicle and begin tightening the lug nuts: Tighten the lug nuts in increments and alternate between each lug nut. This will ensure that your tire is fastened on straight.
