Change a tire - use a spare

How To Safely Change a Tire on the Side of the Road

, , , ,

Do you know how to safely and properly change a tire? If not, you aren’t alone. – and there’s nothing to be embarrassed about.

But, with millions of flats reported each year in the US alone, it’s only a matter of time before you experience a blowout yourself!

In this article, we’ll walk you through how to safely change a tire on the roadside and help you decide when it’s time to call for help. Keep reading for all the info.

How to Change a Tire Step by Step

Before we start our steps, consider this: According to the NHTSA, buying the right tires and maintaining them properly is the best way to avoid a flat in the first place. Follow their easy guide to see where your current set of wheels stands!

Pull Over Safely

Before you consider replacing a flat tire, you need to exit traffic safely. Start by finding a straight section of road with a stable place to pull off. And, be sure to use your hazard lights and parking brake once you’ve stopped.

Take a moment to visually inspect your flat tire and any damage that it may have caused. And, call for roadside assistance if you don’t feel comfortable attempting a repair or tire change.

Assemble Your Tools

Do you have everything you need to change a tire? You’ll want to assemble all of your tools before beginning. A jack, wrench, and a spare tire are essential – but the following might make your job easier:

  • Gloves
  • Flashlight
  • Mat for kneeling
  • Tire gauge
  • Vehicle owner’s manual

If you have everything you need, it’s time to set the jack and get ready for your roadside tire change.

Tire change serviceLoosen and Lift

Once your jack is in place, you’ll want to gently loosen each lug nut with your wrench or tire iron. But, if your car has hubcaps, you might need to pop them off first.

If all of your lug nuts came loose, you can now begin to lift the vehicle using the jack. Follow your vehicle’s owner’s manual for instructions on where to place this and how to lift your car safely.

Once your vehicle’s tire is lifted a few inches off the ground, double-check that the jack is still firmly planted, and get ready to change your flat tire!

Remove and Replace

To change a flat, remove each lug nut and set it aside. Then, slide your tire off and replace it with a spare. Next, replace the lug nuts and tighten them gently.

Attempting to fully tighten your lug nuts now may knock your car off the jack, potentially damaging the vehicle or causing injury. Do not attempt this!

Lower and Tighten

Now, lower your vehicle fully and remove the jack. Tighten each lug nut completely using your tire iron. And replace your hubcaps. That’s it – you’re all done changing a tire!

Fix a Flat

Now that you know how to safely change a tire, it’s time to double-check a few things around your vehicle. After all, this knowledge is useless without a spare and the tools required to install it.

Armed with the essentials and this guide, you’ll never be caught unprepared.

But, should the worst happen, you’ll want contact information for a reliable mechanic close at hand. Contact Dugger’s or call (877)823-9696 for fast and professional help when you need it most!