How to Change a Tire – Tire-Changing Essentials Every Driver Should Know
Changing a flat tire is a skill that every driver should know. Knowing how to change a tire can help you avoid a trip to the mechanic and save your car from damage.
Start by pulling over to a safe, level spot away from traffic. An empty parking lot or shoulder would be ideal.
Tools
Flat tires can happen anytime, so having the right tools is always a good idea. The following tire-changing essentials should be in your car at all times:
Wheel Chocks
Using these wedge-shaped blocks, jam them against the wheels opposite the one you want to change. This will help prevent your vehicle from rolling when you raise it to install the new tire.
Lug Wrench
Depending on the lug nuts on your tires, you may need a different type of wrench than the one with your car. Consider getting a cross-shaped lug wrench for greater leverage rather than the L-shaped tire iron that comes with many vehicles.
Once you’ve loosened the lug nuts, remove them with the wrench. Then, use a jack to raise the vehicle.
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Preparation
Changing a tire is an essential skill for all drivers. It can be a stressful and frantic experience, especially for newbies, but it isn’t difficult at all once you know how.
Having some emergency supplies on hand, such as a spare tire and jack, can be a good idea. Having these items ready will help you change the tire faster and easier in an emergency.
A flat can happen anytime and isn’t always easy to fix, so it is a good idea to know how to change a tire if you drive frequently. The process takes little time, but preparing yourself and having all the necessary tools is essential.
Loosening the Lug Nuts
If your lug nuts are stuck, it can be hard to remove the tire. However, there are some tricks you can use to loosen them and remove the tire.
One method is to spray penetrating oil on the lug nuts. This will help break up the rust layers holding the nut in place.
Another method is applying heat by putting an acetylene torch on the lug nuts. This will help break up the rust and make it easier to remove them.
You can also increase the torque to loosen the lug nut by lengthening the driving handle of your wrench and fitting a piece of hollow piping over it to expand the arc further. This will add two to three times as much torque to the initial turning action, which is often what is needed to break the lug nut loose.
Removing the Tire
When you change a tire, finding a safe place to complete the repair is crucial. This is especially true if you’re on a busy road or highway where you might not be able to pull over safely.
In these situations, it’s essential to reduce your speed, turn on hazard lights, and apply the parking brake until you’ve found a safe place to stop. It’s also necessary to keep your eyes on the road and pay close attention throughout the process.
Once you’ve located a safe spot, it’s time to remove the flat tire. First, you must jack up your vehicle until the tire no longer touches the ground. This will help you remove the lug nuts and make it easier to replace the tire.
Installing the New Tire
One of the most stressful parts of owning a vehicle is dealing with a flat tire. It’s a situation that can be unpredictable, so having some tips and tricks up your sleeve can help you get back on the road in no time.
Start by locating all of the supplies you need in a safe place. If you have a spare, ensure it’s in the trunk and inflated to the correct pressure.
Next, apply the parking brake to keep the car from rolling while you change your tire. Flip the hazard lights on and add wheel wedges (large rocks or sticks will work just as well!) to the opposite side of the flat, if needed.
Once you’ve removed the old tire, remove all the lug nuts and put the new one on the wheel. Loosen each lug nut in a cross- or star-shaped pattern so that the tire remains balanced while you turn it.
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