Wanderlust World Wanderlust World Anyone can get a flat tire, but not everyone knows how to change one. Don't let a flat tire ruin your next road trip with long waits on the side of the road. Follow the steps below to change a flat tire correctly and easily.
Be prepared. Before you leave for a road trip make sure that your vehicle is equipped with the proper supplies to change a flat tire. This includes a spare tire, car jack, lug nut wrench, flashlight, and emergency flares that should be stored in the trunk.
Be safe. If your tire goes flat, find an area on the side of the road that is safe from passing motorists and has enough space for you to maneuver around your vehicle. After you pull to the roadside, put your car in park and turn on your hazard lights to show other drivers that you are stopped. If it is dark and/or the road shoulder is narrow, you may need to set up emergency flares in front and behind the car.
Get your tools. Before you begin to change your tire, retrieve your supplies (including the spare) from the trunk so you don't have to walk back and forth during the process. This will reduce distractions and the potential for error, as well as save time.
Raise the car. Jack the car off the ground using the car jack. Consult the owners manual to determine the correct placement of the carjack under your car. Make sure to jack the care high enough so that a new fully inflated tire can be installed.
Remove lug nuts. Once the car is jacked to the appropriate height, remove the lug nuts and put them in a safe place. Use the lugnut wrench to loosen the lug nuts that are holding the hubcap and tire in place with a 1/2 clockwise turn of the wrench. Next, remove the hubcap.
Remove tire. Remove the flat tire and put it off to the side so it is completely out of your way. Take the spare tire with the air valve facing towards you and align the holes with the wheel drum before placement. Place the tire on the wheel drum.
Fasten lug nuts. Retrieve your lug nuts from the side of the road and using your lug nut wrench, slightly tighten opposite lug nuts one at a time. Make sure all lug nuts are tight and fastened properly.
Lower car. Slowly lower the car to the ground using your car jack. Make sure nothing is under the car that can be squished. Once the car is securely on the ground, finish tightening the lugnuts and reattach the hubcap.