How To Change A Flat Tire

Your tire just blew out. It's essential to be prepared and know the steps to how to change a flat tire. 

How to Change a Flat Tire: First, Be Prepared

You must have either a flat tire repair kit or a spare tire. Also, you need to inspect your spare tire periodically. A tire without any air does do you any good. Other things you may want to have in case of an emergency include paper towels, flashlights, tire gauge, and blankets. 

Pick Your Spot

You can't always get the right spot to change a tire safely. Look for a sturdy, level surface with separation between the road and your vehicle. Put on your flashers while steering your car to your selected spot. Then, put on your parking brake.

Get the Lugs Loose

Begin by chocking a wheel opposite the side of your car you are going to jack up. A rock or piece of wood on the roadside will do if you don't have a wheel chock in your vehicle. This method guarantees your vehicle doesn't move when you have it in the air.

Then, put a floor mat down and get your lug wrench. You might need to take off a lug nut cover. Loosen, but don't take off all the lug nuts. You might need a lug key adapter for one or all of the lugs. 

Jack It Up

Find the spot weld or jack point under the vehicle by the tire you're taking off. Put the jack so that the jack handle points out. Next, crank it up clockwise with your jack handle tools. When you see the light between the tire and the ground, your car is high enough to take the wheel off.

Remove the Tire

Turn the loose lug nuts the rest of the way off. Next, remove the tire from the vehicle. Ideally, it'll just come right off. A couple of kicks, though, could break it free if it's difficult. 

Get the Spare

Get your spare tire.  Line up the studs and holes then push on the tire. Put back on all the lugs. You'll want to get the lugs tight. Once the wheel is on correctly, it's time to put the vehicle on the ground.

Lower the Vehicle

Move the jack handle in the opposite direction now to put your automobile back on the ground slowly. Once it's down, you can take the jack out from beneath your vehicle and get your lug wrench.

Not everyone is mechanically inclined. You can also contact us at Buffalo Roadside Assistance to change your flat tire for you.

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