Where there is no assistance is available.
This article covers everything you need to know about how to change a flat tire on a car.
Roadside assistance may not be easily accessible in an emergency, and a tire puncture or blowout can happen unexpectedly and anywhere.
It’s best to know about changing a flat tire on a car, even if you’re a proficient driver.
It is not as easy as jumping or starting a car, but do not worry.
To change a flat tire on a car, you will need specific items.
It’s easy for the necessary tire-changing tools to go missing over time.
So, it is essential to buy any missing tools before going on a long drive.
Here are the essential tools needed to replace a flat tire on a car.
1. Jack.
Different types of jacks can be applied to lift your car.
2. Lug Wrench.
A socket wrench is a name given to a tool that loosens and tightens nuts on wheels.
There are two shapes of lug wrenches.
L-shaped and X-shaped.
The wheel cap may be separated using the other side of the wrench.
3. A spare tire.
Generally, there are two types of spare tires.
Full size and temporary.
Small cars usually have temporary spares, while larger vehicles, such as buses and trucks, are permanently equipped with full-size spares.
A few things can make the process of changing a flat tire easier.
To make changing a tire easier and safer,
Safe Wise recommends having a few essential items on hand.
It’s a good idea to pack essential items such as a first aid kit, bottled water, and other safety supplies in a bag and keep them in your car to prepare for emergencies. You can also purchase roadside emergency packages that already include all these items.
An emergency flare or reflective triangle is also required.
It is to warn approaching vehicles of dangerous situations.
Wooden blocks.
You can use tire blocks or wedges to prevent your car from rolling.
Mat or towel.
For a comfortable and clean work surface, while changing a flat tire, it is recommended to use a mat or towel.
Any lubricating oil.
Lubricating oil is used to make it easier to remove the nut.
A normal flashlight.A normal flashlight.
If you need to change a tire in the dark, it is essential to have a flashlight.
To ensure you have a power source for your flashlight, plug it into the car’s cigarette lighter.
Cotton rags.
After changing a tire, it is advisable to use cotton rags or wipes to clean your hands and tools.
It will make sure that everything is clean and ready for future use.
A raincoat or waterproof jacket.
Wearing a raincoat or waterproof clothing can protect you from rain and sun exposure.
How to change a flat car tire on a car?
When driving with a damaged or punctured tire, it is crucial to decrease your speed to ensure safety on the road.
Turn on your hazard lights and look for a secure spot to pull over. Once you’ve stopped, put your car in park before changing the tire.
Step No.1: Place warning devices near the vehicle.
Make sure to place flares or reflective warning triangles near your car.
Always remember to turn your back to oncoming traffic for added safety.
Step No.2: Place wedges on the wheel.
It is significant to use wheel wedges to prevent your vehicle from rolling.
When changing a front tire, make sure to place it behind the rear tires of your vehicle.
It will ensure that your vehicle stays put and you can safely change the tire without any accidents.
Step No.3:Pull the hubcap or wheel cup with care.
To remove the hub cap from the edge of the tire rim, you need to use the flat side of the wrench bar.
You can also use a flat-end screwdriver for this task.
Step No. 4:Loosen lug nuts.
A lug wrench is a tool used to loosen lug nuts.
Remember to turn the nut counterclockwise.
If the nuts are tight, try applying some lubricating oil.
You might also need to use more strength.
Be careful not to lose your balance if you press down on the wrench with your foot to loosen the nut.
Step No. 5:Place a jack under your vehicle.
A device for lifting heavy objects, especially lifting the axle of a motor vehicle off the ground to change a wheel or inspect the underside.
To pull the vehicle up to remove the flat tire, place the vehicle jack near the flat tire, as shown in the picture.
Step No.6:Lift the vehicle using the vehicle jack.
To lift the flat tire off the ground, turn the vehicle jack handle in a slow, clockwise motion.
Remember, when lifting or raising the vehicle, do not place any part of the body under the auto, whether it is yours or someone else’s.
Safety first!
Step No.7:Unscrew the lug nuts completely.
Once the nuts are loose, proceed to remove them manually.
Ensure that you store the nuts in a secure location to prevent misplacement.
Step 8:Remove the flat tire.
Remove the tire from the hub and securely position it on the side of the road.
Step 9. Put the spare tire in place.
Align the spare tire with the lug bolts and carefully slide it onto the wheel hub.
Ensure that the bolts are inserted into the rim correctly.
Step 10. Fix the nuts.
Place each nut onto the bolt individually and tighten them by hand. Avoid using the lug wrench on this occasion.
Step 11. Lower the vehicle slightly.
Please lower your vehicle until the new spare tire touches the ground.
It’s important not to lower it too much as this could put too much weight on your vehicle.
Step 12. Tighten the lug nuts with a wrench.
Tighten the lug nuts by turning the wrench clockwise as much as possible.
It is best to tighten the lug nuts in the correct
sequence, so they are secure on the hub.
The nuts are usually five.
If you number them 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, tighten nut number 1 first and then tight nut number 2.
Then tighten nut No. 3, and then fix nut No. 4. Then nut No. 5 and nut No. 1. As shown in the figure.
Step No. 13:Lower the vehicle completely.
To lower your vehicle, turn the handle clockwise until the spare tire touches the ground.
Then, release the vehicle jack and remove it from the car.
Finally, follow the same pattern used in step 12 to re-tighten your wheel nuts.
Step No. 14: Put the hubcap back on the tire.
If the hubcap fits the spare tire, please put it back on.
Step No. 15:Return everything to your vehicle.
Once you have finished the job, you should gather all the items you used and put them in your car.
Remember to stow away the Jack and lug wrench in their designated spots.
Step No. 16:Get your flat tire repaired.
A flat tire should be repaired or replaced at a professional auto repair shop.