How To Change A Tire

At some point in your lifetime, you may experience a flat tire. You may realize it when you walk out to your car in the morning or as you are driving down the road. Whatever the situation may be, it is important to know how to change a tire in case this were to happen to you.

We, at National Dispatch, have created the infographic above to help you learn the tools needed and steps to follow for changing a tire. Most people nowadays have roadside assistance. However, this is a smart skill to know how to do in case you are unable to use your cell phone or crunched for time.

Identifying A Flat:

How do you know when you have a flat? In most situations, you can visually see a flat tire, but this is not always the case. You may notice a difference in the handling of your vehicle, such as your car pulling to one side. If you feel that you have a flat, pull over and perform a visual inspection and tire pressure check. Many newer model cars have indicator lights on the dashboard that will light up when the tire pressure gets too low. These are all ways in which you can tell that you have a flat tire.

Tools Needed:

• Spare tire – This is typically located under the mat or luggage floor cover in your trunk. In SUVs, trucks, or jeeps, it may be mounted underneath or on the back of the vehicle.
• Tire jack – This tool is needed to lift the car off the ground. Most cars come with one. It is usually located in the same place as the spare tire.
• Lug wrench – This is used to loosen and remove the flat tire for replacement. Most cars come with this tool as part of a kit.
• Wheel wedges/chocks – These prevent the car from rolling. If you do not own any, consider making the investment.
• Car manual – Keep your manual on hand. It outlines important information, such as where to find the spare and how to change a tire.
  Other tools that may be helpful include a flashlight with batteries, reflective triangles, and leather gloves.

1. Pull Over.

If you get a flat tire while you are driving down the road, slow down and pull over to a safe location. This would preferably be an area that is level and away from traffic. Try to find a large parking lot, side street, or other paved area. Pull over to the right as far as possible to distance yourself from traffic.

2. Be Safe.

Safety is of the utmost importance. Remember to use your hazard lights, as well as your parking brake. You can even place reflective triangles behind your car for added safety. Before changing the tire, place wheel wedges against the tires opposite of the flat tire. This will help prevent the vehicle from moving.

3. Remove The Hubcap.

If your lug nuts are exposed, you can move on to the next step. If they are not exposed, you will need to remove the hubcap or wheel cover in order to reach them. Then, loosen the lug nuts using the lug wrench, but do not remove them just yet.

4. Lift The Car.

Place the jack underneath the car. Look in your car’s manual for the proper location. Crank the jack to lift the flat tire off the ground. Stop once the tire is approximately six inches off the ground.

5. Remove The Flat.

Remove the lug nuts the rest of the way. Take off the flat tire, and set aside. Replace with the spare tire. Put the lug nuts back on and tighten by hand.

6. Lower The Car.

Lower the vehicle carefully until the spare tire touches the ground. Remove the jack. Use a lug wrench to tighten the lug nuts the rest of the way. Use a star pattern to tighten. Replace the hubcap or wheel cover.

Now, you know how to change a flat tire. Learn more Auto Safety Tips and other helpful information by going to our website at https://www.nationaldispatch.com/. At National Dispatch, we offer nationwide auto transport services. If you are ever in need of our services, you can request a free, instant car shipping quote by using our quote calculator. You can also call us at 800-321-2051 to speak with an auto transport specialist.