Mastering the Road: A Step-by-Step Guide to Changing a Flat Tire
What to Expect: 10-15 mins per tire.
Experience level: Beginner
Sections
- How Do You Get A Flat Tire?
- Safety Precautions for Changing a Flat Tire
- Can You Drive on a Flat Tire?
- Tools to Use for Changing a Flat Tire
- Why You Need to Change the Flat Tire
- How to Change a Flat Tire: Step-by-Step Guide
- Mistakes to Avoid when Changing Flat Tires
- Seasonal Tire Change: How to Change A Winter Tire?
- Wrap Up
- Additional FAQs
Imagine this. You’re cruising along, the sky is blue and your playlist is on point. Wind in your hair and feeling free. Then, suddenly the car thumps. The steering wheel starts vibrating in your hands and you’re caught off guard.
You wince, a sense of dread washes over you as you realize it’s a flat tire. Every driver hates this, an unexpected bump in the road that can turn a smooth ride into a nightmare.
Changing a tire is an art. But mastering it could be the difference between a minor annoyance that’s fixed in 10 minutes and a major roadblock that ruins your day. Whether you’re an old hand or new to the wheel, knowing how to change a tire quickly and safely is a skill.
This is your A to Z on tire changing – from spotting the signs of a flat tire to making sure your spare is on tight.
We’ll take you through all the tools, step-by-step instructions, and safety precautions so you can handle the literal bumps in the road with confidence, skill, and clarity.
By the end of this, you’ll be able to change flat tires and turn a roadblock into a pit stop.
Is it hard to change a flat tire?
The short answer is no- changing a flat tire is a fairly simple process. You can find all the equipment you need already in your car. If you follow safety precautions, it should be safe and easy to execute.
How Do You Get a Flat Tire?
Common causes for a tire to go flat
- A puncture from sharp objects, like glass, nails, screws, industrial staples, or sharp debris.
- Bad road conditions, like potholes, uneven roads, or unexpected debris.
- Normal wear and tear due to frequent driving.
- A leaky and damaged valve stem.
- Improper inflation due to wrong pressure levels.
- Heat in the summertime.
How Long Does It Take to Change a Flat Tire?
It takes 10-15 minutes to change one tire. The duration differs, though. It depends on the expertise of the person changing the tires, the quality of the tires, and how well they balance. If you’re changing 4 flat tires, it might take 45-60 minutes.
When You Get A Flat Tire: Safety First
Before thinking about touching a lug nut on your vehicle, remember, that safety first! Gear up with the right protective equipment and make sure you’ve checked all the boxes for safety precautions when performing a spare tire change. Let’s keep safety in top gear – because nothing’s more important than your well-being. Here are some tips on how to stay safe when changing a flat tire.
What to do with a flat tire?
What should you do before changing a flat tire? safety precautions
- make sure you’re parked on a level surface so your vehicle doesn’t move. This is the foundation for any maintenance or inspection work under the vehicle.
- park in a safe location away from traffic hazards.
- Once parked, turn off the engine and engage the parking brake to stop the car from moving while you’re working on it.
- Now pull up the handbrake and engage the parking mechanism.
- Also use wheel wedges on the wheels that are still on the ground (the unengaged wheels) to keep your vehicle from rolling, extra security against a rolling vehicle.
- Wear a reflective vest: If visibility is poor, whether it’s dark outside or other reasons you can’t see clearly. This vest will make you more visible to others, and safer.
- Turn on hazard lights: You should also warn others when changing a flat tire of your presence and activities by using hazard lights or setting up flares if necessary. This alerts other motorists of the hazards and creates a safer environment for you to work in.
- Never try to change a tire on soft or uneven surfaces like mud, grass, or sand. These surfaces can make the jack unstable and increase the risk of injury or more damage to the vehicle. Always find a solid level surface to be safe while changing the tire.
- Inspect the tire before deciding to change it. Gently run your hands along the front and the back to see if there are any foreign objects that caused the tire to deflate. If you can’t find anything, your tire might just be low on air.
- Remember to check the tire pressure of the spare tire after installing it.
Can I Drive on a Flat Tire?
Is it safe to drive on it? The answer is no – it’s not safe to drive on a flat tire. Driving on a flat tire can cause more damage to your vehicle and put you and other road users at risk. Here’s why:
- A flat tire reduces your vehicle’s stability and handling, making it harder to control.
- Driving on a flat tire can damage the wheel rim, brakes, and alignment, which can be expensive to repair or replace.
- In some cases driving on a flat tire can cause a blowout which can lead to loss of control and potentially an accident.
- The longer you drive on a flat tire, the more damage you’re causing to your vehicle’s suspension and other components, which can be costly to repair.
It’s important to pull over as soon as you safely can and change the flat tire. If you’re driving a run-flat tire, you can drive up to 50 miles, but otherwise, you have to pull over right away.
Gathering the Necessary Tools
Every morning as the sun rises, it presents an opportunity to familiarize yourself with the essentials of car maintenance. It’s the perfect time to learn exactly where your car jack, lug wrench, and spare tire are stored. Knowing the location of these tools can save you from frustration and help ensure you’re prepared for any roadside emergencies.
What do you need to change a tire?
What 3 Items are Essential to Changing a Flat Tire?
- Car Jack: This tool is crucial for lifting your vehicle off the ground and providing enough clearance to remove the flat tire and replace it with a spare. Car jacks are usually best placed under the vehicle frame.
- Lug Wrench: Also known as a wheel wrench, the lug wrench has a socket on one end that fits over the lug nuts on your wheels. It allows you to loosen and tighten these nuts to remove and secure the tire.
- Spare Tire: After removing the flat tire, you’ll need a spare tire to replace it with. Ensure that your spare tire is properly inflated and in good condition before using it.
- Wheel Wedges: As mentioned earlier, these are small wedges that can be placed behind the front tires not being worked on to prevent unwanted movement. Suppose you replacing a rear tire, place wheel wedges in front of the front tires.
- Reflective Vest: As part of your safety precautions, it’s essential to have a reflective vest on hand in case of low visibility conditions.
- Flashlight: A flashlight can come in handy if you’re changing a tire at night or in an area with poor lighting.
- Gloves: It’s always wise to protect your hands while working with tools, and gloves can offer an extra layer of protection against potential injuries.
- Wheel Chocks: A wheel chock is a larger, more heavy-duty version of wheel wedges that can be placed in front of the tires to prevent any movement while lifting the vehicle with a car jack.
- Tire Pressure Gauge: You should check your tire pressure regularly for optimal performance and longevity. A tire pressure gauge will help you know if your tires are properly inflated before and after changing a flat tire.
- Owner’s Manual: Your vehicle’s owner’s manual is a must-have, it has specific information about your vehicle that may come in handy, in case of a roadside emergency.
Know Your Tools Inside Out
Locate Your Tools
First, find your tools, like lug nuts, lug bolts, jack, tire iron…etc. In your vehicle. In most cars, they are stored under a panel in the trunk or in the engine bay. These areas are designed to keep the tools accessible but out of sight.
Access Car Manual
The car user manual will help you find where these tools are in your specific car model and how to use them. This will be super useful when you need it.
Make an Emergency Kit
To be more prepared for any roadside emergency, make a roadside safety kit. This kit should include a good flashlight for visibility at night or in low light and a pair of sturdy, nonslip gloves to protect your hands from dirt and cuts. This way you will be ready for most situations that may happen on the road.
Changing the Flat Tire
With all safety measures securely in place and the necessary tools ready at our disposal, it’s the perfect moment to roll up our sleeves and dive into the task at hand with full dedication. Let’s go through how to change a tire with a jack.
How to Change a Flat Tire: A Step-by-Step Guide
What is the Correct Order for Changing a Tire?
How to Change Tires?
- Step 1: Pull off the road
- Step 2: Turn on hazard lights
- Step 3: Park the car
- Step 4: Apply wheel wedges
- Step 5: Locate the spare tire
- Step 6: Remove wheel cover
- Step 7: Loosen the lug nuts
- Step 8: Lift the wheels
- Step 9: Unscrew lug nuts
- Step 10: Remove flat tire
- Step 11: Put the spare tire on the lug bolts
- Step 12: Lower the vehicle and tighten the lug nuts
- Step 13: Check the pressure on the spare tire
Step 1: Pull off the road
Changing a flat tire starts with identifying the problem. As soon you identify a flat tire, pull over in a safe area. It should be a wide space that allows you to move the vehicle freely, but it shouldn’t be in the way that other vehicles might accidentally hit it. Then, follow these steps to change your tire.
Step 2: Turn on hazard lights
It’s crucial to turn on emergency flashers. It alerts drivers to your presence so that they can take caution.
Step 3: Park the car
Take your foot off the accelerator and apply the parking brake right away. This will prevent the car from rolling off when you’re busy changing the tire.
Step 4: Apply wheel wedges
Place wheel wedges, like a large rock or stone, behind the wheel that is opposite to the one you’re about to replace. For example, if you’re changing the rear tire, place the wedge behind the front tire opposite to it.
Step 5: Locate the spare tire and the jack
In most car models, you can find the spare tire and jack in a compartment under the floor of the vehicle’s truck. Place the spare tire on a safe and level area, preferably dirt or grass. Shake the tire from any debris first, then place it next to the flat tire.
Step 6: Remove wheel cover or hubcap
If your tire is covered by a hubcap, remove it with the lug wrench from the jack and put it on the side. If not, skip this step.
Step 7: Loosen the lug nuts
The next step is to loosen the lug nuts, one lug nut after the other. They are located below the hub cap and are usually either round or hexagonal. Apply pressure to the handle in a counterclockwise fashion and loosen them about 1/4 to 1/2 of a turn. Do not remove them completely.
Step 8: Lift the wheels
Put the jack on the strong part of the car’s frame. For more specific information about proper placement, refer to your vehicle owner’s manual. Turn the jack in a clockwise motion by hand until it meets the car. Then, continue to turn it using the jack’s handle in a clockwise motion. The damaged tire should be several inches above the ground. Then, place the jack underneath the car to hold it.
Step 9: Unscrew lug nuts
Remove the lug nuts using the lug wrench and place them in a safe place.
Step 10: Remove flat tire
Carefully remove the flat tire and lay it on the side to prevent it from rolling away.
Step 11: Put the spare tire on the lug bolts
Take the spare tire and put it on the wheel hub by lining up the lug nuts with the spare tire rim in a clockwise fashion.
Step 12: Lower the vehicle and tighten the lug nuts
Hand-tighten the lug nuts on the spare tire to make sure they are snug before lowering the car back down.
Step 13: Check the pressure on the spare tire
After stowing your equipment away in a safe place, it’s wise to check the pressure of the flat tire. Flat tires should have a minimum pressure of (420 kPa).
The Devil (And Safety) Lies in the Details: More Tips
- Make sure the spare tire is the right size for your vehicle. Using the wrong size spare can cause more damage to your vehicle and increase the risk of an accident. Check your vehicle’s manual or a professional to confirm the correct tire size.
- Know the limitations of different types of spare tires. For example, the temporary ‘donut’ spares are not designed for long distances or high speeds. They are a short-term solution to get you to a repair shop safely, typically 50mph and under 70 miles.
- Before you try to change a tire yourself, make sure you feel safe and confident doing so. If you have any doubts in your mind, it’s better to be safe than sorry and call roadside assistance or take your vehicle to a repair shop. Your safety and the safety of others on the road should always be your number one priority.
- Check and maintain the air pressure in your spare tire regularly. An underinflated spare is just as dangerous as riding on a damaged tire. The correct air pressure for your spare tire can be found in your vehicle’s manual or on a sticker inside the driver’s side door. Add this to your vehicle maintenance routine so you never get caught off guard. Regular tire maintenance will make it less likely for the tires to go flat. Get a mechanic to check tire pressure and do tire repair if needed.
What Do I Avoid when Changing a Flat Tire?
Flat Tire Changing Mistakes
Changing a flat tire is a simple process. Here are some mistakes to avoid for your safety.
- Changing the flat tire on the road: Try to pull over away from the road to avoid getting hit by other cars or becoming an obstacle on the road. If you’re on a highway, pull over to the right shoulder and turn on hazard lights.
- Changing the tire on an incline: It’s important to change the flat tire on a level surface so the vehicle doesn’t fall off the jack.
- Not checking your flat tire regularly: The last thing you need is to find your spare tire flat or damaged when you need it. Check on it every few months to make sure it’s in good shape.
- Leaving passengers in the car: Before starting the process, make sure everyone is out of the car. People or pets can add a lot of weight which makes it more difficult to lift the car off the ground.
- Working underneath the car when it’s lifted: It’s dangerous to do any work underneath the car while it’s lifted by a jack. If you want to check your car, go to the nearest mechanic shop instead.
- Not placing the jack on the right points: Every car has jack points specified in the vehicle owner’s manual. If you ignore the right placement, you risk the car falling off the jack or getting damaged.
What Do I Do If I have a Flat Tire and No Spare tires?
If don’t have a flat tire to do a spare tire change, here are some alternative options.
- Use a tire repair kit.
- Purchase run-flat tires.
- Contact a mobile tire repair company.
- Contact roadside assistance for tire repair or towing to the nearest mechanic.
How to Use a Jack with a Hook Safely?
Follow these steps to change a flat tire with a scissor jack.
- Find a level surface to park the car.
- Locate the designated jack points.
- Position the scissor jack.
- Raise the vehicle by turning the handle clockwise.
- Use jack stands for extra safety.
Once you’re done, lower the vehicle by turning the handle counterclockwise.
How Far Can I Drive on a Run-Flat Tire Without Damaging the Wheel Rim?
Run-flat tires are designed to continue running with a puncture or 0 air pressure. If your run-flat tire goes flat, you can drive slowly up to 50 miles to the nearest garage or tire store.
How To Change A Tyre On A Rim?
- Deflate the old tire using a valve removal tool or press the pin inside the valve stem to let the air out.
- Break the bead by using a bead breaker tool or step on the tire’s sidewall while applying pressure to unseat the bead. Be careful not to damage the rim.
- Use a lubricant to pry the tire easily. Mixing water and dish soap is a good idea for lubricants.
- Insert a tire lever or pry bar between the rim and the tire to remove the tire from the rim.
- Apply the lubricant to the bead of the new tire. Then, position one side of the tire on the rim and push the tire onto the rim using your hands or a lever. Once the first side is on, do the same with the other side.
- Use an air compressor to inflate the new tire. The recommended pressure level is mentioned on the sidewall of the tire.
- Use a tire gauge to check the tire pressure. Adjust if it’s not the right level.
Where Do I Place the Jack When Changing the Front and Back Tires?
The jack should be placed under the designated jack point that safely supports the weight of the car when lifted. These are usually found behind the front tires and in front of the back tires. If you can’t find them there, check the vehicle’s owner’s manual. Do not misplace the jack, as it could damage the car or cause it to slip off the jack.
Seasonal Tire Change: How to Change A Winter Tire?
- Park the Car by Applying the handbrake
- Loosen the wheel bolts half a turn when the car is on the ground.
- Lift the car
- Use pallet blocks intended for the weight of the car
- Loosen the wheels by unscrewing the wheel bolts completely
- Check the brake pads
- Lubricate the wheel bolts before screwing them back on by tightening the lug nuts
- Remove pallet blocks and lower the car to the ground
- Check the wheel bolts
- Check the tire pressure
When Should I Change Winter Tires?
Winter tires should be used from December 1st to March 31st or until winter conditions prevail. Otherwise, you’re not supposed to use them from April 16th to September 30th.
Contact CDRA The Best Roadside Assistance Service In Canada
Changing a flat tire, whether front or rear tires, is like handling a minor medical emergency: a little knowledge prevents panic and ensures you’re back on your way in no time.
Please remember, that this guide is a crucial step in your driver’s education but isn’t a substitute for professional assistance when the need arises. With practice and preparation, you can ensure that any bump in the road is just a minor hiccup in the grand adventure of driving.
Need a quick and professional flat tire change? CDRA’s emergency flat tire services can get you back on the road safely and efficiently.
Join The Membership Now!
Additional FAQs
Can you change a flat tire on your own?
Yes, you can change a flat tire on your own. The process is daunting but it’s fairly easy and will save you money and time. If you find yourself unsure of the process, you can get help from a roadside assistance service like CDRA.
Do you need a jack to change a flat tire?
You need a jack to change the flat tire quickly. You can probably find the jack and lug wrench under the floor of your vehicle’s trunk. If you can’t locate it, you can find alternative ways, like changing the tire on the wheel rim or calling roadside assistance services.
Does a car need to be neutral to change a flat tire?
No. Your car shouldn’t be neutral when changing the flat tire. It should be in the “park” position.
Can I drive 2 miles on a flat tire?
You shouldn’t drive on a flat tire as it puts the car and anyone inside it in danger. You can only drive the car on a flat tire if it’s a run-flat tire.
When Shouldn’t I Use Fix-a-flat Tire?
Fix-a-flat is a quick fix for a punctured tire. However, if your tire has a gash on its sidewall, or if it backed over a spike and sustained serious damage, fix-a-flat won’t help fix the tire.
Is it better to patch or replace a flat tire?
The best advice is to consult a professional. If they think it can be fixed and they can do it right, it’s better to get it fixed. In these situations, the professional will advise replacing the tire:
- Damage is on the sidewall.
- The hole is bigger than 1/4 inch.
- The hole is too angled.
- The tire was driven on when flat.
Why won’t my tire come off?
Rust, warped wheels, or stuck lug nuts are among the reasons why a tire might get stuck. In that case, you can use brute force, a penetrant, a blow torch, or a crowbar to extract the stuck tire.
Is it safe to change a tire without a jack stand?
It is safe as long as you’re not going to work under the car. For example, if you’re just going to swap tires right there, you don’t need a jack stand. If you plan to check under the car or go under for any reason, you should use a jack stand.
What’s better to use? Fix-a-flat or slime?
Both fix-a-flat or a slime are good solutions for tire punctures. A fix-a-flat is a quick very temporary solution. It can last up to 3 days and doesn’t require an air compressor. On the other hand, slime is a long-term solution if you don’t drive on highways, can patch up bigger holes but does require an air compressor.
Does fix-a-flats cause a blowout?
Fix-a-flats don’t cause a blowout if used correctly. A fix-a-flat is a temporary solution and should be removed within a couple of days. If you don’t remove them, they could allow air and moisture in eventually leading to a blowout.
How do I use the jack to replace a flat tire?
To use a jack, first, you need to locate the jacking points. Then, use the jack to lift the car around 6 inches. Then, remove the lug nuts to remove and replace the tire. Afterward, tighten the lug nuts and lower the vehicle. Lastly, check tire pressure to make sure it’s even.
How high do I position the vehicle when replacing a flat tire?
The jack should raise the car so that the flat tire is 6 inches above the ground.
Can I leave the flat tire overnight?
We do not recommend leaving the flat tire overnight. A flat tire situation should be handled as soon as possible. If you leave it for long, you risk damage to the tire, rim, or suspension.
Can I inflate a completely flat tire?
Yes, it takes 3-5 minutes to fully inflate a flat tire.
When is a flat tire too damaged to be repaired?
In these situations, your tire can’t be repaired and should be replaced:
- There’s damage on the sidewall of the wheel.
- Its puncture is larger than 1/4 inch (6 mm).
- If the tire’s tread is worn below 2/32 of an inch.
- It has multiple punctures, either close together within 16 inches, or on different parts of the tire.
- It is internally damaged.
Can I use a scissor jack to change a tire?
Yes. A scissor jack is a jack with a hook that is used to lift a vehicle so you can change the tire. It consists of two handles and a screw mechanism.
How do I know when to change run-flat tires?
When a run-tire flat gets damaged or loses tire pressure, it should be replaced with another of the same size, load index, and speed symbol.