Most drivers fear the idea of getting a flat tire while out on the road. In fact, they may fear that more than parallel parking. However, if they knew how simple it was to change a tire, they may feel a bit more secure.
Changing a tire literally takes 3 steps, and while there will be a bit of effort involved, anyone can do it with some helpful tips. It is important to note that before you leave the house again, check your trunk to see if you have a spare tire, lug wrench, and jack that came with your car.
Here is our three step process to changing a tire in 15 minutes or less.
1. Remove the Flat Tire
Before you even start messing with lifting the car with a jack, you should at least loosen the lug nuts on your existing flat tire. If you lift the car first, then the wheel will turn as you are attempting to unscrew the lug nuts, and it won't work.
Get your lug wrench (one should be included with the spare tire).
Use it to loosen the lug nuts in a counter-clockwise direction, turning the wrench to the left.
The chances are that the tire was originally attached using a machine, so turning the lug nuts may be very difficult. You may not be able to turn them using your hands. But worry not. There are tips for turning the wrench, one of which is guaranteed to work, no matter how strong you are.
A. As long as the vehicle is still on the ground, use your foot to create leverage on the wrench as you push down to turn it. This may require safely standing on the wrench while you brace yourself against the car with your hand. Put your full weight on the wrench, and it will begin to budge.
B. If that doesn't work, another method is to use a pipe that is longer than the handle of the lug wrench that will fit around the handle. This will give you more leverage to push the lug wrench counter-clockwise. The longer the pipe, the more leverage you will have, and the easier it will be.
Here is a great video that will show you these tips in more detail: Scotty Kilmer.
2. Lift the Car
Remember that you do not need to take the tire completely off until you lift the car, as that is probably the only way it will work anyway. When the lug nuts are loose, get your jack.
You should have a small jack in your trunk that will have a companion tool that will allow you to turn the jack clockwise (right) to lift the car.
You need to find a safe place to attach the jack to the car that will affectively lift it and not damage your car. There is likely a metal frame around the perimeter of the bottom of your car. That is a safe place to put it.
You can also reference your vehicle's user manual for assistance.
You likely do not have a professional jack, so it will take some time to lift the car. Just do so slowly and safely.
Once you can see a bit of space under the flat tire, the car will be high enough to remove it. Unscrew the lug nuts and safely remove the tire and hubcap.
3. Put On the Replacement Tire
With the car still elevated, carefully put on the new tire or the spare tire. Make sure to push the tire forward enough so that it is completely over the screws, and they are sticking through. Once on, tighten the bolts with your hand until they are tight.
Once you know that the tire is all the way on and the bolts are tight enough, so the tire will not move, you can lower the car by turning the jack counter-clockwise (to the left). Take your time. You will know you are done when the car is on the ground, and you can easily remove the jack.
Now, use the lug wrench to tighten all of the bolts. You may have to go back to each bolt more than once to make sure it is as tight as possible.
You can even do what you did in step 1 and use your foot to make sure they are extra tight.
Professional Help
Note: If you put on a spare tire, you will need to get a new regular tire ASAP. Spare tires should only be used for about 30 miles. They are not meant to be a full replacement. Drive immediately to an auto shop.
Being able to change a tire is one of the best life skills you can know. Have any other tips for removing a flat tire when in a pinch? Leave them in the comments!
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