Change a Flat Tire Without Making A Single Call

Imagine you’re cruising down the road, enjoying the wind in your hair and the music on the radio, when suddenly you feel a thud. Your heart sinks as you realize – you’ve got a flat tire! While this might seem daunting, changing a flat tire is an important skill every driver should have in their arsenal. It’s an empowering experience that saves you time, money, and the hassle of waiting for assistance.

In this blog, we’ll walk you through the steps to change a flat tire without making a single call, turning a potentially stressful situation into a DIY victory.

Safety First

When the tire goes flat, find a safe spot to pull over. Aim for level ground, away from traffic. Switch on your hazard lights and engage the parking brake. This ensures your safety and that of others.

Gather the Essentials

Pop open your trunk and locate the spare tire, jack, and lug wrench. Familiarize yourself with their locations beforehand so you’re not fumbling at the moment.

Loosen the Lug Nuts

Before you lift the car, loosen the lug nuts on the flat tire. Do this while the tire is still on the ground, as it provides stability. Turn the wrench counterclockwise, but don’t fully remove the nuts.

Lift the Car

Position the jack under the car according to your owner’s manual. Pump the jack until the flat tire is about six inches off the ground. This gives you enough room to work.

Remove the Flat Tire

With the lug nuts loose, use your hands to remove them fully. Gently pull the flat tire towards you to remove it.

Install the Spare Tire

Place the spare tire onto the wheelbase and align it with the lug bolt holes. Push it gently until it’s snug against the hub.

Tighten the Lug Nuts

Hand-tighten the lug nuts onto the lug bolts. Once snug, use the lug wrench to tighten them further. Tighten them in a star pattern to ensure even pressure.

Lower the Car

Carefully lower the car back to the ground using the jack. Remove the jack and give the lug nuts one final tightening.

Check the Spare Tire’s Pressure

Before hitting the road, ensure the spare tire is properly inflated. The recommended pressure is usually found in your vehicle’s owner’s manual.

Pack up And Pat Yourself on The Back

Stow away the flat tire, jack, and lug wrench back into your trunk. You’ve successfully changed a flat tire all on your own!