How to Safely and Properly Change Your Flat Tire

Most people who drive are very likely to experience a flat tire in their lifetime. Even the top-of-the-line brands can become flat or in need of repair. Before changing out a tire, it’s very important to be aware of how to do so properly and safely. Below are a few tips from the tire experts at Melloy Dodge!

Safety is the key!

Prior to your vehicle purchase, make sure that it includes a spare tire. Some vehicles don't. Ask about and know that you have a spare prior to your purchase.

• Always keep tire-changing essentials in your car, including a spare tire, lug wrench, a jack, flashlights, batteries, gloves, reflective triangles, flares, wheel chocks, a car owner's manual, and a flat repair kit. On newer model vehicles, finding the jack and other tools can be a challenge. Make sure that you are familiar with your vehicle's tire-changing equipment BEFORE you drive. Refer to your owner's manual for complete information.

If you do encounter a flat tire, make sure you and your family are safe. Pull off the road, if you can. If you can't pull off the road, you can drive on a flat tire for a limited amount of time. Your safety is paramount. Ruining a tire or wheel is a small price to pay for you and your family's safety.

• If you can, find a safe spot to change the flat, such as the quiet side of the street, a parking lot, an off-ramp shoulder, or a long, straight road.

• Place reflective triangles or flares behind your vehicle for safety. Turn off your vehicle.

Remove the spare tire from your vehicle. Your spare tire may be located inside the vehicle or underneath. Know this information before you drive. It's your responsibility to understand this information.

If you can safely, check the tire pressure of your spare tire. If there is no tire gauge and if possible, drive to a gas station to check the pressure and to ensure safety.  If the tire pressure seems low, you can still drive on the spare. The key is to get you to a safe place.

• Place the wheel chocks (to push back against the rotation of the tire) on the opposite side of the flat to keep the vehicle secure while it's on the jack. Place the chocks on both sides of the tire, regardless of how the vehicle is leaning.

• If lug nuts are not exposed, remove the hubcap or wheel cover by using the lug wrench's flat end to pry off the cover.

• Use the lug wrench to loosen the lug nuts to a point where you can rotate them with your fingers. Do not remove them yet.

• Place the supplied jack underneath the vehicle and check with the car's owner manual on how to properly place and use the jack. Please be careful in inclement weather, as jacks can slip.

• With the jack in place, lift the flat approximately six inches off the ground or until the wheel will rotate freely with your hand. This should ensure that the spare will slide on without an issue.

• Completely unscrew, remove, and place the lug nuts somewhere safe because they are needed to secure the spare. The hubcap is a good place.

Again, make sure the spare is inflated and ready for use. Prop it on the side of the vehicle close to the tire that is flat.

• Remove the flat tire from the hub by grabbing it securely with both hands and pull it toward you. Then, safely set it aside.

If you can, prop the spare tire on your thighs for leverage. Quickly and safely line up the lugs with the openings on the spare tire and slide the wheel onto the lugs.

• Align the exposed lug bolts to the spare and push the spare into place. Push the spare as far back onto the assembly as you can.

• Put the lug nuts back on and tighten them with your hand, then slightly with the lug wrench, tightening every other nut until they're all snug.

• Carefully lower the jack until the spare is on the ground and remove the jack.

• Use the lug wrench to tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern for alignment and to ensure the spare is secured. Tighten each lug nut in a star pattern, making sure not to skip one accidentally.

• If you desire, you can replace the hub cap, but it is not necessary.

Remove any wheel chocks and put the flat tire into your trunk, rear area, or backseat.

PLEASE NOTE:  Many spare tires are "donuts" or temporary tires and are NOT full-sized tires. They are much skinnier and are not meant for long-term use. In fact, donuts will come with a range in which you can drive them AND at a certain speed. Do not violate these factory instructions. Check your owners' manual for complete safety information. This is imperative for the safety of you and your family.

If you're close to a service center, drive directly there and have a skilled mechanic check your work. If you're not close to help, pull over after several miles and make sure your lug nuts are still secure. Then, seek assistance as soon as you can.

As you can see, there are many steps you can take to provide a safe and effective tire change. For more information, or for a new set of tires, reach out to the experts at Melloy Dodge today, where we can assist you with all of your vehicle needs!