Changing a car tyre yourse lf can save both time and money when dealing with flat tyres on busy highways or leaks at home. But, How do you change a car tyre? This guide will walk you step by step through this process so that you're back out on the road safely in no time! For extra support in changing tyres on your own safely and on time for any road situation, Hiller Automotive provides extensive Tire Shop Services as well as All Car Services so we are prepared for anything and can keep our drivers well-equipped!
Be Safe When Altering Tyres
Before even considering loosening a lug nut, both yourself and others must remain safe.
Pull Over Safely
Use Hazard Lights
Engage Your Parking Brake
Remember, safety must always come first, and taking these measures will allow for a safer tyre-changing process.
Gather the Necessary Tools
You will require several essential tools to change a tyre effectively, although most vehicles are already equipped with them. To double-check before making plans:
Spare Tyre: Check to make sure your spare tyre is correctly inflated and in great shape before use.
Jack: Car jacks can help lift vehicles off of the ground safely. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for use for proper usage.
Lug Wrench: This tool can be used to loosen and tighten lug nuts connecting wheels to their hubs, thus keeping tyres secure against punctures.
Wheel Wedges: Wheel wedges provide additional safety by helping prevent your vehicle from rolling away from you.
If any of your tools have become damaged or missing, come visit Hiller Automotive Tires Shop and we can supply replacements as quickly as possible!
Step-by-Step Guide to Tyre Replacement
How do you change a car tyre? Once your safety and tools are secure, follow these steps to change a car tyre:
Step One: Loosen The Lug Nuts
Loosen the lug nuts on a flat tire by turning them clockwise with your lug wrench; only loosen them slightly but do not remove them completely just yet.
Step Two: Lift the Vehicle with Jack
Place the jack under your car's frame near where its tire has punctured; most vehicles offer designated spots. Slowly raise it until its flat tyre is about six inches off of the ground.
Step Three: Remove The Lug Nuts and Flat Tyres
After unscrewing all lug nuts, remove and secure the flat tyre by carefully unhooking it from its mountings and placing it underneath your car as an added safety measure if the jack fails.
Step Four: Assemble Your Spare Tyre
Align the spare tyre with its wheel bolts before pushing it onto the wheel hub and hand-tightening lug nuts to secure it in place.
Step Five: Lower the Vehicle and Tighten the Lug Nuts
Reduce the car by using a jack until its spare tyre briefly touches the ground without fully bearing its weight, then tighten the lug nuts in an "Astronomer Star Pattern." Once secured, lower completely and remove the jack.
Step Six: Recheck Lug Nuts
Once your vehicle is back on the ground, use your lug wrench to give the lug nuts one last tighten with care to secure but avoid overtightening them.
Aftercare: What Should Be Done After Changing a Tyre
Once your spare is on, additional steps must be taken. Here are a few:
Check Tyre Pressure: Be certain your spare tyre is appropriately inflated; if you do not possess a pressure gauge, stop by our Tire Shop at Hiller Automotive so we may check its pressure for you.
Visit Hiller Automotive: Spare tyres are often not intended for extended usage; come visit us at Hiller Automotive so that the damaged one can be fixed or replaced immediately.
The Bottom Line
How do you change a car tyre? Installing new car tyres may seem simple enough, but proper execution of this task is critical to ensure road safety. With our guide's assistance and an all-inclusive selection of services at Hiller Automotive ranging from tire replacement and comprehensive vehicle maintenance plans - Hiller is your one-stop destination to keep your vehicle in optimal shape!