Picture this: You’re cruising down the road, music blasting, feeling the wind in your hair, when suddenly, a flat tire ruins your vibe. Ugh, talk about a buzzkill! Tire technology has indeed come a long way, but flat tires can still strike at any time. So what do you do when you’re stranded on the side of the road with a flat? Many of us turn to roadside assistance, but there are other options, too. Let’s explore how to change a flat tire!
What if you’re at a place with no mobile coverage, or your phone is dead? You won’t even get help if you’re at a remote location. So, remember that a mobile phone won’t always help fix a flat tire. Since a flat tire can show up anytime, it is always good to know how to change it. Checking the tire pressure before going on a trip isn’t always possible. So, read more about how to change a flat tire on a car and save time and money if and when it does happen while you’re driving.
How do I know if my car needs its tires replaced?
It can be quite dangerous if a tire goes flat while you’re driving. You must go for a tire replacement when you observe these signs.
- Firstly, you will get a warning if your car has a tire-pressure monitoring system (TPMS). You must replace a flat tire as soon as you get the warning.
- Another way you can know this is when you start experiencing a clear difference in car handling and steering response. Also, your car will start to sag towards a corner.
- A blowout is another chance that can lead to replacing your tire. You will either notice a loud sound or the sound of tire fragments striking your car’s body when a blowout happens. Don’t ever try to slam on the brakes; reduce the acceleration and softly steer your car to the road shoulder or a nearby parking area.
How to change a flat tire on a car: Some steps to follow
1. Find a suitable place to park
Once you realize that your car has a flat tire, find parking at an empty lot or on an uncrowded road. It is always best to park your car on level ground, preventing the car from rolling. Always park at straight stretches, as other drivers can see you well. If you’re at a narrow stretch, dark, or in a risky area, drive carefully to a better spot and change the flat tire.
2. Check for items that will help you replace a flat tire
A jack, lug wrench, vehicle owner’s manual, and a fully inflated spare tire should always be in your vehicle. You should purchase these items if you’ve misplaced them or your car didn’t have these items. What are the other items you need to have while changing a flat tire? It will be wise to have a flashlight, gloves, a rain poncho, a tire gauge, a kneeling mat, and wheel wedges in your trunk or glove box. Tip: Always remember to check spare tire pressure while you do for other tires. Regularly inflate the spare tire with the recommended PSI. It is always safe to check tire’ pressure before going on a long trip.
3. Turn on hazard lights and parking brake
This is a very important step when you’re trying to change a flat tire. Put on the parking brake once you’ve found the perfect parking spot. It stops your car from rolling. Turn on the hazard lights so those other drivers coming through the road will be able to see you and your car properly.
4. Use wheel wedges
Place wheel wedges in front of or behind the tires while you’re changing the flat tire. It ensures that your car won’t roll while you’re changing the tire. Keep the wedges behind the rear tires if the flat tire is at the front. If one of your rear tires got punctured, place the wedges in front of the front tires. Tip: Large stones or bricks can also act as wedges!
5. Loosening the lug nuts
If your car has a hubcap (wheel cover), remove it first. Then start loosening the lug nuts using the lug wrench. You have to turn the nuts using the wrench clockwise to loosen them. Do this step with all the lug nuts until each one is loose enough to be rotated by hand.
6. Lift your car using the jack
Always place the jack below the vehicle frame alongside the flat tire. Never place the jack where it comes in contact with any plastic molding. Look at the owner’s manual to find the correct spot for placing the jack. Once you place the jack, use it to raise the car until the flat tire is six inches above the ground. Always make sure that the jack remains perpendicular to the ground every time. Avoid putting your body under the car while raising the car with the jack and even after doing it.
7. Removing the lug nuts and the tire completely
Once loosened, unscrew the lug nuts completely. Safely keep the lug nuts together as you need them to secure the spare tire. Then firmly grip the flat tire and remove it from your car by pulling it towards your body.
8. Mounting the spare tire on lug bolts and tightening
While you understand more about changing a flat tire, mounting the spare tire plays a vital role. Fix the spare tire on the hub by positioning the rim with the lug bolts. Gently push until the lug bolts are visible through the rim. Replace the lug nuts on the lug bolts and start tightening them with your hand. Once they’re all on, double-check each one and tighten as much as possible. Tighten them with the wrench only after lowering the vehicle to the ground.
9. Tighten lug nuts after lowering the vehicle
Start lowering your vehicle with the jack so that the spare tire slowly touches the ground. Make the tire touch the ground so that the full weight of your car isn’t on the tire. Then start tightening the lug nuts using the wrench by turning them clockwise. Press the lug wrench with the full weight of your body.
10. Lower your car completely and finish tightening
It is the final step to be followed while learning how to change a flat tire. You need to remove the jack when you completely lower the car to the ground. Ensure the nuts are tightened well by giving another pull with the wrench. Then, replace the hubcap on the spare tire. Never forget to put your tools back in the trunk or glove box before restarting your journey. Also, make sure you check the tire pressure.
Is it safe to drive with a spare tire?
Yes, you can drive with a spare tire. But keep in mind that spare tires aren’t meant to be driven at high speeds or for long distances. So, once you start driving again, make sure to visit a tire technician as soon as possible. If the mechanic can’t fix the flat tire, then you should buy a spare tire ASAP. Just remember that it’s never safe to travel without a spare tire.
How long will it take to replace a flat tire?
Ensure that you correctly follow all these steps on how to replace a flat tire. Normally, it will take around 15-30 minutes to change a flat tire. Keep practicing to make the duration shorter and avoid depending on a mechanic or roadside assistance every time.
How much does it cost to change a flat tire?
Depending on the tire type, severity of damage, and replacement type, it will cost anywhere between $50 and $150.
Factors affecting the cost
- Larger or specialized tires can be more costly to replace.
- The rate can vary significantly based on the location and the shop where the replacement is done.
- It is better to replace older tires than to repair them.
- Blowouts or sidewall cuts can inflict severe damage to the tires, resulting in replacement.
- The cost may increase if you use roadside assistance, as there will be a charge for the spare tire and a service call fee.
- Some shops will charge additionally for tire balancing and rotation.
How many years do tires last?
Ideally, we suggest that you change your car’s tires when they turn six years old. You can use them for 6-10 years if you care about them properly. However, it is best that you inspect and change them after six years.
All your questions answered.
Yes, you must replace the tire if it is completely flat or considerably damaged. However, there’s only a need for repair if the damage is minor.
Yes, you may be able to repair and reuse it if the tire has become flat but not damaged. However, if the car is resting on a flat tire, the tire will get damaged as the rim may press into it.
Ideally, you can drive up to around 50 miles with a speed of up to or below 50 mph with a flat tire. You can reach a nearby repair shop or any other safe location with this. However, the exact distance you can drive depends on your car manufacturer’s specifications.
Rebecca Scarlett is a travel and car enthusiast who writes about road trips, car culture, and the highs and lows of life behind the wheel. Raised in libraries and fueled by curiosity, she started off reading picture books and ended up plotting cross-country drives. Her self-funded road trips after college sparked a deeper love for driving. She learnt the quirks of old cars, fixed up her ride, and found hidden detours off the interstate. When she’s not chasing clouds or fireflies, she’s usually tinkering with her car, hunting down a good roadside diner, or making coffee to plan the next drive worth writing about.
