How to Change a Tire

How to change a tire can take a few steps, but it’s an important lesson to learn if you ever find yourself with a flat in Traverse City. You’ll be able to save yourself some time and money when you learn how to change a flat tire. How long does it take to change a tire? Take a look below with us before learning more about how important oil changes are for your vehicle.

How to Change a Tire on a Car

How to change a tire on a car starts with choosing the right tools and having them available, whether you’re at home or out on the road. Garfield Township drivers will need a jack, lug wrench, spare tire or new tire(s), and your owner’s manual. Then, you can get started!

1. If you’re replacing a flat on the side of the road, move to a safe place and turn on your hazard lights.
2. Apply the parking brake and wheel wedges under the other tires to keep your vehicle in place.
3. Remove the wheel cover or hubcap from the tire, then loosen the lug nuts.
4. Use the jack to raise your vehicle and then remove the lug nuts.
5. Remove the current tire and mount the new or spare tire.
6. Tighten the lug nuts, then lower your vehicle back to the ground.

How long does it take to change a tire? That can vary if you don’t have much experience with changing your tire, but our technicians can easily help you change your tire(s) at our dedicated service center!

How Often Should You Change Your Car’s Tires?

Factors like how often you rotate your tires, how you drive, etc. will affect when you need to change your tires. Your user’s manual has a general mileage explanation for your specific make and model, and we recommend checking your manual and your vehicle’s maintenance schedule for the best results. 

How to Put Air in Your Tires

You may have a better understanding now of how to change a tire on a car, but air pressure is also important when it comes to your tires functioning properly. You can easily order a hand air pump online for most average-sized vehicles like sedans, you can set up an air pump at home, or you can utilize free air pumps at local gas stations. No matter which method you’re using, here’s how to put air in your tires:

• Park your vehicle by the air dispenser and ensure that the hose can reach each tire on your vehicle.
• Remove the cap on the tire valve of the first tire.
• Check the air pressure in the tire by using a tire gauge. You can easily buy a manual gauge at an auto parts store, and handheld air pumps usually have an air pressure gauge built in. It’s helpful to check your current tire pressure at home, even if you head to the gas station to fill your tires. Tires can heat up when you drive and cause the air inside to expand, and this can provide a false reading.
• Use the air hose to add small amounts of air in short bursts while checking the tire gauge each time.

How Many Miles Can You Go on a Spare Tire?

How to change a flat tire is important, but a spare tire used in this process is only a very temporary answer. Spare tires are only generally meant to be driven up to 50 miles at the most. You should never drive on them at high speeds. Your spare tire should specify its limits, but most recommend driving under 50 mph.

Get Professional Tire Service at Serra Volvo of Traverse City

You know now how to change a tire, but does the process look too involved, or do you find yourself without the needed equipment? Contact us today to learn your options at Serra Volvo of Traverse City. We’re more than ready to take care of all of your tire needs, and we offer a variety of service specials!