How to change a tire: step-by-step guide
One of the most common problems a driver can have is encountering a nail in the road . Unless you have runflat tires that allow you to get to a garage, the time to know how to change a tire has arrived.
Current models come with an anti-puncture kit which we have already told you about. If your car is a few years old, it will undoubtedly have a spare wheel in the trunk. It can be equal to the climbs or a pancake wheel , a little smaller and with which you cannot exceed 80 km/h .
If your car has a spare tire, you should check it just as you do other tires . If not fitted, it may become damaged over time.
Analyze whether it is crystallized or cracked. In case you need to learn how to mount a tire with a product in poor condition, we are not moving forward! Additionally, you need to check that you have all the necessary materials. Do you know what it consists of?
What tools are needed to change a tire?
In addition to learning all the steps to know how to change a tire, you must check all the equipment available. Do you have everything you need to change a wheel?
1. Stop in a safe place
The first step in changing a tire is to stop in the safest place possible . It is very important, because many accidents occur due to breakdowns and not stopping in a safe place (although sometimes this makes it a bit impossible). However, V16 emergency lights can alert you of our presence without having to get out of the car .
2. Place security elements
Activate your vehicle’s emergency lights, turn on the V16 if you have one, and wear the reflective vest before getting out of the car. As you already know, it is mandatory to carry it in the cabin and not in the trunk, as many people think.
Afterwards, place the emergency triangles to alert other drivers. If you have gloves, wear them so you don’t hurt yourself or stain your clothes. This way the process is much more comfortable.
3. Remove the hubcap and loosen the nuts
If your car has hubcaps, remove them . If it doesn’t have them, it’s time to change the tire. We start by loosening the nuts . In case you do not have sufficient strength to do this, use your body weight and lean on the socket wrench.
4. Raise the car
Once the nuts are loosened, but not removed, it’s time to jack the car up. Take the jack and place it in the place reserved for this purpose under your car. If you can’t see it, use the flashlight or cell phone light: it’s very easy to find. Once placed, raise the car.
5. Remove the nuts
When the tires are off the ground and you can work safely, remove the nuts completely. Keep them in a safe place. You don’t want to lose any nuts, do you? After doing this, carefully remove the tire. Now you know how to change a tire almost completely, and it’s very simple!
6. Mount the tire
Now you need to mount the tire and place the nuts again . Tighten a tire manually without using the wrench. It will be needed later.
7. Get off the car
Once you have placed the spare tire, lower the car carefully . Remove the jack and keep it .
8. Tighten the nuts
Now yes: tighten the nuts with the help of the socket wrench . Make sure you tighten them tightly. You can use your feet to push. If you can, check the tire pressure before resuming your trip. Otherwise, stop at the nearest gas station.
Now you know how to change a tire! As you can see, it is not a complicated task. After having done all this, all you have to do is keep all the tools and signaling elements carefully so as not to endanger your safety.
