How to Change a Flat Tire: An Emergency Guide

Changing a flat tire is an essential skill every driver must have. However, if you don't know how to, know you are not alone. At least 20% of drivers in the US don't know how to change a flat tire. Why? Most believe it's challenging, and there's the roadside assistance service.

An average driver experiences about five flat tires in a lifetime. However, you will likely experience more flat tires if you drive more or travel off the beaten path. While most roadside assistance services are reliable and will get to you in no time, knowing how to change a tire can make a difference if you are out of range or can't reach them because your phone is dead. Fortunately, changing a flat tire is not very complicated.

Common causes of a flat tire

Several things can cause a flat tire. However, the most common is a puncture caused by a sharp object like glass or nails. If this happens while you are driving, it can be dangerous. Driving on a flat tire can cause you to lose control of the vehicle and damage the rim, wheel, braking system, and other parts. When this happens, pull over and change the tire yourself or call for help.

Changing a flat tire will take 15 minutes for experts and up to two hours for new drivers. Regardless of your skill level, ensure you follow all the steps below for your safety and that of other road users.

Recognizing a flat tire while driving

How do you know you have a flat tire while driving? The most apparent sign of a flat tire is when the tire appears deflated. However, while driving, this is not what you'll notice first. The car will start pulling in one direction. You'll hear a flapping sound and vibrations in the steering wheel. As soon as any of the above signs occur, pull over and follow the steps below to change the tire.

What you will need:

• Spare tire
• Car owner's manual
• Car Jack
• Lug wrench
• Wheel chocks
• Gloves to protect your hands.
• Flashlight if it's dark.
• Reflective triangles/flares

A step-by-step guide to changing a flat tire

Here are 14 simple steps on how to change a flat tire.

Find a safe place to pull over

When you get a flat tire while driving, slowly reduce your car's speed to about 15-20 mph and find a safe place to stop away from traffic. Instant braking can cause the vehicle to skid, especially if the affected tire is at the front.

Ideally, find a parking lot or a straight section of road with a wide shoulder. Avoid pulling over near any bends in the road, as this can reduce visibility for you and other drivers.

Secure the car

Once the vehicle is well parked, turn on the hazard lights to alert other drivers that you have stopped. Apply the parking brakes and exit the car safely.

Place reflective triangles 100 feet behind your vehicle to notify other drivers of a stationary car ahead. When done, place wheel chocks around the wheels to prevent the vehicle from rolling. You can use large stones if you don't have chocks in your car.

Loosen the lug nuts

With the vehicle fully secured, it's time to bring out your vehicle's manual. Even though you may have changed the tires of a different car, you need to check the manual for any model-specific instructions. Also, bring out the required tools and the spare tire.

If your car wheels have a wheel cover or hubcap, remove them to access the lug nuts. Use a lug wrench to turn the lug nuts counterclockwise. However, don't remove them entirely; just break their resistance. You should do this now because loosening them when the car is jacked up can cause the wheel to rotate, making it difficult and unsafe to apply the necessary force.

Lift the car

Next, you need to lift the vehicle. Place the jerk under the vehicle's frame near the flat tire. Refer to your car owner's manual for the exact location. Make sure you place it under the metal frame and not the plastic under it.

When everything is okay, raise the car by pumping the jack until the flat tire is about six inches off the ground. Ensure none of your body parts or anyone's helping you go under the raised car. The jack could fail, and the ca could drop.

Remove the flat tire

When the car is stable on the jack, unscrew the lug nuts. You can do it by hand at this point because they are already loose. Put the nuts in a safe place, like your inner pocket.

Now, it's time to remove the tire. Hold the tire by the treads and pull it gently to remove it from the hub. If it has rust, it may decline to come off. Try kicking the tire near the hub to loosen the rust, then pull.

Mount the spare tire

Once the tire is off, mount your spare wheel by aligning it with the lug bolt posts. Push it onto the hub so it fits snuggly, and ensure it is properly seated on the wheelbase.

Tighten the lug nuts by hand

Bring out the lug nuts and put them on the lug bolts. Use your hand to tighten them as much as possible and ensure they are evenly aligned. Don't use the lug wrench at this point.

Slightly lower the car

Slightly lower the vehicle using the jack until the spare tire reaches the ground. However, don't lower it until it fully supports the car's weight.

Tighten the lug nuts

At this point, turn your lug wrench clockwise to secure the nuts in a star pattern. Tightening the nuts in the correct sequence will help ensure they stay secure on the hub. Use your full body weight to push the lug wrench and ensure you tighten the nuts as tight as possible.

Lower the car completely

Carefully lower the vehicle to the ground until the spare tire supports the car's weight. Remove the jack and tighten the lug nuts one last time, ensuring they are as tight as possible.

Replace the wheel cover or hubcap

Put the wheel cover or hubcap you removed from the other tire into the spare if it will fit. If it doesn't, stow it away with the removed tire as you put away your tools.

Check the spare tire pressure

Use a pressure gauge to check if the spare tire has sufficient pressure for safe driving. The ideal pressure should be 60 psi (420 kPa). If not, drive to the nearest service station to adjust it. Remember to adjust the pressure in small amounts because the pressure level changes rapidly due to the tire's smaller size.

Pack up

Before driving off, return everything you used to their respective place in the car. Don't forget to get the reflective triangles you placed 100 feet behind your vehicle to alert other drivers.

See a tire technician

After you reach your destination, make arrangements to see a tire technician. Spare tires are not designed for high speeds (over 50 miles per hour) or long distances. Drive carefully and, if possible, avoid using highways. Take the flat tire to the technician so they can determine if it can be repaired or if you'll have to purchase a new one.

Your car insurance policy typically won't pay to repair or replace a flat tire. However, most auto insurance companies offer roadside assistance coverage that will send a tire technician to change your flat tire and get you rolling again.

Maintenance tips to prevent future flat tires

While taking proper care of your car's wheels won't guarantee you will never have a flat tire, it can reduce the likelihood. Regular tire maintenance can also help prolong your tires' life, making your car safer to drive and improving fuel efficiency. Here are a few simple things you can do to help keep your tires in good condition.

• Check your tire regularly for signs of wear, punctures, or embedded objects.
• Maintain proper inflation.
• Rotate tires regularly to ensure even wear.
• Make sure the tires have sufficient tread.
• Drive carefully around debris, construction sites, and other areas with sharp objects.

Conclusion

Changing a tire may seem challenging for beginners. However, it's a basic skill every driver should possess. The good news is that it's easier than it looks. With a few tries, you can learn to do it perfectly. Just don't wait until you are stranded on the road to learn. Practice at home so whenever it happens, you'll be ready.