Knowing how to change a tire is essential to car maintenance and a great skill to have on the road. In this post by Cam Synthetics in Concord, NC, we’ll go over some valuable tips for changing a tire the right way. 

Knowing how to change a tire is essential but only one step in your car’s maintenance routine. For more information and products for a better car maintenance routine, call Cam Synthetics at (704) 791-6900 or visit AMSOIL’s online shop to place an order 24/7.

Things You’ll Need to Change a Tire

Having the right tools to change a tire is the first thing you need to do so effectively. Some cars might have the tools for changing a tire in case you get a flat one on the road, but not all do. That’s why it’s essential to ensure your car has what you need and if not, get a tire changing kit as soon as possible.

What Should Be in a Tire Changing Kit?

Two essential things you should have in your tire changing kit are a jack and a lug wrench. You can easily swap out a flat tire with only these two things. Additional to these two things, you should also have a fully inflated spare tire. Other handy tools and accessories to have in your kit are wheel wedges, a flashlight, a rain poncho, reflective triangles and a reflective vest for safety, a tire pressure gauge, and a tarp to kneel on.

Pull Over Somewhere Flat

If you’re driving and notice that you have a flat tire, the first step is to pull over somewhere safe and flat. If you’re driving at high speeds, for example, on a highway, keep calm, turn on your emergency lights, and lower your speed. Then look for a shoulder with enough space to safely change your tire. If it's going to get dark soon, make sure you stop somewhere well-lit. Safety tip: Changing your tire somewhere that is not flat or stable, like a sloped road, dirt, or grass, could cause your car to slip from the jack and fall to the ground.

Use the best products for your car’s maintenance, like AMSOIL’s Spray Grease, for better performance and safety. Call the oil experts at Cam Synthetics today at (704) 791-6900 for advice on the best products for your vehicle. Once you’re ready, visit AMSOIL’s online shop to place your order.

Changing a Tire in 5 Steps

Now that you’ve pulled over somewhere safe and leveled, it’s time to change your tire. Here are the five steps you should follow to do so safely.

1. Loosen the lug nuts: Locate the lug nuts on your car. Some car models have a hubcap, which doesn’t make them visible immediately. If your wheel does have one, remove it to access the lug nuts. Using your tire iron or lug wrench, loosen them until you can remove them with your fingers, but don’t remove them just yet!
2. Lift your vehicle: Before you lift your car, make sure it’s in park, and the emergency brake is pulled up. Locate the jacking points on your car and place your jack. Crank it up until it connects with the jacking points, and keep cranking until your vehicle is off the ground.
3. Remove the lug nuts and tire: Now, remove the lug nuts and place them somewhere safe, so they don’t roll away. Once you remove them, pull the tire towards you and place it on the ground.
4. Install the replacement tire: Next is to place the spare or new tire and secure it. Screw in the lug nuts in a criss-cross pattern, and don’t tighten the lug nuts all the way yet.
5. Lower the car and tighten the lug nuts: Lastly, slowly crank the car down to the ground and finish tightening the lug nuts in the same criss-cross pattern you used in the last step. Tighten them using the tire iron until you can’t go further.

Next Steps After Changing a Tire

At this point, it’s important to mention that your car’s spare tire isn’t a permanent solution. Spare tires are made to drive only around 50 miles, so it’s essential to get your old tire repaired if possible, and if not, buy a replacement one. Lastly, checking your tires regularly is the best way to ensure you won’t be surprised on the road, and taking them in for balancing and rotation often will lengthen your tire’s life.

For a better-performing vehicle, call Cam Synthetics today at (704) 791-6900 and ask them for their tips and tricks for car maintenance. Once you’re ready to place an order, visit AMSOIL’s online shop!