How to Change a Flat Tire in 10 Easy Steps

There are few things in this world as vexing as a flat tire. In the grand scheme of things it’s a small thing but it’s a small thing that can keep you off the road and away from where you need to be for much longer than you’d like. Because The Towing Team San Diego knows just how frustrating a flat tire really is, we’ve put together this quick guide to help you change that flat.

Replacing a Tire – step-by-step

Simply follow these 10 steps and you’ll be back on the road in next to no time.

Step 1: Find a safe spot

As with just about any job in this world, it’s best to prepare yourself before you get started. This means finding a safe, level place. Obviously your driveway or the street outside your home is ideal, but if you discover a flat tire while driving, you’ll need to pull over somewhere safe. Try to avoid junctions and the busy sections of the road. If you have hazard warning triangles, use these to warn other drivers.

Step 2: Gather together everything you need

Next up, gather together all the items you’ll need for the job at hand. This is likely to be your spare wheel, a jack, a lug wrench, and anything else you might think useful.

Step 3: Remove hubcap & loosen lug nuts

If your wheel is fitted with a hubcap, you’ll need to remove this first. Then, use a lug wrench to loosen (but not remove) the wheel’s lug nuts.

Step 4: Jack your vehicle

Place the jack beneath your vehicle. If there are manufacturer’s indents on the vehicle, use these. If not, place the jack beneath a solid part of the vehicle frame. Once in place, lift the vehicle until it’s about six inches off the floor.

Step 5: Remove lug nuts & wheel

Now completely remove the loose lug nuts and remove the wheel. Be sure to place the wheel away from where you’re working.

Step 6: Fit spare wheel

Take your spare wheel and place it on the wheel hub, ensuring that it is correctly attached.

Step 7: Fit lug nuts

Return the lug nuts to the wheel. Using your hand, tighten the lugs as best you can.

Step 8: Lower vehicle

Using the jack, lower the vehicle back to ground level.

Step 9: Tighten lugs nuts

Using a lug nut wrench, tighten the lug nuts as best you can. Place your flat tire / wheel and all equipment in the trunk and you’re good to go.

Step 10: Replace the spare

It’s recommended that you only drive on a spare for a short period of time, so it’s vital you make arrangements to replace the spare as soon as possible. If you’d rather a professional take care of changing your flat tire, The Towing Team San Diego is happy to oblige. Our first class technicians are able to change flat tires across the San Diego region. To find out more, call us on: (858) 366-4489.