Changing a tire might sound intimidating, but with the appropriate tools and knowledge, it can be accomplished swiftly and safely. From side-of-the-road changes to garage installations - Hiller Automotive provides All Car Services and full Tire Shop maintenance options so it is useful to know how to change a tire on a car for peace of mind!
1. Essential Tools
Spare tire
Jack
Lug wrench
Wheel wedges or bricks
Owner’s manual
If you don't already possess these tools, visiting your nearest Tires Shop for an essential tire-changing kit might be in order.
2. Prepare Your Vehicle
Place wheel wedges or heavy objects between each tire being replaced for added security on hills or slopes. Likewise, locate both your spare tire and tools within your car's trunk if they don't already exist there.
3. Loosen the Lug Nuts
To prepare to lift the car safely and smoothly, loosen its lug nuts slightly with the use of a wrench turned counterclockwise before using your lifting jacks. Do not remove them yet; rather just loosen their tension for easier tire removal once lifted.
4. Raise Your Car With Jack
Position the jack beneath your car so it matches up with its jacking points as detailed in your owner's manual, slowly raise until the flat tire is six inches off of the ground, and repeat for any additional tires requiring repair. For assistance or guidance with finding these spots please reach out to Hiller Automotive under the All Car Services division for help.
5. Remove a Flat Tire
Now, fully untighten all loosened lug nuts and remove your flat tire. Place any additional spare lug nuts safely so they will come in handy later when swapping out spare tires.
6. Install Your Spare Tire
Mount the new spare tire onto its hub by aligning it with lug nut posts, and tighten all four lug nuts using only your hand tools - don't use a wrench yet.
7. Lower and Tighten Lug Nuts
Reduce the car gradually with the jack until its spare tire touches the ground but is not fully supporting its weight, then use a lug wrench to tighten each of its lug nuts in a star pattern to ensure even pressure and stop wobbling while driving. This should prevent tire wobble.
Once all lug nuts have been properly secured, lower your car and remove its jack before tightening all lug nuts again to make sure that they fit securely.
8. Check Tire Pressure Regularly
Before leaving home, always double-check that your spare tire has sufficient air pressure. If it falls below this benchmark, stop by Hiller Automotive's Tires Shop immediately for an air check or replacement as driving with under-inflated tires can result in further damage and this step must not be disregarded! Driving an underinflated tire increases the chances of further vehicle issues so this step must never be overlooked!
9. Consult a Professional to Inspect
Though spare tires are meant to provide temporary solutions, it's still essential that your car be professionally inspected after any tire change. At Hiller Automotive, our All Car Services include tire inspection and replacement as part of their comprehensive package; our experts will make sure that everything on your car is functioning perfectly before providing recommendations regarding additional maintenance needs or any upgrades that might be beneficial to its continued health.
The Bottom Line
How to change a tire on a car? Although changing a tire might seem simple enough, being prepared is always smart. Be sure that all necessary tools are kept within easy reach in your vehicle and that your spare is in top shape for use when needed. Visit Hiller Automotive, one of the premier tire shops offering comprehensive tire services ranging from tire replacement and maintenance inspections, all the way up to comprehensive vehicle evaluation. With All Car Services available as needed we ensure smooth vehicle operations!
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