How to Change a TireBy: Drew Moser

Tire MaintenancePreventative maintenance is the first step

in safety!Make sure to walk around your vehicle

before driving. Check the tire pressureEnsure the tread is not bareLook for nails, screws, or any possible damage

existing in tire

It’s easier to change a tire at home than on the side of the highway!

When a Tire Explodes

If you happen to be driving when a tire goes flat – remain calm. Ease off the accelerator and move off the road.

Panic may cause an accident!

Find a Safe LocationOnce your vehicle is safely off the road, the

next step is to raise the automobile. Ensure the vehicle is not on a slope. A flat

surface is necessary.Make sure the car is in park (P), or in gear if

it is a manual transmission.It is also a good idea to “block” the wheel

diagonal to the flat by placing a brick or piece of wood in front of the tire.

Loosen the Lug Nuts

Loosen the Lug NutsBefore raising the vehicle, use the “tire iron”,

the L-shaped bar, to loosen the lug nuts from the flat wheel.

The lug nuts are designed to stay on the tire, use leverage to ease the work.

Remember to turn the nuts counter-clockwise!

Once all lug nuts are loose, it’s time to raise the automobile

Raising the VehicleA “jack” is usually located in the trunk of the

car. You may need to check your manual if it is located elsewhere.

The spare tire should also be located in the trunk of your vehicle.

Check the vehicle for a solid, secure place to put the jack. Many cars have predetermined locations for jacking the car up.

Remove the Damaged Tire

Remove the Damaged TireUsing the jack, raise the vehicle until the flat

tire is completely off the ground. Remove the lug nuts and keep them together,

a hubcap is a good place to keep them so the nuts don’t get lost.

Slide the flat tire off the vehicle and place it flat on the ground so it doesn’t roll into traffic.

Place the Spare on the Vehicle

Place the Spare on the VehicleLift the spare tire and line up the holes in the

wheel with the protruding wheel studs.Once the tire is lined up, gently slide it as far

back as possible. Screw each of the lug nuts back onto the

wheel studs. Tighten the lugs by hand before lowering the

wheel.Make sure not to cross-thread the nuts!

Lower the Jack

Almost FinishedWhen all lug nuts have been hand tightened,

carefully lower the jack.Tighten the lug nuts with the tire iron. The ground should help give leverage, ensure

the lug nuts are extremely tight. Put the flat tire back in the trunk (You will

need the rim when you replace the tire).Drive safe!

Thank You!

ReferencesAll images except slide 3 were found on:

www.ehow.com/how_2048705_change-flat-tire.html

Slide 3 found on: commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Image:Flat_tire.jpg