Overview:
This project will show you how to change a tire. A flat tire on a highway is serious business. Safety should be your foremost concern when changing a tire. Make sure your spare tire is properly inflated and you always carry the necessary tools.
Materials:
spare tire
Tools You'll Need:
roadside safety kit
Before You Begin:
If you are on a bridge or part of the highway where there is limited shoulder access, drive carefully and slowly to a safe area where you are well out of the flow of traffic. It's better to ruin your tire rim by driving on it than to risk getting killed by oncoming traffic. Choose a firm, level surface with a wide shoulder or median. If it's at night, find a well-lighted area. Do not stop on a curve. Always consult your owner's manual for instructions specific to your vehicle. And last but not least: be truthful with yourself. Changing a tire requires physical strength. If you think you may injure yourself, it's better to call for help.
Barbara's Tips:
Always check your tire pressure at least once a month. You should refill your tires to slightly under the recommended psi. You can find the psi information on the inside of your wheel rim.
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Step 1: Remove Your Tools
Put the car in park and set the parking brake. Put your four way flashers on. If your headlights are on, use low beams or parking lights. Set glowsticks or reflectors at least 6 feet from the front and back of your car. Take out the jack, spare tire, lug wrench and wheel blocks. Place the wheel blocks behind the three good wheels. Put your gloves on.
Step 2: Make Like the Pit Crew
Remove the hubcap, if necessary. Using the lug wrench begin to loosen the lug nuts. If the nuts are sticking, try jumping on the wrench to loosen them. Do not remove the lug nuts, just loosen them.
Step 3: Jack It Up
Consult your owner's manual to determine where the jack should be placed. Do not just guess. Today's cars have very specific spots where the jack should go. Place the spare tire nearby so you can get it as soon as you are ready for it. Position the jack under the car and operate it as described in the manual until the wheel is well off the ground. Don't stop when the flat tire is clear of the ground – the spare will be fully inflated and will need more clearance. And never, ever, place any part of your body under the car when it is on a jack! If something rolls under the car, use a long stick to poke it back out, or wait until you have finished your tire change and the car has all four wheels on solid ground.
Step 4: The Switch
Remove the lug nuts from the bolts and set them to the side. Grab the flat tire. It is easiest to grab the tire with your hands at "nine o'clock" and "three o'clock" positions. Pull the wheel straight out so it slides off the studs. Set the flat aside and position the spare tire directly in front of the wheel well. Align the spare tire with the bolts on the car, then slide it on and push until it cannot go any further. Replace the lug nuts and tighten them, but not too tight – just enough to hold the tire in place while you lower the car.
Step 5: Back on Solid Ground
Lower the jack until the car is on the ground. Before doing anything else, tighten the lug nuts securely using the lug wrench. Put away the flat tire, your tools and collect your warning devices. If you are using a "donut" spare, be sure not to exceed the recommended speed limit and get your original tire repaired or replaced as soon as possible.
Step 6: Back on the Road
Pay attention as you pull back into traffic. You're back underway. You did it yourself!
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