Changing a tyre causes major inconvenience. It always happens at the wrong time when you’re least prepared and you have no tools and money for it. This does not have to be the case.
After reading this guide, you will know how to easily be in control of the situation. This guide will boost your confidence and teach you what to do every step of the way.
Preparation is Key
- Always check your tyre pressure and ensure that you maintain the recommended inflation. Underinflated tyres are more prone to punctures on the road as they have less pressure and solidity to deal with random road debris.
- Keep a spare tyre. Make sure that it is always inflated and in top condition. Changing a tyre becomes unnecessarily stressful when you have no usable spare.
- Always keep a toolbox. This is a very basic knowledge but people always miss it. A toolbox secures that you can always change your tyres whenever and wherever. Your toolbox should at least have the following: mechanical gloves, a jack, safety triangles, wheel brace, and wheel chocks.
Action plan: Do an inventory of your toolbox.
Make sure that you have all these necessary items.
If you lack some, now is the time to visit your local auto store.
Endeavor to have your toolbox completed because it will secure that you won’t experience any kind of stress should you need to have your tyre changed.
Remember: There are primarily two things that you should consider when you get a flat tyre: urgency and safety.
Once you know that your tyre is flat, look for the safest spot possible and pull over as soon as you can.
You should never drive a car with a flat tyre as it causes damage not only to the tire but to the rim. You wouldn’t want to spend more than necessary.
So stop in an instant and pull over to the nearest safe spot.
Knowing Your Tyres
Tyres react differently depending on their built and make-up.
You should know what kind of tyres you have to be aware of the kind of driving permitted should it get flat.
Space-saver tyres – these tyres are also called temporary tyres. Compared to normal tyres, space-savers are usually narrower and smaller in size. When flat, these tyres can be driven at a very limited distance at speeds that don’t go over 80km/h.
Run-flat tyres – these tyres are often used by people that don’t keep spare tires. These tyres were built to allow for driving despite being flat. Run-flat tyres can be driven at 100kms even if punctured because it has reinforced walls. With it, you can keep on safely driving until you find a tyre shop or mechanic.
Warning: A damaged run-flat tyre can never be repaired. When damaged, a run-flat tyre must be replaced. Most run-flat tyres come with a gel that can be used to plug a puncture and serve as a temporary reinflating tool to help users to keep on driving until they reach a tyre shop.
Important notice: These are general instructions. This blog does not claim and accept any responsibility for any damage or injury that you could incur in executing the following steps.
Step-by-step Guide in Changing Your Tyre
Step 1: Prepare everything.
1. Look for a stable and firm ground. Avoid bends and places with poor visibility.
2. When you’re already parked in a stable spot, do the following: turn on your hazard lights, apply the handbrake, and set the transmission in gear; in P if you drive an automatic car.
3. Place your safety triangle in the best spot where incoming motorists can be duly warned and notified.
4. Properly place the necessary chocks. If you’re going to replace your front tyres, chock your rear wheels. If you need to replace your rear tyres, chock your front wheels.
5. Get your toolbox and spare tire and place both on the ground. You do not need unnecessary movement while the car is elevated.
6. Take care of the wheel nuts. Loosen them before having your car lifted. Don’t remove your wheel nuts yet, just loosen them.
Step 2: Use your jack.
1. Make sure that you’re familiar with the mechanism of your jack. Jacks work differently so make sure that you’re familiar with the instructions that go with it.
This applies to cars as well because cars have different jacking points. Determine your car’s proper jacking point before proceeding.
Follow the instructions that come with your jack. Warning: Never go underneath a vehicle that is elevated by a jack.
2. Secure the placement of the jack under the car. Proceed with jacking and continue until the tyre is elevated by at least 5 – 10 centimeters.
Step 3: Remove the flat tyre.
1. Start with the wheel nuts. Make sure that all wheel nuts are removed.
2. Properly place removed wheel nuts in a convenient place.
3. Remove the flat tyre carefully.
4. Roll the flat tyre far from the car so it doesn’t get it in the way.
5. Lay the tyre on its side to avoid it from rolling.
Step 4: Place the new tyre.
1. Place the new tyre by closely observing the wheel studs.
2. Be patient while placing it as it can be initially challenging.
3. Once the proper wheel stud alignment is achieved, the replacement tyre would easily slip into place.
4. Keep the tyre upright for the studs to align properly.
Step 5: Secure the new tyre.
1. Once the tyre is placed, you can now place the wheel nuts. Secure the placement of the top stud for the placement of the other studs.
2. Once the top stud is secured, all the remaining wheel nuts can now be placed properly.
3. Firm the nuts but by using a wheel brace. The goal is not to tighten but to position the wheel properly.
4. You can now lower your vehicle via the jack.
5. Remove the jack.
6. Now, you should tighten the wheel nuts with your wheel brace. Your arm strength will provide the perfect torque for the wheel brace so you don’t need to jump or stand.
7. If needed, you can replace the wheel cover.
8. Gather your tools and the safety triangle. Place the flat tyre inside your car.
Replacing a tyre is truly pretty simple.
You just need patience, the right tools, and the right frame of mind.
After placing your new tyre, don’t forget to have your flat tyre checked for repair or replacement.