Getting a flat tire can be a frustrating and stressful experience, especially if you don’t know how to put a spare tire on. However, with the right tools and a little bit of knowledge, changing a tire can be a relatively simple task. In this article, we will guide you through the process of putting a spare tire on your vehicle.
Gather the Necessary Tools
Before you begin, make sure you have all the necessary tools. You will need a spare tire, a jack, a lug wrench, and a wheel chock. These tools should be located in your vehicle’s trunk or under the back seat. If you do not have the necessary tools, you may need to call a tow truck or roadside assistance.
Find a Safe Location
Before you start changing the tire, make sure you are in a safe location. Ideally, you should be on a flat, level surface away from traffic. If you are on the side of the road, make sure your hazard lights are on and your car is pulled as far off the road as possible. You should also place the wheel chock behind one of the tires to prevent the car from rolling.
Loosen the Lug Nuts
Using the lug wrench, loosen the lug nuts on the flat tire. Do not remove them completely yet, just loosen them enough so that you can easily turn them by hand once the car is jacked up.
Jack Up the Car
Place the jack under the car in the designated jacking point. Consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual if you are unsure where this is. Use the jack to lift the car up until the flat tire is off the ground.
Remove the Lug Nuts and Flat Tire
Remove the lug nuts and take off the flat tire. Make sure to set the lug nuts aside in a safe place where they won’t get lost.
Put on the Spare Tire
Take the spare tire and line up the holes with the studs on the car. Put on the lug nuts and tighten them by hand as much as you can.
Lower the Car
Use the jack to lower the car back down to the ground. Once the car is on the ground, use the lug wrench to tighten the lug nuts as much as you can.
Check the Lug Nuts
Once the lug nuts are tightened as much as possible, use a torque wrench to tighten them further to the manufacturer’s specifications. This is important to ensure that the wheel is properly secured.
Put the Flat Tire and Tools Away
Put the flat tire and the tools away in your vehicle. Make sure to double-check that you have everything before driving away.
FAQs
Q: Can I drive on a spare tire for an extended period of time?
A: No, spare tires are designed to be used as a temporary replacement only. They are not meant for long-term use and should be replaced with a full-sized tire as soon as possible.
Q: How fast can I drive on a spare tire?
A: It is recommended that you do not exceed 50 miles per hour when driving on a spare tire.
Q: Do I need to replace my spare tire if it has never been used?
A: Spare tires should be replaced every six years, regardless of whether or not they have been used.
Conclusion
Changing a tire can seem like a daunting task, but with the right tools and a little bit of knowledge, it can be done relatively quickly and easily. By following the steps outlined in this article, you should be able to put a spare tire on your vehicle in no time.