Why is it important to learn how to change a tire?

When preparing for a driving test, we should all theoretically learn to change a tire, but in practice, many are hesitant to try it. Being able to change a tire yourself helps avoid long waits at a garage or for roadside assistance, not to mention that in urgent situations, it can also save costs. Every car owner should know this process, as the need for it can arise at any time.

What do you need for a tire change?

The following tools are needed for a tire change:

• Spare Tire: Make sure the spare tire is in good condition and has the correct air pressure.
  
  
• Jack (Factory or Hydraulic Jack): A tool required for safely lifting the car.
  
  
• Lug Wrench: Usually a cross wrench, which can be used to loosen the lug nuts.
  
  
• Gloves and Eye Protection: Gloves and eye protection are recommended to protect your hands and eyes.

Safety Tips for Tire Changing:

• Choose a Safe Parking Spot: Select an area with a flat surface where you won’t obstruct traffic. Turn on the hazard lights so other drivers can see that you are working.
  
  
• Engage the Handbrake and Shift to Neutral: Make sure the vehicle cannot roll away, so engaging the handbrake is essential.

Steps for Changing a Car Tire

Step 1: Loosen the Lug Nuts

As a first step, before lifting the car, loosen the lug nuts. If the car is already in the air, the wheels might turn, making it harder to loosen the nuts.

Place the wrench on one of the nuts and turn counterclockwise.

Use your body weight to overcome resistance if necessary, but do not fully unscrew the nuts at this step—just loosen them!

Step 2: Lift the Car

Before lifting, make sure to position the jack at the correct spot. The lifting points for tire changing are usually located on the vehicle’s frame, directly behind or in front of the tire.

Position the jack (factory or hydraulic jack) at the lifting point and begin to pump until the tire is a few centimeters off the ground.

Step 3: Remove the Nuts and Tire

Once the car is securely lifted, fully unscrew the lug nuts.

Place the lug nuts and the cap in a safe place so you don’t lose them.

Hold the tire with both hands and pull it off the hub. If the tire is stuck or jammed, tapping the bottom lightly can help to loosen it.

Step 4: Mount the Spare Tire

Take the spare tire and align it with the vehicle’s axle. Make sure that the lug holes line up with the axle bolts.

Hold the tire steady and start screwing the nuts in by hand to ensure they are positioned correctly.

Step 5: Hand-Tighten the Lug Nuts

After all the nuts are hand-tightened, check that the tire is properly seated.

Since the jack is still holding the car up, do not fully tighten the nuts yet—this should be done once the car is back on the ground.

Step 6: Lower the Car

Slowly lower the car and make sure it is completely on the ground. Once the car is stable, remove the jack.

Step 7: Fully Tighten the Lug Nuts

This is the last but very important step. Use the cross wrench to properly tighten each nut. Make sure to tighten the nuts in a diagonal pattern, not one after the other. This ensures that the wheel is securely fastened.

Extra Tip: Don’t forget to clean the rims and prioritize safety!

Since you're already working with the wheel, take the opportunity to give your car thorough care. Use wheel cleaner and rim spray, which not only make the wheels clean and shiny but also help remove stubborn dirt and brake dust. This is not just about appearance—clean wheels are less prone to corrosion and will last longer.

Also, while you’re at the wheel, grab a tread depth gauge and check the condition of the tires! The correct tread depth is essential for good grip and safe driving, especially on wet or slippery roads. This way, your car will not only look better but also be safer!

What to Do After Changing the Tire

• Check Tire Pressure: It’s advisable to check the air pressure of the spare tire as soon as possible to ensure it’s correct.
  
  
• Have the Damaged Tire Examined: If you had a flat, it’s helpful to know if the old tire can be repaired or if a new one is needed.
  
  
• Get the Newly Mounted Tire Checked at a Workshop: This way, you can be sure there won’t be any further unpleasant surprises on the road.
  
  

Common Mistakes During Tire Changes

• Loosening the Nuts Only After Lifting: Always loosen the nuts while the car is still on the ground.
  
  
• Insufficient Tightening of Nuts: Be sure to tighten in a diagonal pattern so the wheel stays securely in place.
  
  
• Uneven Surface: Always perform the tire change on a flat surface to minimize the risk of slipping.

Summary: The Process of Changing a Tire

Learning and practicing how to change a tire is essential for every car owner. Although it may seem intimidating at first, with a bit of practice, it becomes a quick and easy process. It’s important to always have the right tools on hand and follow the safety guidelines so that the tire change is not only efficient but also safe. Once you’ve done a few changes, you can drive with more confidence, knowing that an unexpected flat tire won’t throw you off!