Tires carry the weight of our vehicles and ensure a smooth journey from point A to point B. However, when one of them gives way, the experts of a flat tire change in Naperville, IL, assure us that changing a tire is easier than you think. Here are some tips that will get you back on the road in no time:
- Safety First
Safety should be your top priority before you touch the tire lever. Locate a level surface away from traffic. Apply your car’s parking brake and use wheel wedges to prevent your car from rolling. Turn on the hazard light in your vehicle and put up your LED road flares. - Gather Your Tools
To replace a tire, you must have the proper tools: a jack, lug wrench, spare tire, and wheel wedges on hand (to prevent the car from rolling). You can then start by removing the hub cap. - Loosen Lug Nuts
Before raising the car using the jack, loosen the lug nuts slightly in a star pattern with a lug wrench. This step is crucial because removing them once the tire is off the ground can be difficult. - Jack It Up
Place the jack under the vehicle frame near the tire you are replacing. The correct lifting points can be found in your vehicle’s manual. Slowly lift the vehicle but not too high until the tire no longer touches the ground. - Remove the Tire
Once the car is raised, you may completely remove the lug nuts and put them inside the wheel cover or hub cap so they don’t roll away and be hard to find after. Carefully remove the flat tire and lay it aside. - Mount the Spare
Those who do tire change service in Naperville, IL, are advised to align the holes of the spare tire with the wheel bolts and carefully push it onto the wheel hub. Tighten the nuts only by hand to keep the spare tire in place. - Lower the Vehicle
Lower the jack gradually until the spare tire touches the ground but does not yet carry the vehicle’s full weight. You may now tighten the lug nuts with the lug wrench. Again, do it in a star sequence for even pressure. - Double-Check Everything
Double-check that all lug nuts are tightened. Give the spare tire a strong tug to check that it’s securely in place. Remove the jack and the other tools from beneath the car and put them in the trunk with the flat tire. - Get the Flat Tire Fixed
It’s always best to head straight for the repair shop to get the flat tire restored by a professional. Depending on the extent of the damage, you might want to get a replacement for it. - Practice Makes Perfect
Like every skill, tire changing becomes perfect with practice. Consider practicing in your garage a few times before you get stranded on the side of the street with a flat tire. - Fixing Flats Fast
The ability to change a tire is essential for every driver. Those who do flat tire change in Naperville, IL, say that, with the right tools and techniques, flat tires shouldn’t be a problem. Just remember those tips we gave you, and you’ll be fine.
In case you also don’t know how to change a flat tire, we won’t judge you. Call us at Classic Towing at 630-392-6844.
