Sun, June 09 2013

Here are step-by-step instructions from CoverQuest on how to change a tire.  This is a skill we all should know but hopefully never need to use.

If we have left anything out please leave your suggestions below.

Step 1- Pull off the road so you are safely out of the traffic of other vehicles. Try to find a level spot and remember to place the car in park, turn off the engine and turn on your hazard lights.

Step 2- Remove the tire jack, lug wrench and spare tire from your car and place them within reaching distance. You may need a flashlight, tire blocks and gloves if applicable.

Step 3- Remove the hub cap if you have one. Using the lug wrench begin to loosen the lug nuts. Do not remove the lug nuts only loosen them.

Step 4- Place your jack under the car, usually at a small plate on the frame of the car. The plate is generally located just in front of the rear tires and just behind the front tires. Raise the jack until it contacts the frame and extend the jack until the tire is about 6 inches off the ground.

Step 5- Remove the lug nuts from the bolts and put them aside. Pull the wheel straight toward you and off the car.

Step 6- Position the spare tire directly in front of the wheel well. Align the holes in the center of the spare tire with the bolts on the car. Lift the spare tire and position it on the threaded bolts and push the tire onto the car until it can go no further. Replace the lug nuts but do not tighten them too tight.

Step 7- Lower the car with the car jack until the car is again resting on all four tires. Tighten the lug nuts starting with one and then moving to the one opposite it, and so on.

Step 8- Put away the flat tire, all tools and carefully inspect your work. Congratulations! You’ve changed your tire!

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