Welcome back to Fix It Friday. This week we are switching things up. Instead of talking about houses, we are getting our hands dirty with something every driver should know: how to change a tire.
Joining me are two special guests, my son Braden and our friend Dom, because this is a skill that is not only useful but also important to pass down to the next generation. Whether you are a new driver, a parent teaching your teen, or someone who has simply never had to deal with a flat before, this guide will walk you through everything step by step.
Why It Is Important to Know How to Change a Tire
Getting a flat tire is never convenient. It can happen on your way to work, during a road trip, or even in your own driveway. While roadside assistance is always an option, it can take a long time for help to arrive. Knowing how to change your own tire means you can safely get back on the road with confidence.
Step 1: Park in a Safe Location
Safety always comes first. As soon as you realize your tire is flat, slow down gradually and pull over to a safe spot that is level and away from traffic. Turn on your hazard lights so other drivers can see you. If you have reflective triangles or flares, place them behind your vehicle for extra visibility.
It is important never to change a tire on a curve, a narrow shoulder, or soft ground where your jack could sink.
Step 2: Gather Your Tools and Supplies
Before you begin, make sure you have everything you need. Most cars come with a small jack and a lug wrench, but you should also have a properly inflated spare tire or donut, your owner’s manual, and if possible, wheel wedges to keep your car from rolling. A pair of gloves and a flashlight are also helpful, especially if you are on the side of the road at night.
Taking a moment to gather your supplies before starting will make the entire process smoother.
Step 3: Loosen the Lug Nuts
The lug nuts are the bolts that hold your wheel in place. Before lifting the car, use the lug wrench to slightly loosen each nut. Do not remove them completely yet. Loosening them while the tire is still on the ground gives you the stability you need to break the tension.
If you wait until the car is lifted, the wheel will spin freely and make the job much harder.
Step 4: Position the Jack and Raise the Car
Now it is time to lift the vehicle. Your owner’s manual will show you the exact jack point to use, which is usually a reinforced area along the frame near the flat tire. Place the jack securely under that spot and slowly raise the car until the flat tire is several inches off the ground.
Take your time here. If the jack feels unstable or if the car wobbles, lower it back down and reposition before continuing.
Step 5: Remove the Lug Nuts and the Flat Tire
Once the car is safely lifted, finish unscrewing the lug nuts completely. Keep them in a secure spot where they will not roll away. Then carefully remove the flat tire by pulling it straight off the bolts. Set it down flat so it does not tip over.
Step 6: Install the Spare Tire
Line up the holes in your spare tire with the bolts on the wheel hub. Slide the spare onto the car until it sits flush. Replace the lug nuts and tighten them by hand only. This helps make sure the tire is seated properly before you tighten it fully.
Step 7: Lower the Vehicle
Slowly lower the jack until the tire touches the ground and the car is resting evenly on all four wheels. Remove the jack completely and set it aside.
Step 8: Tighten the Lug Nuts in a Star Pattern
Now it is time to fully tighten the lug nuts. Use the lug wrench and tighten in a crisscross or star-shaped pattern. This ensures the tire is secured evenly and prevents wobbling while driving. Double check each lug nut to make sure they are all tight.
Step 9: Put Away Tools and Check Tire Pressure
When everything is back in place, store your flat tire, the jack, and your tools securely in the trunk. Before you drive away, check the pressure of your spare. If it is low, head to the nearest gas station to inflate it properly.
Remember that spare tires, especially smaller donuts, are meant for temporary use. Drive cautiously and schedule a replacement with a full-size tire as soon as possible.
Final Thoughts
And there you have it. In nine simple steps you can change a tire and be back on the road safely. It is a straightforward process, but it gives you peace of mind knowing you can handle it yourself if the need arises.
A big thank you to Braden and Dom for helping with this Fix It Friday project. Hopefully you never need to use these steps, but if you do, you will know exactly what to do.
Stay safe, stay prepared, and we will see you next Friday.