Changing a Flat Tire for the First Time: A Step-By-Step Process

A common fear among drivers is getting a flat tire. Unfortunately, it's impossible to predict when it's going to happen, but as long as you're prepared, you shouldn't have anything to worry about.

It's amazing how many people don't know how to change a tire. A recent study found that nearly three-quarters of millennials wouldn't know what to do if they had to replace their tire. While the result is staggering, it shows what happens when you don't teach people how to do it during their driving lessons.

So, are you a part of that group? If so, we've made this guide to show our readers step-by-step how to change a tire.

Step 1 - Pack the Right Equipment in Your Car to Prepare for a Flat Tire

Preparing for the worst on the road always sets you up for a bad situation. 

You should pack all the essentials in the trunk of your car so that if you ever get a flat, you're fully ready to take on the challenge. Some of these essentials include:

• A wrench

• A car jack

• A wheel chock

• A wheel nut key

• A flashlight

• A set of gloves

• A reflective jacket

• A warning triangle

Step 2 - Get Your Vehicle Ready

Pull your vehicle into a safe area where you won't be at risk of having an accident. 

You'll have to stop the vehicle, pull up the handbrake, switch the hazard lights on, and get out of the car to set up your warning triangle. Make sure you're wearing a reflective jacket so that any oncoming traffic can see you.

Once the vehicle is set, open your trunk, remove the spare tire, and prepare it for the change.

Step 3 - Set up the Wheel Chocks

Not everyone has wheel chocks, but if you do, it's best to use them so your vehicle doesn't start rolling when you're changing the tire.

You'll have to place the wheel chock behind the opposite tire you're changing. So if your right tire is flat, the wheel chock has to go behind the left tire.

Step 4 - Take off the Hubcaps and Unscrew the Nuts

If you have hubcaps on, remove them with a wrench, and then you can start to loosen the nuts but don't unscrew them completely. You might struggle to get the nuts loose initially, as they're usually very tight, so be patient and take your time.

Step 5 - Start Jacking up Your Car for the Tire Change

The hard part is over; now it's time to jack up your car for the tire change. Your aim should be to jack the car up around 10 cm, but there's no harm if it's a little bit more.

When you're jacking up the car, be sure to put the jack on the side where you have the flat tire and put it close enough to the wheel but not directly beside it.

Before removing the flat tire, ensure the jack is tight enough to avoid an accident.

Step 6 - Take off the Tire and Put the New One On

Remember, we told you not to fully unscrew the nuts? Well, now is the time to do it because your car is properly secure.

When you've completely unscrewed the nuts, you can remove the flat tire. Place it aside out of the way so it won't distract you.

After that, you can pick up the spare tire and slowly place it in your vehicle so it's in the right position with the wheel nut slots. 

Finally, start screwing the nuts back onto the wheel and ensure they're tight enough, but not too tight, as you can do them properly at the end of the process with a wrench.

Step 7 - Lower the Vehicle

Now, you're going to lower the vehicle with the jack. This step requires extra care as you don't want the car to just drop all at once, as you can seriously hurt yourself and damage the car if you're not careful. Slow and steady does it; there's no need to rush.

When the car is back at ground level, then you can pick up the wrench, fully tighten the wheel nuts, and start to put back on your hubcaps if you have any.

Step 8 - Do a Check on the New Tire

Since your spare tire has been lying around for a while, it may not be in 100% condition, so just a quick check on it before you start driving to see if the pressure is okay to drive on it.

If you notice something fishy with it, try to get the car to a service station as soon as possible. You'll have to call a breakdown emergency company if you're unable to drive on it at all.

Step 9 - Pack Everything Back Into Your Trunk

The tough work is over; now you can pick up the warning triangle and your punctured tire and throw them into your trunk.

It's necessary to get your flat tire looked at by a mechanic as soon as possible. Driving on a spare tire for a long time can cause serious damage to your car. These tires have less grip, so you're more likely to have an accident with them. Spare tires are more like plasters; they're a temporary fix, but they shouldn't be the long-term solution to the problem.

You've Officially Learned How to Change a Tire!

There you go, you've officially learned how to change a tire. It's not as hard as you think, you just have to take every step carefully, and it will be over before you know it.

Be aware that safety is everything when changing a tire. You must approach the process carefully; one wrong move can cause a real accident. 

Always select a safe location to change the tire and wear the appropriate reflective gear so you can be seen by drivers passing by.