How to Safely Change a Tire: Step-by-Step Guide for High School Students
Changing a tire is an important skill to know for your safety and independence. Follow these steps to change a tire safely, and remember that preparation is key. You should also consider having roadside assistance coverage or checking with your automotive insurance plan to see if they offer it. If you have a roadside assistance plan, save the contact information and policy number in your phone so you can access it quickly in an emergency.
Before You Start
- Find a Safe Location: If you notice a flat tire while driving, slowly reduce speed and find a flat, solid surface to pull over to. Avoid hills, curves, or narrow roads. Turn on your hazard lights.
- Apply the Parking Brake: Always set your parking brake to ensure your car won’t move during the tire change.
- Use Wheel Wedges: Place wheel wedges (or heavy objects like rocks or bricks) in front of or behind the tires to prevent the car from rolling. If changing a rear tire, place wedges in front of the front tires; if changing a front tire, place them behind the rear tires.
- Check for a Roadside Assistance Plan: Make sure your phone has the contact info and policy number for your roadside assistance plan, if applicable.
Equipment Checklist
Ensure you have the following items in your car:
- Spare tire (fully inflated)
- Car jack
- Lug wrench
- Vehicle owner’s manual
- Wheel wedges (optional)
- Flashlight with batteries
- Gloves
- Reflective vest or safety triangle (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Turn On Hazard Lights: This signals other drivers to be cautious around your vehicle.
- Position the Jack: Locate the correct jacking point nearest to the flat tire. Your vehicle owner’s manual will show where this is. Place the jack securely under this point.
- Loosen the Lug Nuts: Use the lug wrench to turn the lug nuts counterclockwise. Loosen them by a half-turn before lifting the car. Do not fully remove them yet.
- Raise the Car: Use the jack to lift the car so that the flat tire is about 6 inches off the ground. Double-check that the car is stable before continuing.
- Remove the Lug Nuts and Tire: Fully unscrew and remove the loosened lug nuts. Place them in a safe spot, like a container or cloth, so they don’t roll away. Carefully pull the flat tire straight off and lay it flat to avoid it rolling.
- Mount the Spare Tire: Line up the holes of the spare tire with the lug bolt pattern on the car. Slide the tire onto the bolts and push it as far as it will go.
- Screw on the Lug Nuts: Hand-tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern to ensure the tire is mounted evenly.
- Lower the Car: Carefully lower the car until the spare tire rests firmly on the ground. Remove the jack.
- Tighten the Lug Nuts: Fully tighten the lug nuts in the same star pattern as before. This helps distribute the pressure evenly across the wheel.
- Check Tire Pressure: If you have a tire pressure gauge, check that the spare tire is at the recommended pressure. If not, drive slowly to a nearby gas station to check it as soon as possible.
- Stow Equipment: Put your tools and flat tire back in the trunk. Make sure everything is secure before driving.
Final Tips
- Drive Safely on a Spare: Spare tires are often smaller and not intended for high speeds or long distances. Drive cautiously and replace the spare with a full-sized tire as soon as possible.
- Stay Alert: Watch your surroundings, especially at night or in busy areas.
- Consider Roadside Assistance: Having professional help can be a lifesaver. If you haven’t already, consider signing up for a roadside assistance plan or checking if your current insurance policy includes it. Save their contact number and your policy details in your phone.
Safety First: Never change a tire on a busy highway or soft ground where the car might shift. In those cases, contact roadside assistance immediately.