Flat Tire? Don’t Worry—You’ve Got This

Getting a flat tire is never fun. Flat tires strike when you're least prepared, whether you're heading to work or picking up your kids. But here’s the good news: With basic skills and a composed attitude you can replace your tire on your own. I understand how it feels to face that situation and I’m here to support you in gaining the confidence you need.

The necessary items to fix a flat tire should already be located in your vehicle.
Let's review the items you will need before we start with the steps.

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DISCOVER SURPRISING WELL BEING BENEFITS OF HOBBIES IN ROCKFORD.

Spare tire (make sure it’s inflated!)

Jack

Lug wrench

Vehicle owner’s manual

Flashlight (if it's dark)

Place wheel wedges or a brick behind your tires to stop the car from rolling.

Although gloves are optional, you'll appreciate having them when you finish the work.

Your vehicle includes both a jack and lug wrench as standard equipment. Spend a minute checking your trunk for the location of these items today to make your future self grateful

Step-by-Step: How to Change a Tire

1. Find a Safe Spot to Pull Over
When you detect a flat tire in your car you need to slow down immediately and move to a secure flat area away from traffic. Activate your hazard lights to signal other drivers about your situation.

2. Secure the Vehicle
Shift the vehicle into park and activate the parking brake or drive into gear if you have a manual transmission. Use wheel wedges or a heavy object behind the tires opposite the flat tire to prevent your car from shifting.

3. Loosen the Lug Nuts First
Make sure to use the lug wrench to loosen the lug nuts on the flat tire prior to jacking up the car. Break the resistance by loosening the lug nuts but don’t completely remove them at this stage. When the tire lifts from the ground you can remove the lug nuts entirely.

4. Lift the Car with the Jack
Position the jack beneath the vehicle’s frame right next to the flat tire. The owner’s manual provides precise information about where to place the jack. Lift the vehicle carefully until the flat tire reaches a height of a few inches from the ground.

5. Remove the Flat Tire
To finish removing the flat tire completely unscrew the remaining lug nuts then take the tire off. Place the flat tire in a secure location where you can access it later for repairs or proper disposal.

6. Mount the Spare Tire
Position the spare tire holes to match the lug bolts and place it onto the wheel hub. Twist the lug nuts as firmly as you can by hand.

7. Use the jack to gradually bring the car down to the ground and then firmly secure the lug nuts using a wrench in a star pattern.
Lower the vehicle slowly to the ground using the jack. After lowering your vehicle to the ground use your wrench to secure the lug nuts in a star pattern by tightening one lug nut followed by its opposite.

A Few Extra Tips
Don’t drive far on a spare. Temporary spares should not be used for long trips or at high speeds on the highway. As soon as possible, arrange for your regular tire to be repaired or replaced.

Check your spare periodically. A flat spare tire proves useless during critical moments of need. Schedule routine car checks to include this every few months.

Stay calm. While nervousness is normal you should know you have the skills to manage this situation. Breathe deeply while following each step in sequence.

You’re More Prepared Than You Think
Changing a flat tire alone can be daunting yet with patience you'll succeed by following these steps. Keep this guide within easy reach and remember you possess more capability than you realize. Take care wherever you go and always keep in mind that you can handle anything that comes your way.

A Few Used Tire Locations In Rockford.

01. Marvin's Tire Shop
02. Wicked Tires
03. Bones Tire Service
04. Plan B Tires
05. Oscar's Tire Service