How to Change a Tire Properly and Safely

February 25th, 2024 by

Man Changing a Tire Outdoors

A flat tire may be something you’ll need to deal with on the road eventually. Whether it’s from a pothole or small debris like a nail or a screw, a flat tire is an inconvenience that throws a curve ball into your day. 

You’ll need to know how to change a tire safely and adequately in a pinch because you might be able to take care of it before help arrives. Read our guide on how to change a tire from our expert service team.

Make Sure to Have Some Tools on Hand First

Before heading out on your next drive, ensure you have some tools for a flat tire emergency.

  • Jack
  • Lug wrench
  • Spare tire or new tire
  • Owner’s manual

Most vehicles have a jack, lug wrench, and spare tire already inside, typically under the cargo area.

How to Change a Tire Step-by-Step

Now, we’ll go over the steps to change a tire.

  1. Do not drive on a flat tire. You could damage your vehicle’s wheel or axle, which are expensive repairs.
  2. If you’re on the side of the road, move to a safe place as soon as possible.
  3. Turn on your hazard lights.
  4. Apply the parking brake to make sure your vehicle doesn’t accidentally roll away.
  5. Get out of your vehicle carefully if you’re on the side of a busy road or highway.
  6. Place wheel wedges, if you have them, under the other tires.
  7. Remove the wheel cover or hubcap from the flat tire.
  8. Loosen the lug nuts. Your owner’s manual will tell you how to loosen the lug nuts. 
  9. Use the jack to raise your vehicle. You’ll need to place the jack in the proper position, which you’ll see in your owner’s manual. Typically, the placement of the jack is in between the front and back doors of a four-door car, truck, or SUV.
  10. Remove the lug nuts entirely. 
  11. Put the lug nuts in a safe place where they won’t get lost, like in the driver’s seat.
  12. Remove the flat tire carefully. It will be heavy! 
  13. Set the tire aside on the ground.
  14. Mount the new or spare tire. Make sure the lug nut stems align properly.
  15. Tighten the lug nuts in the prescribed order as shown in your owner’s manual.
  16. Lower your vehicle back to the ground. 
  17. Put the jack back in your trunk or cargo area.
  18. Put the flat tire in your trunk or cargo area.
  19. Drive to your chosen tire center as soon as possible to install a new tire!

How Often Should You Get New Tires?

In general, tires are rated to last around 50,000 miles. However, changing or replacing car tires depends on a few factors, like driving habits and conditions. If you rotate tires every 7,500 miles, your tires will last longer, and they won’t wear out as quickly.

How Often to Check Tire Pressure

We recommend checking your tire pressure at least once a week, such as when you get gas. Your car’s tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) will tell you if any of your tires have the wrong air pressure.

Check the tire tread once a month. Look for uneven wear or tread that’s disappearing. Uneven wear is a sign you might need a new set of tires or a wheel alignment.

How to Put Air in Your Tires

Here’s how to put air in your tires using an air compressor, either at a gas station or using one at home. We recommend buying a tire pressure gauge at an auto parts store because the ones attached to a gas station’s air compressor might not be the most accurate.

  1. Park your vehicle by the air compressor. Make sure the hose can reach each tire.
  2. Remove the cap on the tire valve of the first tire. 
  3. Put the air valve cover in your pocket so it doesn’t get lost.
  4. Check the air pressure in the tire by using your tire gauge. It’s helpful to do this at home because warm tires can provide a false reading.
  5. Use the air hose to add small amounts of air in short bursts while checking the tire gauge each time.
  6. Inflate the tire to the correct air pressure as stated in your owner’s manual. You can also find the correct air pressure for your tires on the frame of the driver’s door.
  7. Move to the next tire.

How Many Miles Can You Drive on a Spare Tire?

Spare tires are not made for driving on for very long, usually around 50 miles. Never drive on a spare tire at high speeds, and always drive less than 50 mph when you have a spare tire installed. Get a new full-size tire ASAP. Our tire center keeps several tire sizes and types in stock.

Buy New Tires With Thompson Sales

If you don’t feel comfortable changing tires yourself or you’re not sure what kind of new tires to purchase, we’re happy to help. Contact us, call (417) 763-6811, or schedule service with our team.