How to change a flat tire in your used car

By
Posted in Tips & Tricks

As you’re driving and carrying on with your day, there aren’t many things worse that could happen on the road than hearing your tire pop and feeling it go flat. Not only is this a major inconvenience, but a deflated tire can do some serious damage to your suspension if left untreated for too long. Today we’ll show you how to change a flat tire in your used car so you can stay safe and be prepared should it ever happen to you! 

What do you need to change a flat tire?

If you notice your tire going flat, the first order of business is to get yourself off to the side of the road, or a side street if at all possible. This way, you can minimize any potential risk of damage to you or your vehicle. To get the job done right, you’ll need a spare tire, jack and bolt wrench, which most used cars on our lot will have included along with your jack!

Steps to installing a spare tire on your used vehicle

The good news for all of us is that changing a flat tire is a pretty easy fix if you stay focused. Here’s how to do it:

  1. Take out your jack and prop up your car on the side that your flat has occurred. Make sure you can lift your car high enough to give clearance for your tire.
  2. With your bolt wrench, carefully unscrew each bolt from your tire’s axle. Store them in a safe place or you’ll have a new problem.
  3. Remove your flat from the wheel and insert your spare over the axle.
  4. Take your bolts and screw them in one-by-one. Make sure they’re tight!
  5. At this point you should be free to carefully lower your vehicle back to ground level.
  6. Store your flat and all your tools in your trunk or backseat so you can get a replacement without needing a new wheel.

You’re done! Keep in mind, however, that most spare tires only have a maximum range of 30-50 miles before they’ll start to go flat.

Read More: Summer Maintenance Checklist

Contact us at Carville’s Auto Mart

If you’re in search of some fresh new tires or a quality used vehicle, feel free to contact our sales and service teams here at Carville’s Auto Mart. We’re always ready to help with whatever you need!