Are you terrified of getting a flat tire because you don’t know how to take a tire off a car and replace it? Changing a flat tire doesn’t have to be rocket science, but there are some vital things to know to make sure you’re doing it correctly. For example, you must stay aware of traffic and know where to position the jack.

Follow along as we show you how to take a tire off a car and replace it with a new one, step by step.

Reasons to Remove Your Tires

There are many reasons why you may want to remove the tires from your car, such as:

You got a flat while driving, and you need to put on the spare
It is damaged, and you must replace it
You need to rotate your tires for maintenance
You must perform a brake job
A wheel bearing is damaged, and you must repair or replace it

Whatever the reason may be, knowing how to take a tire off a car and install a new one properly protects your vehicle from damage.

Check How Long Does It Take To Install New Tires

Basic Overview: How to Remove a Tire From a Car

Ready to learn how to replace your tire successfully when in trouble? Here are 11 steps you can count on:

Safety first. Keep clear of passing traffic and make sure your car is in park. Turn on your hazard lights to warn other drivers of your presence if you are on the side of the road. If you’re not sure that you’re in a location where you can change your tire safely, it’s better to call roadside assistance.
Check the owner’s manual for specific instructions. Your manual should also tell you the jacking point.
Get your tools out. Your car should have some tools in a compartment in the trunk for removing or replacing tires.
Position your jack correctly and loosen the lug nuts before jacking the car. Loosen the lug nuts about a quarter turn before jacking.
Jack your car up to where the tire is not touching the ground.
Remove the lug nuts. Make sure to keep them in your pocket or somewhere else they won’t roll away.
Pull the affected tire off. Place it underneath your vehicle as a safety measure if the car falls off the jack.
Put the replacement or spare on the vehicle. Make sure the valve stem is facing outward. Then, screw the lug nuts back on with your hand.
Lower the jack until the tire contacts the road. It should be off the ground enough to bear some (but not all) of the weight.
Tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern. This pattern assures that the tire tightens evenly and will stay on while you drive.
Lower the vehicle all the way. If you must remove and/or replace other tires, begin the process again.

Helpful Tips for Removing and/or Replacing a Tire

It’s vital to know how to take a tire off a car, but there are several tricks you won’t find in a car manual. Here are some helpful tips for when you need to remove your car tire.

Keep Extra Safety Gear in your Car in Case of Emergencies

Your emergency kit should include:

Rain poncho
Gloves
Flashlight with extra batteries
Tire pressure gauge
Wheel wedges
A small cut of 2×6 wood to secure the jack

Also checkout How To Tell When Tires Need Replacing

Learn to Use Tools Ahead of Time

The last thing you want is to be in an emergency, and you have no idea how to operate your jack. You should also know where your spare tire is in case you need to access it:

In smaller vehicles, it’s often in the trunk.
For larger vehicles, it may be underneath the car.

Always Use the Emergency Brake

Regardless of whether you’re parked on a hill or flat ground, always use your emergency brake. Your vehicle can still roll away if you’re on flat ground. Put a rock or brick against the wheels on the opposite side of the car from the tire you’re changing.

If You’re Using The Spare, Know Its Limits

Use spare tires only at low speeds and for short distances. If you must use a spare tire in case of emergency, use local roads slowly instead of highways at fast speeds. Get your tire replaced as soon as possible.

Put Your Tools Back

Don’t forget to put your tools back in your car exactly where you found them. You may want to throw everything in the trunk or into a bag. However, you may not be able to find them the next time you need your tools.

Most cars have designated places for the jack, wrench, and spare tire, so make sure to use them.

Checkout the next blog – How Often Should Tires Be Replaced

Conclusion

Knowing how to take a tire off a car will prevent you from having to call roadside assistance or ask other motorists for help when you have a flat or damaged tire. Always drive carefully after replacing your tire to ensure correct installation.

Finally, make sure to get your tire repaired and replaced as soon as possible if it is flat.

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