No one wants to be stuck on the side of the road with a flat, but every driver can learn how to change a car tire on their own! Before you get started, know that you’ll need a jack, a lug wrench, a spare tire or a new tire, wheel wedges, and your owner’s manual. You should also do your best to get to a safe location, or at least put your hazard lights on for all to see. So, how do you change a car tire? Our step-by-step guide lays out the details.
Changing a Tire: Step-by-Step
Whether you’re on the side of the road in Westport or you’re equipping winter tires at home in Fairfield, changing a car tire is a relatively simple process:
- Turn on your hazard lights and place wheel wedges under each of the tires that will remain in place.
- Remove the wheel cover or the hub cap from the flat tire.
- Loosen, but do not completely remove, the flat tire’s lug nuts.
- Locate the jack point near your vehicle’s flat tire. Place the jack directly beneath it and begin to crank your vehicle off the ground.
- When the flat tire is in the air, remove the lug nuts. Then remove the flat tire and mount the new tire (or the spare) in its place.
- Tighten the lug nuts as much as you can by hand, then lower the jack.
- When your vehicle is firmly planted on the ground, use the lug wrench to make sure that the bolts are secure. Be careful not to overtighten, and work in a star/diagonal pattern to ensure an even finish.
If you don’t feel up to the task of changing a tire on your own, reach out to Jaguar Roadside Assistance.
How Long Can You Drive on a Spare Tire?
If you’re not replacing your flat tire with a full-size replacement tire, you should know that spare tires are not designed to be driven for more than fifty miles. Certain spares may offer additional range, but in general, you’ll want to head straight to a parts center that can set you up with a full-size replacement tire. Additionally, you shouldn’t drive at more than 50 mph when your vehicle is using a spare
How to Put Air in Your Tires
If you have adequate air pressure in your tires, you’re less likely to run a flat. Most gas stations have air dispensers that you can use to put more air in your tires, and all new Jaguar vehicles include a tire pressure monitoring system that will tell you when you’re low on air.
Filling up your tires today? Your recommended air pressure will generally be listed on your driver’s side door jamb. You should fill your tire in short bursts, checking the pressure with a gauge as you go.
How Often Should You Change Car Tires?
Understanding how often to change car tires is just as important as keeping them inflated. As long as you rotate your tires on schedule, you should be able to get three to five good years out of your tires. This estimate assumes that you drive about as much as the average driver in Darien or Stamford: roughly 12,000 to 15,000 miles per year. If your tire treads falls below 2/32 of an inch in depth, it’s time to pick up a replacement set.
We’re Here to Help with Tire Care and Replacement!
Our parts and service teams are more than happy to help you change your tires! Schedule service if you’re in need, and take advantage of our parts specials if you’re gearing up to replace your tires.
