The knowledge of the wheel change is required for every driver. Of course you can rely on your phone in such a situation, but what is it has discharged, there is no signal or you accidentally left it at home?
Tools you need:
- jack
- wrench
- inflated spare wheel
These are usually found in every car.
But there are also some things that are not automatically in the car, but you need it, so it’s good to keep them in the trunk or in the glove compartment:
- flashlight
- raincoat
- gloves
- wheel wedge
How to change tire?
Find a safe place
As soon as you notice that the tire is flat, do not brake or pull off suddenly. Slowly reduce the speed and look for a place, preferably on a straight, paved section where you can safely stand.
Never try to replace a wheel on narrow roads where there are oncoming traffic. Let’s move on (slowly) until you find a safer place. While you drive with a flat wheel, the condition of the rim is deteriorating, but it is still better to replace a wheel as if an inattentive driver hits you while changing wheels.
Turn on the hazard warning light
If you stopped, turn on the flashing lights. This helps that the other drivers notice you on the roadside.
Pull the handbrake
Always pull the handbrake before replacing the flat tire. This minimizes the possibility of the car rolling.
Use the wheel wedges
The wheel wedges put in front of or behind the tires in order to prevent the vehicle from rolling during the process. If you replace the rear wheel, place the wedges in front of the front tires. If the flat rubber is in front, place the wedges behind the rear tire.
Remove wheel cover
Use the sharp end of the wrench to remove the nuts. In some cars, there are false ears, which are clamps, but they may only be for decoration.
Loosen the wheel nuts
Use the wrench to turn the nuts counter-clockwise until they are ready to come. You may need to push this harder, but that’s okay. If necessary, use your feet as well.
Loosen the nuts approx. from 1/4 to 1/2, but do not remove it completely.
Place the jack under the car
The jack should be correctly placed under the vehicle frame, which is flat. Some cars’ bottom is injection molded plastic with a special space for the lift.
Raise the car
To prevent the jack from slipping due to the weight of the car, place a small piece of wood before you try to lift it. This tactic can be particularly useful on asphalt.
If the jack is properly positioned, raise the car until the flat tire is approx. 15 cm away from the ground. Never place any part of your body under the vehicle during or after lifting. If possible, try not to lift the car in the middle, but each wheel.
Unscrew the wheel nut
Remove the nuts. Since you have loosened them, you can get it manually.
Remove the flat tire
Gently pull toward you.
Fix the spare wheel in its seat
Replace the spare tire, replace the bolts, nuts, and secure it by hand. You can support the wheel with your feet until you screw it. Pull it with the wrench only after lowering.
Let’s go down the car
Use the jack to lower the car so that the spare wheel is on the ground, but the entire weight of the vehicle is not even on the wheel. At this point, tighten the nuts with the wrench, turn them clockwise as far as you can.
Lower the car completely
Let go it to the ground and remove the jack. Tighten the nuts once more.
Put the wheel cover back
If it fits to the spare wheel, place it back in the same way as you removed it. If it does not fit, take it with the rest of the equipment.
Pack everything
You have a lift, wrench, wheel wedges, flat tires, maybe wheel cover. Do not forget to pack them before you leave.
Check the pressure of the spare wheel
Check the tire pressure of the spare tire so that you can safely navigate with it. The temporary spares are required approx. 60 PSI. If it’s flat, go to a gas station.
Take the flat tire to a mechanic
Temporary spare tires are not made for long distances or high speeds, so be careful with them until you find a rubber specialist.
How long does a wheel changing take?
Not more than 15-30 minutes. But let’s make sure you do not miss any step.
If the wheels are mounted on the rim, place the spare wheel on the same side of the original but on the opposite axis. Mounting on the opposite side would change the direction of rotation of the wheel.
