Getting a flat tire can be stressful, especially if it happens on a busy road or in bad weather. Knowing how to safely install a spare tire can help you get back on the road quickly and avoid being stranded. While a spare tire is only a temporary solution, installing it properly is essential for your safety and your vehicle’s protection.
Before you ever need to change a tire, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the process and ensure you have the proper tools in your vehicle.
What You’ll Need Before You Begin
Most vehicles come equipped with the basic tools required to install a spare tire. However, it’s important to confirm these items are present and in good condition.
You’ll typically need:
- A properly inflated spare tire
- A jack
- A lug wrench
- Your vehicle owner’s manual
- Wheel wedges or blocks (if available)
Some drivers also keep gloves and a flashlight in their vehicle for added safety and visibility.
Step 1: Find a Safe Location
If you experience a flat tire while driving, reduce your speed gradually and look for a safe place to pull over. Choose a flat, stable surface away from traffic whenever possible. Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers.
Before exiting the vehicle, engage the parking brake and place wheel wedges or blocks behind the tires to prevent rolling.
Step 2: Loosen the Lug Nuts
Using the lug wrench, loosen the lug nuts on the flat tire. Turn them counterclockwise, but do not remove them completely at this stage. Loosening them while the vehicle is still on the ground prevents the wheel from spinning.
If the lug nuts are difficult to turn, apply steady pressure rather than jerking the wrench.
Step 3: Raise the Vehicle
Consult your owner’s manual to locate the proper jack points for your vehicle. Position the jack securely and begin raising the vehicle until the flat tire is completely off the ground.
It’s important to ensure the jack is stable before continuing. Never place any part of your body under the vehicle while it is supported only by a jack.
Step 4: Remove the Flat Tire
Once the vehicle is lifted, remove the loosened lug nuts completely and set them aside in a safe place. Carefully pull the flat tire straight off the wheel hub and lay it flat on the ground to prevent it from rolling.
Step 5: Install the Spare Tire
Line up the spare tire with the wheel bolts and push it firmly onto the hub. Replace the lug nuts by hand, tightening them as much as possible.
Lower the vehicle back to the ground slowly using the jack. Once the vehicle is fully lowered and stable, use the lug wrench to securely tighten the lug nuts in a crisscross pattern. This ensures even pressure across the wheel.
Step 6: Check Tire Pressure and Drive Carefully
After installation, check the spare tire’s air pressure if possible. Many compact “donut” spares are only designed for short distances and reduced speeds. Avoid highway driving if possible, and replace or repair your original tire as soon as you can.
Important Safety Reminders
A spare tire is a temporary solution. Driving long distances or at high speeds can damage your vehicle or create unsafe driving conditions. If you’re unsure about the condition of your spare tire or are uncomfortable changing it yourself, professional assistance is always the safest option.
Schedule Professional Tire Service at Accomplished Auto in Concord, NH
Changing a spare tire can get you out of an emergency, but it’s not a permanent fix. Whether you need a tire repair, replacement, or a full inspection, professional service ensures your vehicle remains safe and road-ready.
If you’ve recently installed a spare tire or are experiencing tire issues around Concord, NH, contact the pros at Accomplished Auto today to schedule tire replacement and service. Our tire technicians can inspect your tires, ensure proper installation, and get you back on the road with confidence.
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