How Do You Change a Car Tire?
From changing a flat in Jacksonville to swapping out your winter tires in Palm Coast, learning how do you change a car tire can come in handy around the Palatka area. But just how do you handle this task on your own? While we’re always happy to help at our service department in Beaver Toyota St. Augustine, we’ve written up this guide to walk you through the process.
Steps for Changing Your Tires
Before you get to work, you’ll need the proper tools: a jack, lug wrench, spare tire or new tire(s), and your owner’s manual. When you have everything that you need, it’s time to get started:
- Find a safe place to park. If you’re on the side of the road, be sure to turn on your hazard lights.
- Turn on your parking brake and put wheel wedges under the tires.
- Take off the hubcap or wheel cover and loosen the lug nuts.
- Raise your car with the jack and remove the lug nuts completely.
- Remove the tire and mount the new tire in its place.
- Tighten the lug nuts, lower your vehicle to the ground.
- Check your lug nuts again.
How Often to Change Car Tires
You may be wondering how often you need to change car tires. A new set of tires usually comes with a certain expected mileage, but many factors can influence the true lifespan of your set. You’ll get the best mileage possible if you keep up with maintenance, like tire rotations and alignments. It’s also important to keep an eye on your tire tread. If the tread wears down too much, you run the risk of dangerous driving conditions – as well as flat tires!
How Long to Drive on a Spare Tire
Let’s say you’ve changed your flat for a spare, how long can you continue to drive on your spare tire? Generally speaking, spare tires are rated for around 50 miles maximum of safe driving. Additionally, you cannot drive at high speeds without risk of damage. We recommend getting to the tire center as soon as possible to find a permanent solution.
Learn More with Beaver Toyota St. Augustine
Whether you need advice on how to change a car tire or you’re looking for a brand new set of all-season tires, or if you need help changing the battery in your Toyota Key Fob Beaver Toyota St. Augustine is here to help you. Contact us with any questions and we’ll help you bring out the very best in your vehicle.