How To Safely Change A Tire (PART 1)

A lot of new cars today carry a puncture repair kit rather than the usual spare wheel in order to save space and weight. However, it is very important for a driver to learn how to use it before anything else. If your car does have a spare wheel, make sure to practice changing a wheel at home so you can cope more easily when the need arises. Changing a wheel on any vehicle is very straightforward if it is done in a safe environment and when you have the right tools and basic knowledge. Miracle Body and Paint in San Antonio Texas lists down some pointers you can follow as guide in a two-part blog post.

Before anything else, check your manufacturer’s handbook since it includes vehicle specific advice. Follow the advice of the handbook if ever our advice turns out to be in conflict.

Ensure your safety before changing wheels

• Never try to change a wheel at the side of the road or on the hard shoulder of a motorway.
• Always turn off and pull over away from the traffic flow and call for help.
• It is best to avoid trying to change a wheel if you are on soft, loose or uneven ground. Never try to change a wheel if there are still passengers in the car, lead everyone to a safe place away from the vehicle and carriage way.
• Make sure not to position the jack anywhere other than at the specified jacking points. Positioning the jack in the wrong place will cause damage to the car an even risk it collapsing when lifted.

Make sure you have the following in your car:

• Manufacturer’s handbook, this will show you where to properly attach the jack
• Spare wheel that is correctly inflated and with enough tread
• Vehicle jack
• Wheel-nut wrench with extension bar
• Locking wheel nut adaptor (if fitted)
• At least one wheel chock
• Hand gloves to protect your hands since the wheel/ tire will be always be dirty
• Mat or anything you can kneel on since the ground will be dirty too
• Sharp knife or cutters to remove any cable ties used to hold wheel trims in place
• Torch or flashlight
• Reflective jacket and strong shoes for your safety