[Mechanical SFX]
Hey everybody. Jeremy here from O'Reilly Auto Parts
to show you how to change a flat tire. It happens to almost all of us at some
point, but there are actually a few situations where you might not want to
change a flat tire yourself. One, you aren't completely comfortable doing it.
Two, you don't have the proper tools. Or three, the situation is dangerous to you and/or your vehicle.
If you aren't comfortable doing it, the alternative is to call the
tow truck or get some professional help. If you don't have the tools it's a good
idea to get them and keep them in your vehicle in case of an emergency.
Almost all vehicles should come with some basics designed specifically for
that vehicle including a jack, a lug wrench, a spare tire or doughnut and an
owner's manual that will indicate where the jack should be placed. In some cases
you'll know you have a flat tire as soon as you look at your car. It may even be
sitting in your driveway or garage. In which case a floor jack is definitely
the way to go. What I'll cover today is the roadside scenario.
So first, let's establish whether or not it's safe for you to change your flat. If
you're in the act of driving when you realize you have a flat slow down
immediately and stop in the best available spot as soon as you can. A wide
flat shoulder on a straight stretch of road will work, but only if you can't get
to a parking lot or a place where there's less traffic. If the ground isn't
firm and level, you're on a narrow shoulder, or you're on a curve in the
road, it may not be safe changing your tire.
If you've decided your vehicle is in a safe enough spot to change the tire, make
sure your hazard lights or flashers are on and set out reflective triangles if
you have them. If your vehicle is an automatic put it in park. If it's a
standard put it in gear. Then be sure to set your parking brake and chock the
wheels that remain on the ground. If you don't have chocks with you, you can use a
rock or a log whatever is available. This will keep the car from moving while
you're jacking it up. Some vehicles have a locking lug nut that's designed to
require a special socket to get off. If your wheels require the special socket
be sure to locate it before you get into the job,
you won't be able to remove the wheel without it. Remove the hubcap or wheel
cover if you have one before raising the vehicle. Some wheel covers require you to
remove plastic nuts from the actual lug nuts. Loosen your lug nuts to the point
where they're just finger tight you may have to really crank hard or use your
foot or your body weight to loosen these and that's fine. Just don't remove them
completely until the vehicle is raised. Only use your crank jack in emergencies.
That's the jack that comes with your vehicle. Use a floor jack whenever
possible. Your vehicle's manufacturer will specify where you should place your
jack. Once you're sure any rocks and debris are clear from the area, your jack
will sit it's safe to raise the vehicle. Your jack must be sitting level if it's
tilted at all its unstable.
Before continuing to work, test the stability of the jack by pushing gently
on the vehicle from different angles. For the sake of safety never work
underneath a vehicle that's supported only by a jack. Now it's safe to unscrew
the lug nuts and remove them completely.
Then check the tire to make sure there's no wire exposed and pull it out gently
till it's free from the hub behind it. In some cases if it won't slip off you
might need to give it a kick to loosen it. Take your spare or donut, inspect it
to make sure there's no visible damage, and gently push it on to the lug bolts.
Replace your lug nuts and finger tighten each one as much as possible. It's
important to make sure all lug nuts are threaded in tightly enough that the
will is seated firmly flat against the hub. Now use your jack to lower your
vehicle until the spare is in contact with the ground.
Then, lower your vehicle the rest of the way. If you don't have a torque wrench
and you're using a temporary spare get the lug nuts as tight as you can and
head directly to have your tire repaired. Be sure you've gathered the jack, lug
wrench, wheel chocks, and hubcap and put them in your vehicle. It's a good idea to
check the pressure in the spare tire to make sure it's properly inflated. Most
temporary spares or donuts require 60 psi. Temporary spares are not intended
for speeds over 55 miles an hour. If you hear any clicking while driving on the
spare pull over immediately and make sure the lug nuts are secure.
Take your flat tire to a shop for repair or replacement. Temporary spares aren't
meant for extended driving so drive carefully until you can get your tire
back in place. In the event that your new or repaired tire is installed for you
follow the same procedure to remove the spare and replace your tire. After about
50 miles check to make sure your lug nuts are torqued to the proper
specifications. Once that's complete, you should be good to go. You'll find
everything you need for this and other jobs at your local O'Reilly Auto Parts store or OReillyAuto.com.
Our DIY videos are designed to help answer questions we get in our stores every day.
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We'll see you again soon.
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