Changing a flat tire is one of the most basic maintenance tasks for a vehicle owner. While calling roadside assistance is always an option, learning how to safely change a tire yourself can save time and money.
This guide will walk through the entire process of demounting and mounting a tire, from preparation to cleanup.
We’ll start with an overview of tire changing safety and the tools required. Then we’ll go step-by-step through lifting the vehicle, removing the flat tire, mounting the spare, lowering the vehicle, and tidying up.
With the right preparation and care, you can change a tire in less than 30 minutes. While the process may seem daunting at first, this guide breaks it down into simple, manageable steps.
After changing just one tire yourself, you’ll have the knowledge and confidence to tackle this task safely the next time you find yourself on the side of the road with a flat.
Safety Considerations
When mounting and demounting a tire, safety should always be the top priority. Proper safety equipment and precautions can help prevent serious injury.
Here are some key safety tips:
- Wear protective gloves when handling tires and wheels. The edges of the wheels can be sharp, and gloves protect your hands. Leather gloves are best.
- Wear eye protection like safety glasses or goggles. This protects your eyes from dirt, debris, and fluids that may spray out when working with tires.
- Use a hydraulic or scissor automotive jack to lift the vehicle. Avoid using a compact spare tire jack, which cannot support the weight safely. Make sure the jack is on a flat, solid surface when lifting.
- Securely chock the wheels that remain on the ground. This prevents accidental rolling.
- Do not get under the vehicle while it is supported only by a jack. Use jack stands if you need to get underneath.
- Check that the air pressure in the new tire is correct before mounting it. An over-inflated tire can explode.
- Handle tires carefully when mounting them. Inflated tires contain a large amount of potential energy.
- Make sure lug nuts are tightened to the correct torque specification. Overtightening or under tightening can cause wheel failure.
Following basic safety precautions helps ensure the mounting and demounting process goes smoothly and safely. Don’t take shortcuts when it comes to safety.
Tools Needed
Changing a tire requires having the right tools on hand. Here are the essential tools you’ll need:
- Jack – A jack is used to raise the vehicle off the ground to access the tire. Choose a jack with the appropriate weight rating for your vehicle. Scissor jacks and bottle jacks are common types. Make sure the jack is in good working condition.
- Lug wrench – The lug wrench fits over the lug nuts to loosen and tighten them. It may come with your vehicle or you can purchase one sized for your lug nuts. A cross or x-shaped lug wrench is very common.
- Tire irons – Tire irons help pry the tire off and back onto the wheel mounts. You’ll need at least two. Look for sturdy metal tire irons so they don’t bend or break when prying.
- Torque wrench – A torque wrench allows you to tighten lug nuts to the correct tightness as specified by your vehicle’s make and model. Using a torque wrench helps prevent overtightening.
Having these basic tools on hand will make the process of changing a tire much easier.
It’s wise to store them in your vehicle so they’re available whenever you may need them on the road.
High-quality tools will provide better leverage and make the job less strenuous.
Preparation
Before mounting or demounting a tire, make sure you park on level ground and engage the parking brake.
This prevents the vehicle from rolling or shifting during the process, ensuring your safety.
You’ll also want to assemble all the necessary tools and jack the vehicle up properly, as detailed in the next sections.
Some other preparation tips:
- Wear protective gear like gloves, eye protection, and steel-toe boots in case the tire or tools slip.
- Read the owner’s manual to find the manufacturer’s recommended jacking points and lug nut torque specs.
- Inspect the new tire for any defects and make sure it’s properly inflated.
- Loosen the lug nuts before jacking up the vehicle – this prevents the tire from spinning when trying to loosen them.
- Place wheel chocks in front and behind the opposite wheel to prevent rolling.
Proper preparation is key to safely mounting and demounting a tire. Rushing through it can lead to injuries or damage, so take your time and follow all the steps.
Now let’s go over the tools you’ll need and how to jack up the vehicle.
Lifting the Vehicle
Properly lifting and supporting the vehicle is crucial for safely removing and installing the wheel and tire.
This should only be done on a hard, level surface with the parking brake firmly set.
Position the jack under the manufacturer’s recommended lifting points, often located on the vehicle’s frame near the wheel well.
Ensure the jack head (the part that contacts the vehicle) is centered on the lift point to avoid damage. Refer to the vehicle owner’s manual for the designated jack points.
With the jack positioned, crank the lifting mechanism to raise the vehicle high enough so there is adequate clearance to remove the wheel.
Raise the vehicle only as high as needed – generally, just a couple of inches of ground clearance is sufficient.
Use jack stands to support the vehicle once lifted. With the vehicle raised, position the jack stands underneath, aligning them with structural points like the frame or suspension components.
Then lower the jack so the stands take the weight. The stands should be rated for your vehicle’s weight and allow enough height for tire clearance.
With jack stands in place, the vehicle is safely supported for wheel removal. Never rely solely on the jack to support a raised vehicle.
Proper lifting and the use of stands prevent accidents and injuries during the tire change process.
Removing the Wheel
To remove the wheel, you’ll need to loosen the lug nuts first. Use the lug wrench that came with your vehicle or a breaker bar to loosen each lug nut about a quarter turn. Don’t try to completely remove the lug nuts yet.
Once all the lug nuts are loosened, you can lift the tire off the lugs. Position your hands at the 3 o’clock and 9 o’clock positions on the tire and lift straight up.
The tire should slide right off the lugs. Set the tire aside, resting on the tread so you don’t scratch the rim.
Make sure to keep track of the lug nuts so they don’t get lost. Some people like to put them on the ground near where the tire was, forming the same pattern as they are on the wheel. This helps ensure you put them back in the proper place.
Now the wheel is ready to be removed and the new tire put in its place.
Mounting the New Tire
After removing the flat or damaged tire, it’s time to mount the new tire. Here are the steps for properly mounting a new tire:
Inspect the rim – Before mounting the new tire, inspect the rim to ensure it is not bent, cracked, or otherwise damaged. A damaged rim can cause leaks or tire failure. Wipe the rim clean of any dirt, grease, or debris.
Install the new tire – Place the new tire onto the rim and push it into place by hand. Make sure the tire is properly seated on the rim. Don’t use any tools yet, as you want to avoid pinching the tube at this stage.
Inflate the tire slightly – Use a bicycle pump or air compressor to inflate the tire slightly, just enough so it holds its shape. This will help get the tire into the proper position. Do not fully inflate yet.
Check positioning – Inspect the tire to ensure the tread is centered on the rim and the tire bead is evenly seated all the way around. Spin the wheel and double check.
Fully inflate the tire – Once the tire is properly positioned, use the pump to inflate to the recommended air pressure listed on the tire sidewall.
Install the valve stem cap – Screw on the valve stem cap to protect the valve core from damage and keep dirt out.
The new tire is now safely and properly mounted, and the wheel is ready to be reinstalled on the vehicle.
Take care to properly torque the lug nuts and recheck air pressure before driving.
Lowering the Vehicle
After the new tire is mounted, you can begin lowering the vehicle. This is a crucial step that requires care and attention.
Slowly turn the jack handle counterclockwise to lower the vehicle. Make sure to lower it slowly and steadily. Do not let the vehicle drop rapidly, as this can damage the underside.
As the vehicle lowers, keep an eye on the tire to ensure it does not catch on the wheel well or fender. Adjust it if needed.
Once the tire is resting on the ground, continue lowering until the jack is completely loose. Then slide the jack out from under the vehicle.
With the vehicle lowered, the lug nuts can now be properly torqued. Use a torque wrench to tighten each lug nut to the specifications in your owner’s manual. Tighten in a star pattern.
Double check each lug nut with the torque wrench. Improperly torqued lugs can vibrate loose over time. This could lead to a wheel coming off while driving, creating a very dangerous situation.
Once satisfied with the lug torque, you can put the tools away and lower the vehicle completely.
Give the wheel a spin to ensure it rotates smoothly without any wobble. The new tire is now safely mounted!
Cleaning Up
After mounting the new tire, it’s important to clean up the work area. This includes:
- Return any tools or equipment borrowed from others or the shop back to their proper storage locations. It’s good practice to return things cleaner than when you borrowed them. Wipe down any dirty tools.
- Dispose of any trash or debris properly. Sweep the floor area if needed.
- Store the old tire appropriately if keeping it as a spare. Make sure it’s placed somewhere out of the way where it won’t get damaged. You may want to store it vertically against a wall if space allows.
- Wash your hands and arms thoroughly after handling tires and wheels, as they can transfer dirt and grease. Use heavy duty cleaner or soap if needed.
- Put away your jack, lug wrench, stands, and other equipment in their designated storage spots. Coil up air hoses neatly.
- Give the work area one final look to ensure everything is cleaned up properly before declaring the job complete.
Taking a few extra minutes to tidy up protects your tools, makes the shop safer, and leaves a good impression if others use the area. A clean shop is a productive shop.
Conclusion
Properly mounting and demounting a tire is an important automotive maintenance task that every driver should know how to do safely.
While it may seem daunting at first, with the right tools, preparation, and technique, you can efficiently change a tire and be confident in your skills.
Knowing how to change a tire yourself allows you to avoid being stranded on the side of the road waiting for assistance.
It also saves you money compared to paying for professional tire services. Beyond the practical benefits, learning this hands-on skill can give you a sense of independence and empowerment.
When changing a tire, be sure to follow all the proper safety precautions. Use jack stands, work on level ground, and avoid getting under a vehicle that is supported only by a jack.
Investing in quality tools and taking the time to understand the process will lead to success. Patience and care will keep you safe.
With practice, you can master this automotive skill and keep your vehicle running smoothly.
Equipped with the step-by-step instructions provided here, you now have the knowledge to safely and efficiently mount and demount a tire when the need arises.
Drive on with confidence knowing you can handle this essential task yourself.
