How to Change a Flat Tire
There’s a good chance it’s going to happen at some point in your life; flat tires are a common issue that drivers experience every day. That’s why it’s important to drive aided with the knowledge of how to change a flat tire just in case you need to switch to a spare on the fly.
At Ira BMW of Stratham, we strive to provide Stratham, Portsmouth, and Exeter drivers with important information for the road. Keep on reading our guide and discover for yourself what you can do to get back on the road after a flat tire.
The Steps to Changing a Flat Tire
The first thing you’re going to want to do if you have a flat tire is make sure you have the proper equipment for the job. You’re going to need a wrench, a jack, and a spare tire in order to complete the tire replacement. Many cars often come with these tools, but if you don’t have them it’s a good idea to pick up this equipment before you have a flat tire.
Once you have all your tools in order, you’re going to put the car in Park and activate the parking brake before getting out of the car and performing the tire replacement. Here are the basic steps of how to replace a tire:
- Loosen the bolts of the affected wheel
- Lift the car with the jack
- Fully remove the bolts of the affected wheel and pull the tire from the vehicle
- Install the spare tire onto the wheel and then partially tighten the bolts onto the wheel
- Retract the jack and finish tightening the bolts onto the spare tire.
How Long Can I Drive with a Spare Tire?
Spare tires are not intended to be driven on for long periods of time. These are specifically meant to give you the temporary traction you need to get you to a service center to have a full-size tire installed.
When driving with a spare tire on, it’s important to be aware of the spare tire’s speed rating, which is marked on the sidewall. Many spare tires are designed to only be driven up to a certain speed and anything higher may cause issues with traction. Avoid the highway if you can when you have a spare tire installed onto your vehicle.
Should I Repair or Replace My Flat Tire?
A common question when dealing with flat tires is whether you should repair or replace your flat tire. The answer to this question depends specifically on how much damage the tire has taken.
If your tire has a nail in it or an otherwise small puncture in the tire’s tread, that’s typically when you’d be able to repair the tire. However, if the puncture is large or is in the tire’s sidewall, that kind of damage can’t typically be repaired and it’s better to replace the tire.
Schedule Tire Maintenance with Us
Now that you have your spare tire installed, it’s time to install a full-size tire onto your vehicle. Luckily our team at Ira BMW of Stratham is here to help Stratham, Portsmouth, and Exeter drivers with all their maintenance needs.
If you’re looking to install a full-size tire onto your vehicle, schedule a service appointment with us today!