Advanced Filtration Technologies, Inc.

OUR BLOG

Tips for New Car Owner: How to Change a Tire

A valuable skill to have as a car owner is how to change a tire, as it can save you money and time when you’re on the road. In this post, we’ll go over the basics of changing a tire and some valuable tips.

Pull Into a Safe Place

Safety first! If you’re driving and your tire blows out, or you noticed you have a flat tire, it’s essential to stay calm, lower your speed, turn on your emergency lights, and find a shoulder on the road to pull over. The best place to pull over will always be somewhere that’s away from traffic and that has enough space to change your tire. Also, if it’s dark out, or if it will be dark soon, make sure you pull up somewhere well lit. Security tip: Don’t try to change your tires on a sloped road, grass, or dirt, as your jack could slip, and your car would fall.

Gather Your Materials

The essential elements you’ll need to change a tire are a jack, a lug wrench, and a fully (and in good condition) inflated spare tire. Other materials that are nice to have as a part of an emergency kit in your car include reflective safety triangles, a safety vest, a flashlight with spare batteries, a rain poncho, gloves, and wheel wedges.

Part of having a safe car to drive in is to use the best products for the best performance. Find amazing products for your vehicle with the professionals at Advanced Filtration Technologies, Inc. Call them at (701) 572- 3780 for advice on the best car oil in Williston, or visit their online shop to learn more today!

How to Change a Tire

Loosen the Lug Nuts

After you pulled into a safe, leveled space, the first step to change your tires is to loosen the lug nuts on your tire. Many cars have a hubcap over the lug nuts. Remove the hubcap, and you’ll have access to the lug nuts. Use your lug wrench (or tire iron) to loosen the lug nuts enough that you count continue loosening them with your fingers. Don’t remove them from your tire yet! Pro tip: If you’re having trouble loosening the lug nuts you can try spraying them lightly with spray grease like AMSOIL’s Spray Grease to help them loosen up.

Lift Your Vehicle

The next step would be to lift your vehicle from the ground. But before you do so, double-check that your car is in park and that you pull up your emergency brake. For the correct placement of the jack, make sure to check your car’s owner’s manual. When you locate where your jack should be, set the jack down and crank it up until it meets the car’s frame and connects with the lift point. Lift the vehicle to where you can comfortably remove the tire.

Remove the Lug Nuts and Tire

Now that you raised your car, it’s time to remove the lug nuts. Ensure that you place the lug nuts somewhere safe, as you’ll need them to install the spare tire. Once you remove the lug nuts, the tire should come off easily by pulling it towards you. Place it on the ground.

Maintain your car in good condition by using top-performance products. To find the best synthetic oil in Williston visit the friendly pros at Advanced Filtration Technologies, Inc. Call them today at (701) 572- 3780 or visit their online shop to place an order.

Replace the Tire and Place the Lug Nuts

The next step is to place your spare tire and secure it with the lug nuts. Ensure you don’t tighten the lug nuts as it’s easier to do it on the ground. Also, when screwing them in, do it in a criss-cross pattern to make sure the tire is even.

Lower the Car and Tighten the Lug Nuts

The next step is to slowly crank down the car to lower it to the ground. Once your vehicle is safely on the ground, it’s time to tighten your lug nuts. Do it in the same criss-cross pattern you used in the last step, but this time using the tire iron to tighten them until you can’t tighten them anymore.

What to Do After Changing a Tire

After you change the tire, remember that your spare tire isn’t a permanent solution. The best thing to do is purchase a new tire for your vehicle and ask a mechanic to check the rest of your tires for issues that could lead to them blowing out. As a last recommendation, it’s a good idea to check your tires regularly and make sure they’re in the best condition for when you take your vehicle on the road.