Changing a back tire is a crucial driving skill that every driver should possess. Whether you’re a seasoned driver or a newcomer to the world of driving, knowing how to change a back tire can save you from a lot of stress and anxiety in case of a flat tire. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the step-by-step process of changing a back tire, covering everything from preparation to completion.
Preparation is Key
Before you start changing the tire, make sure you’re in a safe location, away from traffic and any hazards. Turn off the engine and engage the parking brake. Put the vehicle in park (automatic) or first gear (manual). This will ensure that the vehicle doesn’t move while you’re changing the tire.
Next, gather the necessary tools and equipment. You’ll need a lug wrench (or tire iron), a spare tire, and a car jack. Check your owner’s manual to see if your vehicle has a specific lug wrench or if it’s recommended to use a particular type of tire.
It’s also a good idea to familiarize yourself with the location of the spare tire and the jacking points on your vehicle. The jacking points are the metal reinforcements on the frame of the vehicle that are specifically designed for lifting the vehicle.
Loosening the Lug Nuts
Before you jack up the vehicle, loosen the lug nuts on the flat tire with the lug wrench. Turn them counterclockwise until they’re loose, but don’t remove them yet. This will make it easier to remove the tire once the vehicle is raised.
Make sure to loosen the lug nuts in a star pattern (tightening one lug nut a little, then moving to the next one, and so on) to ensure even pressure and prevent the wheel from becoming uneven.
Raising the Vehicle
Now it’s time to raise the vehicle using the car jack. Position the jack under the jacking point closest to the flat tire and raise it until the flat tire is off the ground. Make sure the jack is stable and sturdy, and that the vehicle is securely supported.
Use jack stands for added safety and security. Jack stands will provide extra support to the vehicle, giving you peace of mind while you’re changing the tire. (See Also: What To Do For A Flat Tire? Stay Safe On The Road)
Removing the Lug Nuts and Flat Tire
Now that the vehicle is raised, you can remove the lug nuts from the wheel using the lug wrench. Turn them counterclockwise until they’re completely removed. Place them in a safe location where they won’t get lost.
Carefully pull the flat tire straight off the wheel hub and set it aside. Make sure not to touch any of the brake components or the wheel bearings.
Installing the Spare Tire
Place the spare tire onto the wheel hub and hand tighten the lug nuts. Make sure the tire is securely seated and centered on the hub.
Use the lug wrench to tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern. Make sure they’re tightened snugly, but don’t overtighten them.
Lowering the Vehicle
Now that the spare tire is installed, it’s time to lower the vehicle using the car jack. Make sure the vehicle is securely supported and that the jack is stable and sturdy.
Lower the vehicle slowly and carefully until the spare tire is touching the ground. Remove the jack stands and any other supports.
Tightening the Lug Nuts
Once the vehicle is back on the ground, use the lug wrench to tighten the lug nuts as tight as possible in a star pattern. Make sure they’re tightened snugly, but don’t overtighten them.
Check your owner’s manual for the recommended torque specification for the lug nuts on your vehicle. (See Also: Are Bigger Tires Better for Snow? Winter Driving Secrets)
Checking the Tire Pressure
Make sure to check the tire pressure of the spare tire and inflate it to the recommended pressure. You can find the recommended pressure on the tire’s sidewall or in your owner’s manual.
It’s also a good idea to check the tire pressure of the other tires on your vehicle to ensure they’re at the recommended pressure.
Driving Safely with a Spare Tire
When driving with a spare tire, make sure to drive carefully and avoid high speeds. The spare tire is only meant to be used temporarily and should not be driven on for an extended period of time.
Avoid driving on highways or long distances with a spare tire. If you need to drive a long distance, consider having the flat tire repaired or replaced as soon as possible.
Recap
Changing a back tire may seem like a daunting task, but with the right tools and equipment, it can be done easily and safely. Remember to:
- Loosen the lug nuts before jacking up the vehicle
- Raise the vehicle using a car jack and jack stands
- Remove the lug nuts and flat tire
- Install the spare tire and hand tighten the lug nuts
- Tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern
- Check the tire pressure of the spare tire
- Drive carefully and avoid high speeds with a spare tire
FAQs
How to Change a Back Tire?
What is the first step in changing a back tire?
The first step in changing a back tire is to loosen the lug nuts on the flat tire with the lug wrench. Turn them counterclockwise until they’re loose, but don’t remove them yet.
How do I raise the vehicle?
To raise the vehicle, position the jack under the jacking point closest to the flat tire and raise it until the flat tire is off the ground. Make sure the jack is stable and sturdy, and that the vehicle is securely supported. (See Also: How to Tell if Tires Are New? Secrets Revealed)
Can I drive on a spare tire for an extended period of time?
No, a spare tire is only meant to be used temporarily and should not be driven on for an extended period of time. Avoid driving on highways or long distances with a spare tire.
How do I check the tire pressure of the spare tire?
To check the tire pressure of the spare tire, use a tire pressure gauge to measure the pressure. Make sure to inflate the tire to the recommended pressure, which can be found on the tire’s sidewall or in your owner’s manual.
What should I do if I get a flat tire on the highway?
If you get a flat tire on the highway, pull over to a safe location as soon as possible. Turn on your hazard lights and engage the parking brake. Use the lug wrench to loosen the lug nuts and raise the vehicle using a car jack. Replace the flat tire with the spare tire and hand tighten the lug nuts. Drive carefully to a nearby service station or tire repair shop to have the flat tire repaired or replaced.
Can I use a tire repair kit to fix a flat tire?
Yes, you can use a tire repair kit to fix a flat tire. However, make sure to follow the instructions carefully and use the kit only for temporary repairs. It’s always best to have the flat tire repaired or replaced by a professional mechanic or tire technician.