How to Properly Change a Car Tire?
3 Answers
If the tire is damaged, first park the car in a safe place and engage the handbrake to prevent rolling. On urban roads, place a triangular warning sign 50 meters behind the car (150 meters on highways) to alert other drivers of an accident ahead, then turn on the hazard lights. Locate the car's onboard toolkit, which is usually stored under the cargo mat in the trunk. Next, find the spare tire to be replaced. The spare tire is typically stored with the toolkit, though some vehicles, especially off-road models, may have it mounted under the rear chassis. In the past, the common tool for changing tires was a jack, but due to its high cost, most vehicles now come with a simple vertical stand and a standard wrench. The stand has a notch; align it with the corresponding notch under the car, ensuring the stand is level. If possible, place an object underneath to minimize potential damage. Now, turn the wrench clockwise to raise the car. This might require some effort (women can step on the wrench to increase torque). Do not lift the tire completely off the ground—just slightly. Then, loosen the tire bolts. The direction is the same as a faucet: left to loosen, right to tighten. Loosen the bolts symmetrically to prevent the last bolt from bearing excessive force and deforming. Once the bolts are loose, raise the stand further to lift the tire 3–4 cm off the ground, then remove the nuts.
I've been driving for many years, and changing a tire is actually quite simple—the key is not to panic. First, find a safe spot to park, preferably on a flat, hard surface rather than on a slope. Engage the handbrake and put the car in gear, then place a warning triangle about ten meters behind the vehicle. Take out the car jack and locate the marked point under the chassis, then slowly lift the car until the tire is a few centimeters off the ground. Don’t remove all the nuts—just loosen them halfway before taking off the old tire and setting it aside. Fit the spare tire by aligning it with the wheel hub’s center, then hand-tighten a few nuts to secure it before lowering the jack. Finally, use a wrench to tighten the nuts in a crisscross pattern, but avoid over-tightening to prevent stripping the threads. It’s advisable to wear gloves to avoid cuts, and always check the spare tire’s pressure and the condition of your tools beforehand. After finishing, drive slowly to a shop to confirm the tire’s balance and pressure before hitting the road confidently. With a bit of practice, it’ll become even easier.
Safety first, I always emphasize this. When parking, find an open area away from traffic, engage the handbrake, and place the reflective warning triangle properly. Wear gloves for protection, and before jacking up the car, ensure the jack is positioned at the designated point on the chassis to prevent tipping. Loosen the nuts gradually, not all at once. Once the car is jacked up, change the tire with steady movements. After installing the spare tire, check if the tire pressure is normal, and do not exceed 80 km/h when driving with it. After completing the task, don't rush to speed; it's best to drive at low speed to a professional shop for a comprehensive check of the wheel axle and brakes. It's advisable to keep a small first aid kit in the car for emergencies, and using reflective strips at night is especially safer.
