What is the correct method for changing a spare tire on a car?
3 Answers
Correct method for changing a spare tire on a car: 1. The vehicle owner should place a triangular warning sign behind the vehicle to alert passing vehicles; 2. Take out the spare tire and use a wrench to loosen the lug nuts on the flat tire in a diagonal pattern; 3. Position the jack at the designated groove under the vehicle's chassis, then raise the vehicle until the tire is 2cm off the ground; 4. Place the spare tire under the vehicle as a safety measure in case the jack fails and the vehicle suddenly drops; 5. Remove the flat tire, install the spare tire, and tighten the lug nuts in a diagonal pattern using the wrench; 6. After lowering the vehicle, remove the jack and finally tighten the lug nuts again in a diagonal pattern.
I've got plenty of experience changing spare tires. Last time I had a flat on the highway, I changed it myself. First, find a safe spot to park, turn on the hazard lights, and never attempt this on curves or slopes. After engaging the parking brake, place the warning triangle 100 meters behind the car (150 meters during daytime, even farther at night). When getting out the spare tire and jack, always check the spare's air pressure – I've learned this the hard way with a flat spare. Use the onboard wrench to loosen the flat tire's lug nuts by just half a turn, never remove them completely. Before jacking up the car, locate the jacking point notch on the chassis beam, and lift until the tire is about 2cm off the ground. When tightening the nuts, remember to follow a star pattern (like drawing a pentagram). Most importantly, don't leave tools by the roadside when packing up – a friend of mine once lost a whole set that way. The entire process should ideally take under 20 minutes; if unsure, call for roadside assistance. After changing, head straight to a tire repair shop as spare tires aren't meant for prolonged use.
As a road trip enthusiast, changing a spare tire in the wild is an essential skill. Once I had a flat tire on a gravel road and summarized some practical tips. First, move the car to solid ground as mud can easily cause the jack to sink. Wear gloves when fetching the toolkit to avoid getting greasy hands that are hard to clean. Before changing the tire, place rocks under the wheels for extra safety—I once had my car slide half a meter, which was quite scary. Remember the order when removing screws; taking a photo with your phone helps. When installing the spare tire, ensure the valve stem faces outward—many people get this wrong. Tightening the screws with the right torque is crucial; over-tightening can strip the threads. After changing, drive slowly for a while before checking if the screws are loose. I also carry an air pump since spare tires often lose pressure after long storage. Remember not to exceed 80 km/h with a spare tire—once I drove too fast and the car wobbled badly. Finally, check if the tire pressure monitoring system alerts to ensure it's working properly.
