Changing tires safely should be one of the basic auto mechanic skills every driver should have. Being familiar with basic car parts and repairs like this will help you when car trouble occurs.
Here’s a step by step guide on how to change tires safely by Bridgestone.
Step 1: Find a safe location
Scan your surroundings for an empty parking lot, straight stretch of road, or level ground. Use your hazard lights as soon as you pull over.
Step 2: Make sure your car doesn’t roll
Minimize the possibility of your car rolling by using the parking brake and applying wheel wedges when replacing a flat tire.
Step 3: Loosen the lug nuts
Get the lug wrench and turn the lug nuts counterclockwise. Do not remove them altogether yet.
Step 4: Raise the car
Place the jack under the car frame alongside the tire that’s flat. Raise the car until the flat tire is about six inches above the ground.
Step 5: Remove the tire
Unscrew the nuts all the way and pull it gently towards you.
Step 6: Replace the tire
Place the spare tire on the hub by lining up the rim with the lug bolts. Screw bolts on and tighten them.
Step 7: Lower the vehicle
Turn the jack level counterclockwise until the spare tire is resting on the ground. Grab the wrench and tighten the lug nuts—turning clockwise.
Step 8: Have your tires aligned
Lastly, bring your car to the nearest Bridgestone dealership for a proper tire alignment. You can find a list of our locations here: https://bit.ly/BridgestoneDealer