Changing a Car Tyre: What You Need to Know

Do you know how to change a car tyre? This is information that every motorist should know as you never know when you might need to know how and you don’t want to find yourself stranded on the side of the road. Fortunately, it is a task that is not too difficult when you know-how and have the right equipment. 

Why You Might Need to Change

First, it is helpful to be aware of the main reasons that you might need to change a tyre so that you can avoid these if possible. Flat tyres/overinflated tyres, tyre blowouts, low tread depth, damage to the tyre and age are all reasons that you might need to change your tyres.

What You Need

You also need to make sure that you have certain items in the car that will allow you to change the tyre in case your need to do this while out and about. Obviously, you need to have a spare tyre in the boot of the car and you can buy tyres online to keep as spares. In addition to this, you also need to have a wrench and a car jack that will allow you to safely lift the vehicle.

How to Change a Tyre

When it comes to changing the tyre, you first need to make sure that you find somewhere flat and stable and put the handbrake on. If possible, place a brick or similar object in front of the back tyres. Place the jack under the frame of the car and raise it until it is supporting the weight of the car. You then need to remove the hubcap, loosen the nuts and then raise the jack so that it is actually lifting the tyre off the ground.

Next, you need to remove the nuts the rest of the way and remove the tyre. Place the spare tyre on the hub, tighten the nuts by hand and lower the car. You can then finish tightening the nuts and remove the jack. 

Tips

There are also a few basic tips to keep in mind that should help, such as:

• Make sure that the spare has the right tyre pressure
• A cross wrench gives more torque
• Practice changing a tyre at home
• Replace your spare when you make a change
• Take the spare to a mechanic

Hopefully, the information in this post will help you to change a tyre with confidence. You never know when you might need this information and you do not want to be stranded on the side of the road without knowing how to change a tyre, so it is important to know how to change a tyre before you need to do it. When you have the knowledge and basic equipment, it can actually be relatively simple and easy.