Changing a Tire - Yes, You Can Do It!

Changing a tire may sound like a complicated and confusing process to someone who has never done it before, but those who have can attest that it's actually a very simple procedure. Almost everyone will be stuck on the side of a road with a flat tire at some point in their lifetime, so it's a good idea to familiarize yourself with the tools and the process of changing a tire now! The team at Hulett Chevrolet Buick GMC is committed to your vehicle safety, so we put together a simple step-by-step process to walk any first-timers through changing a tire on a car or truck.


1. Find Your Vehicle's Emergency Equipment
Take the time to locate your vehicle's emergency equipment before you are in an emergency situation. Your vehicle should come equipped with a diamond jack, a spare tire, and a lug wrench. These are stored in a special compartment, usually located in the trunk. If you have trouble finding it, your owner's manual will describe its exact location.

2. Find a Safe Location
If you experience a blowout on the road, the first and most critical step is to find a safe location to change your tire. Make sure you're on a straight stretch of road so approaching cars can see you easily. If you're on the highway and can't find an exit, pull as far off onto the shoulder as possible. Look for level ground, too - changing a tire on a hill can be disastrous. 

After you have found a safe location, put your car in first gear or reverse (manual transmission) or park (automatic transmission) and set your parking brake. Now you're ready to start!

3. Loosen The Lug Nuts
Loosening (but not fully removing!) your lug nuts is the first step. Use your lug wrench to help you. Position the wrench and turn it to the left (counter-clockwise). If you have trouble getting the wrench to turn, using your body weight by standing on the wrench or hitting it with a rock can be helpful.

4. Lift Up Your Vehicle

Use the jack to raise your car's tire off the ground. Check carefully to make sure your jack is positioned correctly before you start lifting; specific makes and models require the jack to be placed in certain locations, so consult your owner's manual to make sure yours is positioned correctly. Lift your vehicle about six inches off the ground - high enough that your old tire spins freely.

Quick tip: if your jack does not have a built-in lever, use your lug wrench to turn the jack!

5. Remove Your Old Tire
After your vehicle is raised, use your hands to unscrew and remove the lug nuts. From there, you'll be able to lift your old tire off and position your spare one. After you have the spare tire in place, use your hands to tighten the lug nuts as much as you can (but don't use the wrench yet).

6. Lower Your Vehicle
Use the jack to slowly lower your vehicle back down onto the ground, and then remove the jack.

7. Tighten The Lug Nuts
Once your vehicle is securely back on the ground, use the lug wrench to firmly tighten the lug nuts on your spare tire by turning it to the right (clockwise). After tightening the first lug nut, tighten the one that is diagonally across from the first one. Continue the diagonal pattern until all the lug nuts are tightened. Using this pattern will ensure that your lug nuts are tightened evenly, preventing wobbly or unevenly worn tires.

Congratulations! You're ready to get back on the road. 

Remember that spare tires are not designed to go as far or as fast as regular tires, so get your tire replaced as soon as possible. The service department at Hulett Chevrolet Buick GMC can hook you up with new tires at the Lake of the Ozarks!


The Team at Hulett Chevrolet Buick GMC

513 N. Business Route 5
Camdenton, MO  65020
www.ShopHulett.com
Sales: 573.317.4197
Service:  573.317.4195