Tips for Changing a Tire
Have you ever had a flat tire? As a driver, it's most likely going to happen at some point and it's important to be prepared. Knowing how to change a flat tire is a skill everyone should acquire. While you can't control when and where a tire blowout will happen, you can prepare for how to handle it if it does happen to you. The best car dealership in Mid-Missouri is here to help you get back on the road quickly with these tire changing tips.
1. Store the Proper Tools in Your Vehicle.
Read your owners manual on how to change a tire on your specific vehicle. Make sure any tools needed to get the job done are stored in your vehicle. You never know when and where a blowout is going to happen, so you'll want to have these tools with you every time you hit the road. Common tools include a jack, a lug wrench and, of course, a spare tire or "donut."
2. Loosen the Lug Nuts Before Jacking Up the Car.
Unless you've recently had your tires replaced or rotated, the lug nuts will probably be a little tight. Due to this, you should loosen the lug nuts before you jack up the car. By doing so, you'll keep the wheel from spinning away while you're trying to loosen them. However, you don't want to remove them completely because you want the wheel to stay on the studs when you lift the car.
3. Proceed with Caution While the Vehicle is Raised.
First of all, you car manual will tell you where to properly place the jack. Most manufacturers have very specific "lifting points." Be sure to raise the jack high enough to not only remove the flat tire but to also place the inflated spare one on. Now that the vehicle is raised, it's important to use extra caution. It is possible to knock the car off the jack, which could be very dangerous. Finish removing the lug nuts and pull the wheel clean away from the studs. If it's stuck, be very careful trying to wiggle it off - too much movement like that could cause the car to slip off the jack. If it's really stuck, consider calling a tow truck or roadside assistance just to be safe.
4. Properly Tighten the Lug Nuts on the Spare Tire.
Once you've removed the flat, place the spare tire on the studs. Start by spinning the lug nuts on with your fingers. It's very important that the wheel sits squarely against the hub and isn't crooked. The best way to ensure the tire is on correctly is to tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern. Don't just tighten them one by one in a circle. Once you lower the car, be sure to tighten the lug nuts again in that same star pattern.
5. Bring the Vehicle to Hulett Chevrolet Buick GMC.
Whether you're on a donut or a full-sized spare tire, keep in mind that you no longer have an extra tire if something else happens. After changing a flat tire, your first stop should be at a qualified tire repair shop. We carry the top name-brand tires built specifically for your vehicle at our shop.
If you haven't had your tires checked recently, now's the time to do it. Wouldn't you rather have us check out your tires before you have a blowout? Bring your car by our Camdenton automotive service department to get a free, no obligation evaluation on how much wear you have left on your tires. At our Lake of the Ozarks car dealership, we can get you a set of tires exactly like the ones you had the day you rolled your vehicle off our lot.
Hulett Chevrolet Buick GMC
That's The Way We Do It At Hulett!
513 N. Business Route 5
Camdenton, MO 65020
www.ShopHulett.com
Sales: 573.317.4191
Service: 573.317.4195
Follow Us On Facebook
1. Store the Proper Tools in Your Vehicle.Read your owners manual on how to change a tire on your specific vehicle. Make sure any tools needed to get the job done are stored in your vehicle. You never know when and where a blowout is going to happen, so you'll want to have these tools with you every time you hit the road. Common tools include a jack, a lug wrench and, of course, a spare tire or "donut."
2. Loosen the Lug Nuts Before Jacking Up the Car.
Unless you've recently had your tires replaced or rotated, the lug nuts will probably be a little tight. Due to this, you should loosen the lug nuts before you jack up the car. By doing so, you'll keep the wheel from spinning away while you're trying to loosen them. However, you don't want to remove them completely because you want the wheel to stay on the studs when you lift the car.
3. Proceed with Caution While the Vehicle is Raised.First of all, you car manual will tell you where to properly place the jack. Most manufacturers have very specific "lifting points." Be sure to raise the jack high enough to not only remove the flat tire but to also place the inflated spare one on. Now that the vehicle is raised, it's important to use extra caution. It is possible to knock the car off the jack, which could be very dangerous. Finish removing the lug nuts and pull the wheel clean away from the studs. If it's stuck, be very careful trying to wiggle it off - too much movement like that could cause the car to slip off the jack. If it's really stuck, consider calling a tow truck or roadside assistance just to be safe.
4. Properly Tighten the Lug Nuts on the Spare Tire.
Once you've removed the flat, place the spare tire on the studs. Start by spinning the lug nuts on with your fingers. It's very important that the wheel sits squarely against the hub and isn't crooked. The best way to ensure the tire is on correctly is to tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern. Don't just tighten them one by one in a circle. Once you lower the car, be sure to tighten the lug nuts again in that same star pattern.
5. Bring the Vehicle to Hulett Chevrolet Buick GMC.
Whether you're on a donut or a full-sized spare tire, keep in mind that you no longer have an extra tire if something else happens. After changing a flat tire, your first stop should be at a qualified tire repair shop. We carry the top name-brand tires built specifically for your vehicle at our shop.
If you haven't had your tires checked recently, now's the time to do it. Wouldn't you rather have us check out your tires before you have a blowout? Bring your car by our Camdenton automotive service department to get a free, no obligation evaluation on how much wear you have left on your tires. At our Lake of the Ozarks car dealership, we can get you a set of tires exactly like the ones you had the day you rolled your vehicle off our lot.
Hulett Chevrolet Buick GMCThat's The Way We Do It At Hulett!
513 N. Business Route 5
Camdenton, MO 65020
www.ShopHulett.com
Sales: 573.317.4191
Service: 573.317.4195
Follow Us On Facebook
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