In this article, I have compiled a step-by-step methodology of changing a car tyre. Take a gander
Make your car safe
This is important. One should never change a tyre on an inclined surface such as a hill. Take it to a flat surface. If the unfortunate incident happens in the middle of the road, take the car to the side of the road. Block the tyres with wooden wedges, bricks or metal wheel chocks on the opposite side from the end that is to be raised. Most importantly, apply the parking brake.
Gather all the tools
Tools are required for tyre change. One requires a spare tyre, towing eye, wheel brace and jack. If you have a hi-vis vest, wear it. Also if you have a triangle, make it stand 20 m behind the car to alert other passing drivers.
Install jack and loosen the nuts
Keep the jack close to the tyre that needs replacement and remove the hub cap first. Use the wrench provided with the car to loosen up the nuts. Remember, always move the wrench counterclockwise.
Jack up the car
Every car comes with a jacking point. If the jack is placed wrongly, your car can face severe damages. Save your car, it’s your duty. Look for the position as depicted on the top of the car’s jack or in the vehicle manual. Carefully glide it under the car. Then twist the handle of the jack to lift the car.
Remove the wheel
As the nuts of the wheels have already been loosened, you can remove them easily. Keep the nuts safely; you will need them later when you insert a new tyre. Now you can take out the wheel comfortably. Some people may even suggest keeping the punctured wheel under the car in case the car falls off the jack.
The real task: fixing the tyre
Now begins the real task - fixing the tyre. Before fixing, do ensure that the spare tyre selected to take place of the punctured tyre is inflated to a desired level.
- Take the spare tyre kept nearby and glide it till it is in line with the exposed hub
- Raise the tyre onto the wheel so as to align it with the 4 holes and push it inside
- Try putting lug nuts
- Start with one nut followed by its opposite gradually fixing in all the 4 nuts
- You can now take off the punctured tyre lying below the car
- You can bring the handle of the car’s jack down till the car too rests on the floor
- Move the nuts with your hands in the clockwise direction to tighten them up properly. If you feel that the nuts are not tightened properly, take services of a professional.
Isn’t it easy? So, next time you have a flat tyre, do not panic. Take out the tools and do it all by yourself and enjoy the driving.
Also if one is not confident enough to accomplish the task all by himself, he must take the car to a qualified car mechanic like car tyres Glen Waverleyand not just any place.