How Do You Change a Car Tire?

If you drive on the Loveland roads frequently, then you have probably experienced having a flat tire. Knowing how to change a car tire can help you be prepared for when this happens so that you aren’t stuck waiting on the side of the road. The process is pretty simple, and you don’t have to be an ace mechanic to do it. How do you change a car tire? Learn how to master the process with the service department at Beechmont Toyota. 

How to Change Your Tires: Step-by-Step

To properly change your tires, you’ll first need to be sure that you have the right tools. Before getting started, you’ll need a jack, lug wrench, spare, or new tire, and your vehicle’s owner’s manual. Whether you have a truck, SUV, or car, changing the tire is a fairly simple process. All you have to do is follow these steps: 

1. Pull over on the side of the road if you’re in Mason, put the car in park, and turn on your hazard lights. 
2. Be sure you have the parking brake on and that the wheel wedges are underneath the tires. 
3. Remove the hubcap and loosen the lug nuts. 
4. Using the jack, raise your vehicle, and fully remove the lug nuts. 
5. Remove the current tire and mount the new tire. 
6. Tighten the lug nuts on the new tire and lower your vehicle back to the ground. 

How Often to Change Car Tires

How often should you change your tires? This will mostly depend on how often you have your tires rotated. Regularly check your tire pressure and tire tread wear to keep an eye out on the condition of your tires. If your tires are too worn, then you’ll need new tires. A good rule of thumb to follow is to schedule a tire rotation when you have your oil changed. 

Putting Air in Your Tires

If you don’t have your own air pump or you’re on the West Chester roads and have low air in your tires, then you usually stop at any gas station and find an air pump. Once you’ve found a pump, here is how you put air in your tires: 

• Park by the air pump and be sure the hose is close enough to reach the tire. 
• Remove the tire valve cap on the first tire. 
• Use your tire gauge to check the air pressure in your tires. It’s helpful to do this at home before heading out on the road since spinning tires can heat up and cause the air to expand, which could provide a false reading if you check them after you drive to a gas station. 
• Add the air into your tires with the hose in short bursts. Check the tire periodically to see if it is at the appropriate level. 

How Long Does a Spare Tire Last? 

Driving with a spare tire is safe, but you’ll want to be sure to put on a new tire as soon as possible. Spare tires are only made to last about 50 miles and aren’t meant to be driven at high speeds. The spare tire should have its limits on the tire, but most spare tires should be driven below 45 mph. 

Change Your Tires at Beechmont Toyota

Now that you know how you change a car tire, you can be prepared to do it yourself whether you’re at home or on the side of the road. If you don’t want to do it yourself or have other repair needs, contact us at Beechmont Toyota to schedule a visit to our service department. Take advantage of our service specials to get more out of every service and get back on the Cincinnati roads.