Here's a general outline:
1. Preparation:
* Safety First: Park on a level, stable surface. Engage the parking brake firmly. Turn off the engine. If possible, find a well-lit area. Wear gloves if you have them.
* Gather Tools: Locate the spare tire, jack, lug wrench, and owner's manual. Some Caravans may also have a wheel chock; use it if available.
* Locate the Jacking Point: Your owner's manual will show the correct jacking point(s) for your Caravan. These are usually reinforced areas of the frame. DO NOT jack up the vehicle on any other part of the body.
2. Raising the Vehicle:
* Position the Jack: Carefully position the jack under the designated jacking point.
* Raise the Vehicle: Slowly and steadily raise the vehicle until the flat tire is a few inches off the ground. You only need enough clearance to remove and replace the wheel.
3. Removing the Flat Tire:
* Loosen Lug Nuts: Use the lug wrench to loosen the lug nuts on the flat tire. Turn them counter-clockwise. You may need to put your foot on the wrench for added leverage. Don't remove them completely yet, just break them loose.
* Remove the Flat Tire: Once the lug nuts are loosened, carefully remove the flat tire and set it aside.
4. Installing the Spare Tire:
* Align the Spare Tire: Align the spare tire with the wheel studs.
* Install the Spare Tire: Push the spare tire onto the wheel studs.
* Tighten Lug Nuts: Hand-tighten the lug nuts.
* Lower the Vehicle: Slowly lower the vehicle using the jack. Once the tire is touching the ground, fully tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern (opposite nuts first, then the ones in between) using the lug wrench. Do not overtighten.
5. Final Steps:
* Lower the Jack Completely: Fully lower the jack.
* Final Tightening: Double-check the tightness of the lug nuts.
* Stow the Flat Tire and Tools: Securely store the flat tire, jack, and lug wrench in their designated places.
* Check Tire Pressure: Check the tire pressure of the spare tire and inflate it to the correct pressure (check the sticker on your driver's side doorjamb or your owner's manual).
Important Considerations:
* Spare Tire Type: Be aware of the type of spare you have (full-size, temporary/donut). Temporary spares have speed and distance limitations. Check your owner's manual for details.
* Lug Nut Torque: Overtightening lug nuts can damage the wheel studs. Under tightening can cause the wheel to come loose. Your owner's manual may provide specific torque specifications.
* If Unsure: If you're uncomfortable performing this task yourself, take your vehicle to a tire shop or mechanic.
Remember, safety is paramount. If you're unsure about any step, it's always best to seek professional assistance. Your owner's manual is your best resource for specific instructions for your Dodge Caravan.
