1. Prepare:
- Park your vehicle on level ground and apply the parking brake.
- Turn on the hazard lights to increase visibility.
- If possible, chock the wheels to prevent the vehicle from rolling.
- Make sure you have the necessary tools: spare tire, lug wrench, scissor jack, and the vehicle owner's manual.
2. Locate the Flat Tire:
- Identify the flat or damaged tire.
3. Loosen the Lug Nuts (Do not remove them yet!):
- Use the lug wrench to loosen the lug nuts holding the flat tire in place.
- Do not remove the lug nuts completely at this point.
4. Jack Up the Vehicle:
- Position the jack under the vehicle near the flat tire, as indicated in the vehicle owner's manual.
- Use the jack to lift the vehicle until the flat tire is about 6 inches off the ground.
5. Remove the Lug Nuts:
- Now remove the lug nuts and take off the flat tire.
6. Install the Spare Tire:
- Place the spare tire onto the lug nut bolts.
- Hand-tighten the lug nuts to secure the tire.
7. Lower the Vehicle:
- Use the jack to lower the vehicle until it is back on the ground.
8. Tighten the Lug Nuts:
- Use the lug wrench to tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern. Tighten them as much as you can.
- Double-check that the lug nuts are tightened securely.
9. Lower the Jack:
- If the jack was not automatically lowered when lowering the vehicle, use it to lower it completely.
10. Replace the Tools and Spare Tire:
- Place the spare tire and tools back into their designated locations in the vehicle.
Remember, while changing a tire is generally manageable, road assistance is available if you are uncomfortable performing the task or in case of difficulties. If you are in a safe area and have the necessary knowledge, following these steps will guide you through changing the tire on a Chevy Traverse.
