Here is a step-by-step guide to changing a spare tire:
1. Park your car in a safe location. Pull over to the side of the road in a well-lit place that is away from traffic. Turn on your hazard lights and set the parking brake.
2. Get out of your car and open the trunk. Locate the spare tire, jack, and lug wrench in your trunk.
3. Place the chock behind the tire that is diagonally opposite the flat tire. This will help to prevent your car from rolling while you are changing the tire.
4. Jack up your car until the flat tire is off the ground. Be careful not to jack up the car too high, as this could damage your car.
5. Use the lug wrench to loosen the lug nuts on the flat tire. Turn the lug nuts counterclockwise to loosen them.
6. Remove the lug nuts and take off the flat tire. Be careful not to drop the lug nuts or the spare tire.
7. Place the spare tire on the lug nuts and hand-tighten them.
8. Lower the car until the spare tire is on the ground.
9. Use the lug wrench to tighten the lug nuts until they are snug. Be careful not to over-tighten the lug nuts, as this could damage your lug nuts or rims.
10. Lower the jack and put away the tools.
11. Drive slowly to the nearest tire repair shop or auto garage. You will need to have your spare tire repaired or replaced as soon as possible.
Tips:
- Make sure that you know how to change a spare tire before you need to do it. It's a good idea to practice changing a tire at home before you have to do it in an emergency.
- Keep your spare tire properly inflated. A flat spare tire is just as useless as a flat regular tire.
- Replace your spare tire regularly. Spare tires are not meant to be used permanently, and they can deteriorate over time.
- If you are unable to change a spare tire yourself, call for roadside assistance.
