How to change a tire

Changing a tire is one of the first things drivers should learn when they get their licences. Oftentimes, it can be the difference between getting yourself out of an emergency and remaining stranded on the side of the road. After all, even if you do have roadside assistance, you might have to wait a while, depending on when you call. Whether you need a new tire after one goes flat or you're swapping out your all-season tires for snow tires, knowing how to change a tire can make a difference.

Even the most reliable cars can get a flat tire, so it's best to be ready for anything. After all, you never know how long cars will last in Canada. However, not everyone knows how to change a tire. Hearing terms like "lug nut" and "wheel chock" may feel overwhelming at first. However, there's nothing following our guide and consulting your owner's manual can't fix. With that said, let's learn how to change a tire!

When do I need to change a tire?

There are a few common reasons drivers may need to change a flat tire. However, the one most drivers will encounter is getting a flat tire while driving. Despite this, that's not the only reason to change a tire. For example, you might have to remove your all-season tires to install snow tires before the bitterly cold Canadian winter. For information, check out your winter car maintenance tips to better understand when to put on your winter tires. You might also need to replace an old tire with worn treads.

Remember that once the tread has worn down 4/32 of an inch, you should replace them. This is because the tires no longer have the same traction or gripping capabilities, making it dangerous to drive on the road. No matter the reason for changing a tire, knowing how to do so is one of the best tire tips a driver can know.

What tools do I need to change a tire?

When it's time to change a flat tire, or any tire for that matter, you need to come prepared with the right equipment. Consider keeping a toolbox with everything you need in your car to change a tire. You should have the following tools on hand in your trunk or glove box:

• Car jack
• Tire iron or lug wrenchet
• Tireet

Remember that depending on the type of vehicle you drive, you may need some additional tools. These include alignment studs, a wheel cover or a lug nut wheel lock key and extension bars for the spare tire. Consult your vehicle owner's manual to be prepared for sometimes unexpected situations.

A step-by-step guide on how to change a tire

If you get a flat tire while driving a car and you have to change a tire, your car insurance policy won't cover you if you go to a mechanic. It doesn't matter if you have comprehensive car coverage or collision car coverage. You will have to pay the costs out of pocket.

The only situation where your policy may cover you is if you have roadside assistance coverage. Even then, there's no guarantee. The most affordable way to change a tire is on your own. However, to get the job done, you need to know how to change a tire. That's why we have put together a step-by-step guide to teach you how to change a tire.

Remember that instructions on how to change a tire are fairly similar. It doesn't matter if you have changed flat tires and are putting your spare tire on or swapping out or rotate your tires. The first step in this process will depend on why you need to change the tire.

If you get a flat tire, you should slow down when safe and find somewhere to pull over and stop. It could be a wide shoulder or a parking lot. Once you stop, turn on your hazard lights. In other cases, changing a tire isn't as urgent, such as when you're swapping out for snow tires. When this is the case, find a safe, quiet spot away from traffic, pedestrians, and pets, such as your driveway. Ensure the place you choose has enough space and is level to prevent your car from rolling away.

Step 1: Find a safe location to change your tire

First, you should find a safe location to change your tire. Ideally, you should choose a parking lot or driveway that is quiet, level, and has enough space. In some cases, you might have to change your tire on the side of the road. If you have a flat tire, avoid braking suddenly.

Instead, slowly reduce your speed and travel at this speed until you find a part of the road shoulder-wide enough for you to perform the change. Choose a straight part of the road that isn't curved to be visible to oncoming traffic. Whether you have a flat tire or not, you should always be cautious on the road and follow our safe driving tips.

Step 2: Turn on your hazard lights

Next, turn on your hazard lights. This will show other drivers where you are and prevent accidents. This is especially true if you have to change a flat tire quickly in a public space, such as the side of the road.

Step 3: Turn on the parking brake

The next step is switching on the parking brake. Always do this when changing a tire to prevent your vehicle from rolling away.

Step 4: Set down wheel wedges

Wheel edges, or wheel chocks, are placed until you have finished the job to prevent rolling. If you're changing one of your rear tires, put the wheel wedges in front of the front tires. When changing a front tire, place it behind the rear tires. Bricks and large rocks can also be a great alternative as long as they are large, and enough to prevent the car from rolling.

Step 5: Remove the hub cap or wheel cover

If you have them, carefully remove the hubcap or wheel cover. Some vehicle models have hub caps covering the lug nuts. You'll need a lug wrench. If you can't get the job done with a lug wrench, review your vehicle owner's manual for your car and see if you need a different tool.

Step 6: Use the lug wrench to loosen the lug nuts

Now, you need to use the lug wrench to loosen the lug nuts. Use the lug wrench to turn the lug nuts counterclockwise, roughly ¼ to ½ of a turn. Don't remove the lug nuts yet.

Step 7: Put the jack under the car

After loosening the lug nuts, you have to raise the vehicle off the ground. Begin by placing the car jack beneath the vehicle. Place it underneath the vehicle frames alongside the tire that has to be changed. Several car models have moulded plastic on the bottom with an area of exposed metal specifically designed for the jack to fit into. Look for it and complete the jack placement.

Step 8: Raise the vehicle using the car jack

After completing the car jack placement, use it to raise the vehicle about six inches off the ground. Never put any part of your body under the vehicle while raising or lowering in case the jack breaks.

Step 9: Fully unscrew the lug nuts

Since you already loosened lug nuts during step six, you can now start unscrewing them fully, one lug nut at a time. You can likely unscrew them by hand, and if you can't, you can use your lug wrench.

Step 10: Take the tire off your car

Now, you can remove the tire from your car. All you have to do is gently pull it toward you until it's free from the hub. Set the tire down beside you and ensure it doesn't roll away.

Step 11: Mount the new tire on the lug bolts

Next, take your spare tire and place it on the hub. Line up the rim of the spare tire with lug bolts. Carefully lift the tire toward the car until the lug bolts are visible through the rim.

Step 12: Tighten the lug nuts with your hand

Place the lug nuts you removed during step number back on the lug bolts. Once this is done, tighten by hand as much as possible.

Step 13: Lower the car to the ground and tighten the lug nuts with the lug wrench

After you tighten the lug nuts by hand, use the car jack to lower the vehicle back down to the ground. Lower the car until the new tire is touching the ground. The full weight of the vehicle shouldn't be on it yet. Now tighten the lug nuts using the lug wrench and turn the lug wrench clockwise as far as possible. Use the full weight of your body to do this.

Step 14: Lower the vehicle completely to the ground

Now, you can use the floor jack to lower your vehicle completely to the ground. Since you screwed the lug nuts back in, it's safe for the car's weight to be on the new tire.

Step 15: Replace the hub cap

If you removed the hubcap to change a flat tire, you can now replace it.

Step 16: Put your tools and equipment back in your car

Your job is almost done. Next, safely store your tools and equipment back in your vehicle. Don't forget the car jack, lug wrench, wheel wedges, hub cap if applicable and your old tire.

Step 17: Perform a tire pressure check

Before driving off with your new tire, check tire pressure to ensure it's safe to drive — you wouldn't want another flat tire. If you're driving with a spare tire, most temporary spares require 60 psi (420 kPa). If there isn't enough tire pressure, drive slowly to the nearest service station and insert the valve stem into the tire to fill it with air.

Step 18: Take your tire to an auto body repair shop (if you get a flat tire)

If you require a tire change because you have a flat tire, take your car to the nearest auto body shop as soon as you can. Spare tires are not designed to travel long distances or at high speeds — they are a temporary fix. A licensed mechanic can help even when you get a flat tire repaired by replacing it yourself. From there, the mechanic will either replace your tire or replace it with a new one.

Get in touch with BrokerLink

Changing a tire is easier than you think, and knowing how to do it can help you out. You can follow our process and refer to your vehicle owner's manual if you need to take additional steps. Besides having the necessary tools to change a tire, you should always have a valid car insurance policy as well. Car insurance plans in Canada vary depending on where you live. However, common types of coverage include:

• Accident benefits coverage
• Liability car insurance
• Accident forgiveness coverage
• Uninsured automobile insurance

Are you planning a big trip? If you are, our car maintenance tips for your road trip and summer car maintenance tips can help you out. Whether you're driving down a straight stretch of highway or navigating desolate country roads, you can never too be prepared.

A BrokerLink broker can help you find a quality insurance policy that aligns with your needs and budget. Request your free auto insurance quote today. We offer accurate, reliable, and affordable car insurance quotes, and you can get one in five minutes! Get started by contacting BrokerLink today.

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