Realizing one of your car tires is flat or seriously worn down is never fun. It can be easy to panic a little, especially if you are far from your residence in Nampa or one of the surrounding areas. However, learning how to change a tire is not terribly complicated and can save you from hours of stress, anxiety, and frustration. Get a tire-changing lesson from us at Dennis Dillon Kia in Boise and remember that it is always a good idea to have a spare tire within reach! The following guide also provides tips regarding how often to change car tires.
Changing a Car Tire: The Six Steps
To change a car tire correctly without the risk of injury, you’ll need more than your spare tire. Essential tools include a lug wrench, jack, vehicle manual, and wheel wedges. Consider keeping your manufacturer manual in your glove compartment, since it provides specific instructions about your vehicle make and model. Now, on to the tire-changing steps:
- Flip on your hazard lights to let other drivers know something is amiss, then navigate to a safe location, if possible. A low-traffic parking lot is typically a viable option.
- Keep your vehicle in place by activating the parking brake and putting the wheel wedges under the non-damaged tires.
- Take off the hubcap or similar component, then use your wrench to loosen the lug nuts.
- Use the jack to raise your vehicle to a height that makes it easy for you to work before removing the lug nuts.
- Take off the flat tire and replace it with your spare or new tire. Place the old tire in your trunk or back seat for recycling or responsible disposal.
- Re-tighten the lug nuts and lower your vehicle down with the jack.
How Often to Change Car Tires?
Tire change frequency depends on several factors, such as how often you drive and in what conditions. If your commute through Caldwell includes driving on poorly maintained roads, for example, your tires wear out at a faster rate compared to smooth, well-paved streets. Other tire change factors include the quality of the rubber and how often you schedule rotation services. Front tires do more turning and wear down faster than back tires, making regular rotations one of the most important preservation tactics.
Keep these factors in mind and check tire tread regularly to avoid premature wear.
We Sell Kia Tires
Now you know how to change a tire! If you need new tires at any time, call (208) 314-9266! We sell genuine Kia tires to help you stay safe behind the wheel. Our car dealership near Meridian also features a dedicated service department offering a diverse maintenance menu. And don’t forget to check out our latest service specials and other helpful reads, such as our guide on getting ice off your windshield!
