How to change a car tire in Fairfax

Used Car Dealerships in Fairfax agree that knowing how to change a tire is a necessary skill that every used car drivers should possess. Having a flat tire can happen anywhere, especially while you are in the middle of your trip. You can feel helpless when you have a flat tire and not knowing how to change it. Thankfully, changing a car tire is not all that hard. With the aid of some simple tools that you can carry with you with your used car, you can change your flat tire yourself. Changing a car tire with no air is easy enough to do and everyone has an idea of what is involved. But if you are clueless on how to do it, Airport Auto Sales Used Car Dealership in Fairfax, Virginia can provide you step-by-step procedures on how to replace tires of your used car through this blog.

What are the items you will need to fix a flat tire?

Most used car dealerships advise drivers to have with them some important simple tools while on a trip. This includes a jack, a lug wrench, a fully inflated spare tire, and most importantly, a vehicle owner’s manual. It is essential to come with your vehicle in case you need them.

Consequently, the following items are also needed to stow in your trunk or glove box just in case you have to change a flat tire. There includes:

  • Rain poncho
  • Gloves
  • Wheel wedges
  • Flashlight with extra working batteries
  • A small cut of wood to secure the jack

If it happens you have misplaced any of these items, Airport Auto Sales Used Car Dealership in Fairfax, Virginia suggests you to purchase new ones right away. Moreover, you should regularly check your spare tire if it is properly inflated. Check the spare’s air pressure every time you check your other tires, preferably every month and before long trips or plan to carry extra loads.

Step-by-step guide on how to change your tire

Step 1: Secure a safe location to change your tire

When you realize you have a flat tire, do not brake or turn abruptly. You should slowly reduce speed and check your surroundings for level, straight road with a wide shoulder. An ideal spot would be a parking lot. Keep moving slowly until you already find a spot.

Step 2: Turn on your hazard lights to help other drivers see you on the side of the road to avoid unforeseen accidents.

Step 3: Once stopped, use a parking brake when preparing to replace a flat tire to minimize the possibility of vehicle rolling.

Step 4: You should apply the wheel wedges to further ensure that your used car does not roll while you are fixing your flat tire. If you are changing a rear tire, place the wheel wedges in front of the flat tire, and behind the rear tires if the flat tire is at the front.

Step 5: Remove the wheel cover before lifting the vehicle with a jack. If your lug nuts are exposed, you can proceed to the next step. Used Car dealerships advise you to consult with your used car manual for proper wheel cover removal procedures.

Step 6: Loosen the lug nuts in a counterclockwise direction until you break the resistance. Use your foot or all your body weight if you need some force. Do not remove them completely yet. You should save that for when it is time to remove your wheel from your used car.

Step 7: Place the jack under the vehicle.

Step 8: Raise the vehicle with the jack. To prevent the jack from setting under the weight of your vehicle and coming off balance, you should place a small cut of 2” x 6” wood beneath it before attempting to raise your used car.

Step 9: Unscrew the lug nuts all the way.

Step 10: Remove the flat tire by gripping and pulling it gently towards you until it is completely free from the hub behind it.

Step 11: You should mount the spare tire on the lug bolts.

Step 12: Start to tighten the lug nuts by hand.

Step 13: You can now lower the vehicle and begin tightening the lug nuts again

Step 14: Lower your used car completely.

Step 15: You can now replace the hubcap.

Step 16: Stow all your equipment. Don’t forget to put the jack, a lug wrench, wheel wedges, your flat tire, and hubcap before driving away.

Step 17: Check the tire pressure of the spare tire to make sure it is safe to drive on.

Let us help

Knowing how to fix a flat tire is great, but you should also have regular tire maintenance. Adhere to the following guidelines aforementioned to be prepared in case you have a flat tire on your road trip. While there’s no way to prevent flat tires on your used car, proper care is essential and can improve performance and ensure their longevity. Visit Airport Auto Sales Used Car Dealership in Fairfax, Virginia for more content on used car maintenance.

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