How to Change a Flat Tire: The Right Tools and the Right Method

January 25th, 2018 by

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How to change a flat tire – it’s knowledge all drivers should have, and yet it’s a skill frequently spurned. That’s okay! Let’s go ahead and learn about:

  • The Right Gear
  • The Right Method

The Right Gear

Firstly, have these items in your car:

  • Jack
  • Lug Wrench
  • Fully Inflated Spare Tire
  • Owner’s Manual

Misplaced them? Never issued them in the first place? Pick up new ones, making sure the spare is regularly inflated to your manufacturer’s recommended PSI.

You’ll also want the following on-hand:

  • Flashlight
  • Rain Poncho
  • 2″x6” Wood to Secure the Jack
  • Gloves
  • Wheel Wedges
Tools for tire change
Woman changing tire

The Right Method

Okay, now onto the good stuff:

  1. Bring your vehicle to a safe location. Slow down and pick out a level, straight stretch of road with a wide shoulder
  2. Turn on your hazard lights before getting out.
  3. Apply the parking brake, even on level ground, to prevent rolling.
  4. Apply the wheel wedges. They go in front of the front tires when you’re changing a rear tire or behind the rear tires when you’re changing at the front.
  5. Place the jack beneath the frame. Look for a section of exposed metal, and follow the instructions in your owner’s manual.
  6. Place a small cut of 2×6” wood beneath the jack to prevent it settling, then start to lift. Remember never to place any part of your body under the vehicle.
  7. Unscrew the lug nuts – once loose, it’s easy to unscrew them by hand.
  8. Remove the flat by gripping the treads and pulling gently towards you. Set it on its side to prevent rolling.
  9. Mount the spare on the lug nuts, then tighten them by hand until they are all on.
  10. Lower the vehicle slightly and tighten the lug nuts with a wrench
  11. Bring the vehicle to the ground
  12. Replace the hubcap. It may not fit – if so, stow it with your flat.
  13. Check the pressure of the spare to make sure it’s safe to drive on.
  14. Drive to a service center. Remember, spares are meant to be temporary and shouldn’t be driven at high speeds.
Tire change
Stack of tires

Need Any Further Advice? Simply Contact Manchester Mazda

Remember that our Manchester service department is always here to help. Learn more maintenance tips, and why you should choose our dealership for all your service needs. Don’t hesitate to contact us today if you’d like to find out more, or simply visit our dealership in Manchester today!

Current Service Specials at Manchester Mazda

Mazda Tire Special

We carry name brand tires to fit your Mazda. Yokohama, Bridgestone, Pirelli and Kumho. All tires purchased come with Road Hazard Protection. Ask about any current tire rebates.

Plus applicable taxes. Valid only at MANCHESTER MAZDA. Cannot be used with any other applicable offer. Mazda vehicles only. Some vehicles may be slightly higher. Hazardous waste fee and shop supplies fee if applicable. Please present offer at time of write-up. No cash value. Coupon expires 10/31/23.
EXPIRES: 10/31/2023

Enhance Air Quality with a New Cabin Air Filter

$49.95 With Coupon

The air you breathe is only as clean as the filter it goes through. A new cabin air filter will reduce impurities such as pollen, dust, mold and other airborne contaminants. Recommended every 12 – 24 months.

Plus applicable taxes. Valid only at MANCHESTER MAZDA. Cannot be used with any other applicable offer. Mazda vehicles only. Some vehicles may be slightly higher. Hazardous waste fee and shop supplies fee if applicable. Please present offer at time of write-up. No cash value. Coupon expires 10/31/23.
EXPIRES: 10/31/2023

Genuine Mazda Battery Special

$239.95 With Coupon

High-performance Mazda replacement batteries come with an equally high-performance warranty! 36/60-month replacement battery warranty if installed by the dealership.

Plus applicable taxes. Valid only at MANCHESTER MAZDA. Cannot be used with any other applicable offer. Mazda vehicles only. Some vehicles may be slightly higher. Hazardous waste fee and shop supplies fee if applicable. Please present offer at time of write-up. No cash value. Coupon expires 10/31/23.
EXPIRES: 10/31/2023

4-Wheel Alignment Special

$99.95 With Coupon
Regular Price: $109.95

Poorly aligned wheels wear out tires prematurely and reduce gas mileage. Service includes:
• Inspect/adjust caster, camber and toe-in as applicable
• Inspect suspension and steering linkage
• Check tire wear
• Check tire pressure, adjust as necessary
• Computerized alignment
• Road test

Plus applicable taxes. Valid only at MANCHESTER MAZDA. Cannot be used with any other applicable offer. Mazda vehicles only. Some vehicles may be slightly higher. Hazardous waste fee and shop supplies fee if applicable. Please present offer at time of write-up. No cash value. Coupon expires 10/31/23.
EXPIRES: 10/31/2023

Brake Special

$25.00 Off With Coupon

Excellent brake service utilizing Mazda OEM or Value Product pads and expert rotor resurfacing or replacement. Lifetime Ltd. Warranty on all brake pads and shoes.

Plus applicable taxes. Valid only at MANCHESTER MAZDA. Cannot be used with any other applicable offer. Mazda vehicles only. Some vehicles may be slightly higher. Hazardous waste fee and shop supplies fee if applicable. Please present offer at time of write-up. No cash value. Coupon expires 10/31/23.
EXPIRES: 10/31/2023

Rotate and Balance

Our everyday value price for a tire rotation and balance is $69.95. You can SAVE $20.00 and pay only $49.95 if you combine your rotate and balance with an oil change service.

Plus applicable taxes. Valid only at MANCHESTER MAZDA. Cannot be used with any other applicable offer. Mazda vehicles only. Some vehicles may be slightly higher. Hazardous waste fee and shop supplies fee if applicable. Please present offer at time of write-up. No cash value. Coupon expires 10/31/23.
EXPIRES: 10/31/2023

Oil Change and Tire Rotation Special

Synthetic Oil: $89.95 With Coupon

Get more value for your money! Our professional Mazda-trained technicians will:
• Replace engine oil and Genuine Mazda oil filter
• Rotate tires
• Inspect tires for wear
• Check tire pressure, adjust as necessary

Plus applicable taxes. Valid only at MANCHESTER MAZDA. Cannot be used with any other applicable offer. Mazda vehicles only. Some vehicles may be slightly higher. Hazardous waste fee and shop supplies fee if applicable. Please present offer at time of write-up. No cash value. Coupon expires 10/31/23.
EXPIRES: 10/31/2023

COOLANT SERVICE SPECIAL

$259.95

This service includes a full coolant system fluid exchange using Genuine Mazda Coolant to protect from corrosion and build-up.

Plus applicable taxes. Valid only at MANCHESTER MAZDA. Cannot be used with any other applicable offer. Mazda vehicles only. Some vehicles may be slightly higher. Hazardous waste fee and shop supplies fee if applicable. Please present offer at time of write-up. No cash value. Coupon expires 10/31/23.
EXPIRES: 10/31/2023

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Posted in Maintenance, Tips and Tricks