How to Change a Flat Tire: The Right Tools and the Right Method
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
The Right Method
Okay, now onto the good stuff:
- Bring your vehicle to a safe location. Slow down and pick out a level, straight stretch of road with a wide shoulder
- Turn on your hazard lights before getting out.
- Apply the parking brake, even on level ground, to prevent rolling.
- 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.
- Place the jack beneath the frame. Look for a section of exposed metal, and follow the instructions in your owner’s manual.
- 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.
- Unscrew the lug nuts – once loose, it’s easy to unscrew them by hand.
- Remove the flat by gripping the treads and pulling gently towards you. Set it on its side to prevent rolling.
- Mount the spare on the lug nuts, then tighten them by hand until they are all on.
- Lower the vehicle slightly and tighten the lug nuts with a wrench
- Bring the vehicle to the ground
- Replace the hubcap. It may not fit – if so, stow it with your flat.
- Check the pressure of the spare to make sure it’s safe to drive on.
- Drive to a service center. Remember, spares are meant to be temporary and shouldn’t be driven at high speeds.
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
Call for Details
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 09/30/26.
80 Oakland Street, Manchester, CT 06042
Service: (860) 645-4105
MAZDA TIRE SPECIAL
Call for DetailsExpires: September 30, 2026
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.
Enhance Air Quality with a New Cabin Air Filter
10% Off 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 09/30/26.
80 Oakland Street, Manchester, CT 06042
Service: (860) 645-4105
Enhance Air Quality with a New Cabin Air Filter
10% Off With CouponExpires: September 30, 2026
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.
Genuine Mazda Battery Special
$15.00 Off 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 09/30/26.
80 Oakland Street, Manchester, CT 06042
Service: (860) 645-4105
Genuine Mazda Battery Special
$15.00 Off With CouponExpires: September 30, 2026
High-performance Mazda replacement batteries come with an equally high-performance warranty! 36/60-month replacement battery warranty if installed by the dealership.
4-Wheel Alignment Special
$129.95 With Coupon
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 09/30/26.
80 Oakland Street, Manchester, CT 06042
Service: (860) 645-4105
4-Wheel Alignment Special
$129.95 With CouponExpires: September 30, 2026
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
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 09/30/26.
80 Oakland Street, Manchester, CT 06042
Service: (860) 645-4105
BRAKE SPECIAL
$25.00 Off With CouponExpires: September 30, 2026
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.
Genuine Mazda Service
Why trust anyone else?
Our Mazda-trained technicians know your Mazda best. From bumpers to belts, we have you covered!
Valid only at MANCHESTER MAZDA. Mazda vehicles only. No cash value.
80 Oakland Street, Manchester, CT 06042
Service: (860) 645-4105
Genuine Mazda Service
Expires: September 30, 2026
Why trust anyone else?
Our Mazda-trained technicians know your Mazda best. From bumpers to belts, we have you covered!
Five Reasons ...
Why we are the easy choice: convenient hours, competitive prices, Mazda-trained technicians, Factory Techline and Genuine Mazda Parts. Why trust anyone else?
Valid only at MANCHESTER MAZDA. Mazda vehicles only. No cash value.
80 Oakland Street, Manchester, CT 06042
Service: (860) 645-4105
Five Reasons ...
Expires: September 30, 2026
Why we are the easy choice: convenient hours, competitive prices, Mazda-trained technicians, Factory Techline and Genuine Mazda Parts. Why trust anyone else?
Oil Change and Tire Rotation Special
$10.00 Off 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
*Synthetic oil extra/Up to 5 Quarts
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 09/30/26.
80 Oakland Street, Manchester, CT 06042
Service: (860) 645-4105
Oil Change and Tire Rotation Special
$10.00 Off With CouponExpires: September 30, 2026
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
*Synthetic oil extra/Up to 5 Quarts
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