How to Change a Tire

Without four healthy tires, your vehicle may not handle safely or adequately on Clear Lake roads. No matter how safely you drive, you might get a flat tire at some point when you’re driving. A flat could come from a nail or debris on the road. Or it might happen when your treads are too far worn. A flat tire could also occur if your wheels are misaligned and the tire rubs against something in the wheel well.

You should know how to change a tire because being stranded without assistance is never fun. Even if you call roadside assistance, they might not arrive. It might be faster for you to change the tire yourself.

Find out how to change a tire with this step-by-step guide from the service team at Big Star Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram Fiat Clear Lake. You’ll also discover how often to change car tires so you can budget for this regularly scheduled maintenance.

How to Change a Tire Like a Pro

We’ll teach you how to change a tire like a seasoned pro. To do so, you’ll need a few specialized tools in your car, including a jack, lug wrench, spare tire or new tire(s), and your owner’s manual. 

1. Do not drive on a flat tire. Your vehicle’s wheel or axle could be damaged, both of which are costly repairs.
2. If you experience a flat, move to a safe place as soon as possible, either to the side of the road in Pearland or into a place off of the road entirely.
3. Turn on your hazard lights.
4. Apply the parking brake.
5. Get out of your vehicle carefully if you’re on the side of a busy road or highway.
6. If you have them, place wheel wedges under the other tires. This will keep your vehicle from rolling in case the parking brake fails (which it probably won’t).
7. Remove the wheel cover or hubcap from the flat tire.
8. Loosen the lug nuts. Your owner’s manual will tell you how to loosen the lug nuts. 
9. Use the jack to raise your vehicle. Place the jack in the right position, which you’ll see in your owner’s manual. It’s typically at a strategic point where the jack will be stable.
10. Remove the lug nuts fully. 
11. Set the lugnuts in a safe place where they won’t get lost, like in the driver’s seat or on the hubcap you just removed.
12. Remove the flat tire. It will be heavy! 
13. Set the tire aside on the ground so it won’t roll away.
14. Mount the new or spare tire. Make sure the lug nut stems align properly.
15. Tighten the lug nuts, also in the prescribed order, as shown in your owner’s manual.
16. Lower your vehicle back to the ground. 
17. Put the jack back in your trunk or cargo area.
18. Put the flat tire in your trunk or cargo area.
19. Drive to your chosen tire center to get a new tire installed!

How Often to Change Car Tires

The average lifespan of a tire is 50,000 miles under ordinary driving conditions. How often to change car tires depends on several factors based on your driving habits. Off-roading can lead to more tire wear. Driving on dirt roads also shortens a tire’s lifespan. Do you accelerate or brake suddenly? This could cause more tire wear on Pearland drives.

Tire rotations every 7,500 miles will help your treads last longer by evening out the wear. When you bring your vehicle to our service center for regular tire rotations, we’ll let you know if you need a new set of tires.

How Often to Check Tire Pressure

Check the tire pressure on your tires once a week, like when you get gas. Yes, your car has a TPMS. However, it might not detect a slow leak. Look over all four tires to see if any of them look soft.

Check the tire tread once a month. Look for uneven wear or tread that’s disappearing. If the tread wear is 2/32 of an inch or less, you’ll need new tires. 

How to Put Air in Your Tires

1. Park your vehicle by the air compressor. Make sure the hose can reach each tire.
2. Remove the cap on the tire valve of the first tire. 
3. Put the air valve cover in your pocket.
4. Check the air pressure in the tire by using your tire gauge. It’s helpful to do this at home. Warm tires can provide a false reading.
5. Use the air hose to add small air in short bursts while checking the tire gauge each time.
6. Inflate the tire to the correct air pressure as your owner’s manual states.
7. Move to the next tire.

A tire pressure gauge, attached to the air compressor or as a tool you keep in your glove box, measures the tire pressure in pounds per square inch (PSI) of air. Find the correct tire pressure for your tires in the owner’s manual or on the permanent label affixed to the frame of the driver’s door. 

How Many Miles Can You Go on a Spare Tire?

Spare tires are rated to go around 50 miles once you put one on. Never drive over 50 mph on a spare tire. You’ll want to get to a tire center ASAP for a full-size replacement.

Outstanding Tire Service at Big Star Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram Fiat Clear Lake

Is your vehicle ready for new tires or a tire rotation? Contact us or call 281-800-5282, and we’ll care for you. Our service specials can make your next vehicle maintenance less expensive.