For drivers, equipping car repair skills is extremely necessary. Oftentimes, you will not know what will happen on the way and not everywhere has a car repair service for you to call for help.
In this article, let’s find out how to install a spare tire. It is useful in an emergency, but it also saves you money instead of using a service when you can do it yourself at home. Scrolling down to know more!
Spare Tire Types And Usage
Types
Before learning how to use a spare tire, you should know more about its types. There are two common ones:
- Full-size matching: This one works like your wheeled one with comparable performance and operability.
It’s convenient when you can use it without going to the center to replace it with a full-size one. However, it will take up more space when stored and be more expensive.
- Compact temporary: With a shallower tread depth, it is smaller than a standard wheel, used temporarily in emergencies.
This type saves a lot of storage space at a cheaper price. However, it doesn’t have as good a performance as the one above.
Usage
As the name implies, this one is used to replace the main one whenever it is damaged or has problems. However, it is not intended for continuous use.
We recommend using a spare tire for temporary use because it only works safely over a limited distance and speed. This means you need to replace it as soon as possible.
What You Should Prepare To Install A Spare Tire?
Before learning how to put a spare tire on, the prep step is a must. These accessories and tools are necessary to finish this task smoothly:
- Fully inflated tire: Ensure it is inflated and there are no problems like deflation, puncture, etc.
- The vehicle’s manual to have more information about your car
- A car jack with a built-in wrench
- Lug wrench
In addition, depending on weather conditions, you may need more accessories such as gloves, raincoats, a flashlight, a wheel wedge, etc.
How To Put On A Spare TireÂ
Follow the steps below carefully and slowly, and you can do the DIY replacement without any obstacles.
Remove The Old One
- Once you spot a broken or deflated wheel, slow down and immediately find a safe location to park. This is a prerequisite because, for sure, no one wants to have an accident or cause an accident for others on the road.
You need to find a parking space quickly since driving with a flat one for too long can damage the rim. However, it must be noted that you need a flat and wide enough place.
- Turn on your hazard lights so others can see you parked on the side of the road. It ensures your safety and, at the same time, complies with road traffic laws.
- Apply the parking brake after finding a suitable place to prevent the car from rolling.
- Insert your wheel edge into the wheel. If you change the rear wheel, it will be on the front wheel and vice versa.
- Take out the spare tire and tools. Check to see whether it’s inflated; you’ll probably need to ask for support in case it’s deflated.
- Break loose the lug nuts with a wrench and set them aside.
- Lift your vehicle by car jack, then remove the lug nuts and flat tire when your car is off the ground.
Install The New One
- Raise the vehicle slightly higher to make it easier to fit the spare tire.
- Many people don’t know which side of the spare tire faces out. It’s advisable to leave the valve stem face outwards.
- Install the nuts in their original positions. If this one needs to be fitted with its own set of nuts, it will come with your tire.
- Lower the vehicle until the wheel touches the ground, use a wrench to tighten the installed nuts.
- Store the deflated one in the trunk or where you store the spare tire in your vehicle. Move to a car repair center for support and a thorough check.
ConclusionÂ
And we’ve revealed to you all the guidelines. Expectedly this is what you’re looking for, and it’s understandable for you to learn and apply it to a practical situation.
It would be better if you check the car’s condition regularly and the spare one. Ensure you always have one and emergency tools on board for smooth and safe rides.
