Possibly the worst part of getting a flat tire in San Jose is that they rarely come at convenient or expected times. In an instant you can go from trying to make it to an appointment to stranded on the side of the road, and knowing how to change your own tire can make a world of difference to your day. -Here’s an easy how-to guide for the next time you hear that dreaded crunching sound.
1. Stop at a position on level ground, away from traffic; never keep driving on your flat tire, as it can cause serious damage to your car.
2. If possible, find rocks or other heavy objects to place in front or behind the wheels on the opposite end of the one you’re changing. This will keep your car from rolling once it is fully jacked up. Make sure your car is in park, and get your equipment ready.
3. Place the jack directly behind the wheel well of the tire you are changing. Most cars made in the past decade have little notches beneath the car that indicate where to position the jack. The jack is typically made to fit over the metal ridge you feel near the edge of the car, so position the jack in a stable way so that it will raise to fit there.
4. Once the jack is placed, raise the jack until it is supporting, not lifting, the car, and then use the wrench to loosen the lug nuts of the flat tire.
5. Raise the jack all the way and fully remove the lug nuts and wheel. It’s very possible that the tire is rusted on, so in this case, it’s smart to have a rubber mallet handy. If you don’t have a mallet, you can use your foot to try and kick the tire loose. Don’t use too much force, however, because if the car falls off the jack, it’s very possible that it could damage its frame.
6. Replace the flat tire with the spare tire and tighten on lug nuts with fingers. Ensure that the tire is snugly on its axle before placing the lug nuts.
7. Lower the jack until the tire is touching the ground. Tighten the lug nuts all the way with the wrench, but not all in a row. Tighten them in a star formation, going every-other so that the tire isn’t tightened on lopsided.
8. Fully remove the jack, stow away the flat tire and the tools, and you are set to go!
9. Take your damaged tire into a tire shop for a flat tire repair, which can cost as little as $15 for a minor problem. If the tire is totaled, the shop can dispose of the ripped tire for you and help you find a new tire to suit your needs.
While it can be very handy to know how to do your own flat tire change, if you don’t have the proper tools or aren’t strong enough for the task, Towing San Jose is here to help you with their exceptional 24/7 roadside assistance that will get you back on the road in no time. If you don’t have a spare or if you discover the problem is worse than just a flat tire, their professional tow truck service can help you get your car where you need before anyone else. Don’t just rely on your own tire change expertise – keep the number for Towing San Jose in case you need emergency roadside assistance!
