Sometimes driving around Omaha can be unpredictable, and whether you get a flat during an errand or you’re preparing for a seasonal tire swap, learning how to change a tire can come in handy! But, how do you change a car tire properly? It’s not as difficult as you might think, but you’ll need the right tools and techniques to get the job done. Learn all about common tire care questions, like how often to change car tires, and care for your car like a pro with help from Sid Dillon Chevrolet Fremont.

How to Change a Tire

Before you get started learning how to change a tire, it’s important to get your supplies in place. You’ll need a jack and lug wrench, along with your owner’s manual. Once you have everything, follow these steps:

1. Find a safe place to work. If you’re on the road and get a flat, be sure to move to the side of the road and turn your hazards on. If you’re in your own garage in Columbus, make sure you won’t be interrupted.
2. Apply your parking brake and place wheel wedges under every tire except the one you’re currently changing.
3. Remove the hubcap or wheel cover and loosen the lug nuts, but don’t remove them completely.
4. Raise your vehicle using the jack and remove all lug nuts on your wheel.
5. Pull off the old tire and replace it with the new tire or spare tire.
6. Tighten the lug nuts, and lower the car to the ground
7. Double-check to make sure your lug nuts are fully tightened.
8. Repeat as needed.

How Often to Change Car Tires

Many Blair customers also ask us how often to change car tires. The answer will depend on your driving habits and maintenance. If you keep up with your tire rotations and alignments, you’ll probably get the full mileage out of your set before replacing your tires. If you neglect maintenance, you might find that your tire tread wears down faster than you wanted. Plus, if you put your tires through strenuous towing or off-roading adventures, expect to change your tires earlier.

What if you’re driving on a spare tire? A spare tire is not like a regular tire, and it’s made to get you out of an emergency situation. Most spare tires can’t drive distances longer than 50 miles or operate at speeds higher than 50 mph. After that, your performance and safety are compromised – so be sure to swap out your tire as soon as possible!

Schedule Your Next Maintenance Visit at Sid Dillon Chevrolet Fremont

Whether you need to buy a new set of tires or schedule that tire rotation, Sid Dillon Chevrolet Fremont is here to help with all of your tire care needs. Contact us with questions about your car, and our technicians can give you personalized advice for your make and model.

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