It can be very annoying to have a flat tyre, especially if you’re driving and there isn’t someone nearby to help you immediately. But knowing how to change a flat tyre on your own is a useful skill that can help you avoid wasting money and time or aggravating yourself while you wait for help to arrive.
In this detailed tutorial, we’ll lead you through the entire process of fixing a flat tyre, giving you the information and assurance to handle changing a tyre. All set to take on that flat tyre? Remind yourself—you can succeed! However, if you run into trouble, a mobile auto mechanic is only a phone call away, including Mobile Mechanic Adelaide, who’s ready to assist you.
Signs That Your Tyre Is Still Repairable
- The sidewall is not where the puncture is; it is in the tread.
- The diameter of the puncture is only ½ of an inch.
- The distance between the puncture and the shoulder is at least one inch.
- When the tyre was flat, you didn’t drive very far.
- You drove on an underinflated tyre for a considerable amount of time.
Step-By-Step Guide On How To Change Flat Tyre
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to change a flat tyre:
1. Safety Should Be The First Priority
Ensure you get to a safe place without risk to you or other drivers before mobile tyre fitting. You can stay safe without harming the wheel rim by moving away from oncoming traffic and other hazards by travelling 100 metres on a deflated tyre.
To jack up the car, locate a firm, level surface. Check that the handbrake is engaged, put the car in gear if it has an automatic transmission, and switch on the danger lights to alert other cars before you take off. It is never appropriate to replace a tyre facing traffic.
Never, ever get underneath an automobile that is jack-supported. If possible, position a shock behind and in front of the tyre on the opposing side of the vehicle, such as a block or piece of wood. You can now begin tire change without fear.
2. Find The Lug Nuts And Loosen Them
Once your car is safely parked, remove the lug nuts from the flat tyre using the lug wrench. To stop the tyre from spinning, you must do this while it is still on the ground. Any mobile car mechanic in Adelaide would suggest loosening the nuts with the wrench by turning it counterclockwise but do not take them remove them. Jack Up Your Car:
Next, find your car’s designated jack points. Check your owner’s manual if you don’t know where these are. After positioning the jack beneath the car, raise it until the flat tyre is raised off the ground. For tyres fitted at home, raise the car enough so there is room beneath for the spare tyre.
4. Remove and Replace the Flat Tyre
Now that the car is safely elevated, you may take the lug nuts off. You’ll need them later, so store them somewhere safe. Grasp the flat tyre firmly and gently raise it from the hub to remove it cautiously. Set the flat tyre aside and look for any debris or damage on the wheel well.
5. Check For Damage
Look for any evidence of damage on the wheel and hub assembly before the tyre change. Check for cracks, bends, or missing lug nuts. Additionally, look for any obvious problems with the braking calliper and rotor. For additional help, it’s advisable to get in touch with a professional if you see any noticeable damage.
6. Install The Spare Tyre
After the examination, you can now put on the spare tyre and the wheel is completely clear of debris. Gently insert the spare tyre into its designated spot by aligning its holes with the wheel studs on the hub. To avoid cross-threading, manually thread the lug nuts back on when the spare tyre is flush against the hub. If all this seems like a hassle, seek same-day tyre fitting service from a professional auto shop.
7. Tighten The Lug Nuts
Tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern with the lug wrench. This technique makes the pressure distribution uniform, and the wheel is kept from wobbling. Once the lug nuts are snug, proceed to tighten them more, but do not overtighten at this point. Following the vehicle’s return to the ground, you will complete the tightening procedure for the mobile tyre change.
8. Lower The Car
Carefully lower the jack once the spare tyre contacts the ground but does not support the entire car weight. Using the lug wrench, completely tighten the nuts while the car is slightly lowered. To ensure correct tightness, utilise the star pattern once more. However, if things seem difficult to exhaustion, go for a car mechanic mobile service.
9. Give Some Final Touches
Once the lug nuts are firmly secured, fully descend the car to the ground. After removing the wheel chocks and jack, put the tools, jack, and flat tyre back inside your car. Ensure the spare tyre’s pressure is at the suggested level before getting on the road. If not, seek the assistance of a 24-hour mobile mechanic in Adelaide.
Repairing Your Tyre: When Is It Safe To Do So?
Whether or not it is safe to fix your tyre depends on several things. These roadside assistance tire changes can be divided into three primary groups:
- Location of the Damage: In the case of passenger tyres, puncture repairs have to be made inside the tyre’s crown. It is impossible to restore sidewall or shoulder damage.
- The Puncture’s Size: The largest repairable damage size for fabric-ply passenger and light truck tyres is ¼” (6mm). The maximum injury size for light truck, medium truck, and heavy-duty truck tyres with steel belts is 3/8″ (10mm).
- Average Tyre Condition: Whether or not it is safe to fix your tire may depend on its condition. Repairing your tyre correctly may become dangerous due to several scenarios, such as impact damage, casing separation, excessive wear, etc.
Conclusion
Every driver should be able to replace a flat tyre independently; it’s a valuable skill. You can safely handle a flat tyre problem without needing to call for emergency mobile tyre fitting help by following our step-by-step guide. Always remember that safety comes first, so take your time and ensure everything is done right.
After some experience, changing a flat tyre will come naturally to you, letting you resume driving as soon as possible. Take control of your life by learning how to change a flat tyre. If you ever need guidance, the experts at Mobile Mechanic Adelaide provide a safety net.
