Learning how to change a tire is almost as important as knowing how to drive your car in the first place. We at McGrath Kia created the following tire change guide to help get you back on the road and back to life in Iowa City or Cedar Rapids -- before visiting our service team for a fresh set of tires!
Change Your Tire in Six Steps
To change a tire correctly and safely, you need the following tools: a lug wrench, jack, and wheel wedges. You also need your owner's manual for tire information specific to your make and model and (unsurprisingly) a spare or new tire. The tire change steps are as follows:
- Move to a safe location if you can, but if you are on the side of the road in Cedar Rapids or Center Point, do your best to pull your car as far from traffic as possible.
- Apply the parking brake and put wheel wedges under the tires you are not changing once you are in a safe area. A few blocks of wood can do in a pinch.
- Remove the flat or damaged tire's wheel cover and loosen its lug nuts.
- Raise your vehicle to a comfortable level using the jack, then remove the lug nuts.
- Take off the current tire and mount the spare or new tire.
- Tighten the lug nuts so the wheel doesn't wobble before lowering your vehicle back down with the jack.
- Finish tightening the lug nuts, put your things away, and head on your way.
If you use a spare to change your flat or damaged tire, note that it is a temporary remedy only. Spare tires are not designed for usage beyond 50 miles, nor are they meant for driving above 50 miles per hour.
Proper Tire Care Can Prevent a Flat
How Often Should You Change Car Tires?
Wondering how often to change car tires? It depends on factors such as:
- How frequently you schedule tire rotation services
- Tire quality
- The type of terrain you normally navigate in Cedar Rapids and elsewhere
Routine tire rotation is one of the most important things you can do to extend these auto parts' working lives. On most vehicles, front tires do the brunt of the turning, so they wear down quicker than back tires. Without timely rotation services, your front tires will wear thin and could blow out. Even if they just wear out faster, you could find yourself with an unexpected flat tire!
Schedule Tire Rotation Services Today
Now you know how to change a tire and how often to change car tires! If it is time to rotate your tires or request other tire services, send a message online or call us at (319) 383-7855. We are here to keep you safe on the road! Don't forget to review our latest service specials and discount packages, and visit our parts department if you need anything replaced! Click over to our tire department for signs calling for tire replacement!
We look forward to working with you!