How to Change a Flat Tire

Posted May 26, 2015

With summer holidays quickly approaching, most Canadians will be taking a few road trips to the lake or to visit family members.

One of the most important things to remember when you’re on the road is to check your tires before you leave. Make sure that they are free of cracks and tears. Also make sure that they don’t have any foreign objects stuck in them. Before any long trips, you should also make sure that all four of your tires are filled to the required pressure. If you are unsure what they tire pressure should be set to, check the sticker on the panel on your side door. Finally, find out if your car is equipped with a spare tire. Not all vehicles have spares, but some do have run-flats, meaning you can drive on them even if the tire is flat. It is also important to check the condition of your spare tire because it can deteriorate over time.

Even if you take all these necessary precautions to prevent a flat tire, anything can happen when you’re out on the road. If you may be asking “How do I change a flat tire?” here are some simple steps to follow:

Pull over to a safe location, whether it’s a side road or the shoulder of the highway.
Turn on your hazard lights so that people know you are stopped.
Turn on your parking or emergency brake so that your car won’t move while you’re changing the tire.
Remove the hubcap on the tire, if necessary.
Use a wrench to loosen the lug nuts but do not remove them yet.
Place the car jack under the edge of the vehicle and prop it up about six inches from the ground.
Remove the lug nuts.
Grasp both sides of the tire and pull it off straight towards you.
Place the spare tire onto the vehicle.
Place the lug nuts back on and turn them by hand.
Lower the car to the ground.
Use the wrench to tighten the lug nuts.
If necessary, put your hub cap back on the tire.

Now you will be able to get to your local Integra Tire to have your tire rechecked, lug nuts retightened, and you can purchase a new spare tire.

Questions? Our Advisors are Happy to Help!

If you have questions about anything you've read in this resource page, contact your nearest dealer for more information. We are passionate in assisting our customers make the best choices to keep their vehicles in tip-top shape and keep their families safe.