How to change your vehicle tire by yourself after a sudden breakdown

Ever had the feeling that it would have helped you considerably had you known how to change tires after a sudden breakdown by the side of the road? Yes, it is a life-saving skill and it would help you considerably well in life if you acquire it. While emergency car tire services will serve you to some extent, they cannot do so all the time and being stranded in the middle of the road at night with a flat tire can only be called a nightmare. 

 Know how to change a car tire all by yourself by adhering to these simple guidelines: 

·         Let’s start with the things that you’ll need to change a tire. Your vehicle should have a hydraulic jack, wheel chocks, lug wrench, a spare tire, a portable inflator and a manual for changing tires. Other than these, also keep a flashlight with working batteries, Wheel wedges, gloves, rain poncho etc.

·         Make sure to find a safe place to park. It could be a stranded parking lot or just by the side of the road. Just make sure it’s level ground

·         Next, turn on your hazard lights to make sure other drivers get your signal

·         Apply the parking brake

·         Insert wheel chocks in front or behind tires to keep the vehicle from rolling. If you are changing your rear tire, then keep them in front of the front ones and vice versa

·         In case you have a near-flat tire but can still make use of it, you can use a portable inflator. These are designed to be carried in the back of your car and used to inflate flat tires

·         Remove the hubcap or wheel cover. Just use the flat end of your lug wrench to remove it

·         Loosen the lug nuts but don’t completely remove them

·         Place the hydraulic jack under the vehicle

·         Raise the vehicle with the jack (about six inches from the ground)

·         Now, unscrew the lug nuts

·         Now, gently grip the tire by the treads and pull it towards yourself until it’s free from the hub behind it

·         Next, place the spare tire on the hub by lining up the rim with the lug bolts

·         Tighten the lug nuts, lower the vehicle and tighten the lug nuts again

·         Next, lower the vehicle completely and check the lug nuts again

·         Replace the hubcap and there you go, you are done!