How Do You Change a Car Tire?

Whether you’re a newer driver on Rumson roads, or you frequently travel around Eatontown and surrounding areas, knowing how to change a tire is an important skill to have. From flat tires to worn down treads, it’s always best to be prepared in an instance when your vehicle’s tires need to be replaced. Although, you’re probably wondering, “how do you change a car tire?” Read this helpful guide by the service experts here at Land Rover Monmouth to learn how to change car tires, how often to change car tires, as well as how to maintain them. 

How to Change Land Rover Tires

Before you commence changing your tires, you’ll need a few tools to get the job done: 

a jack, lug wrench, spare tire or new tire(s), and your owner’s manual. Once you have the necessary equipment, changing your car tires is pretty easy process: 

1. If you’re on the side of a Colts Neck road, make sure that you’re in a safe spot and turn on your hazard lights. 
2. Apply the parking brake and place wheel wedges under the other tires.
3. Remove the wheel cover or hubcap from the tire, then loosen the lug nuts.
4. Use the jack to raise your vehicle and remove the lug nuts.
5. Remove the current tire and mount the new or spare tire.
6. Tighten the lug nuts, then lower your vehicle back to the ground.

How Often Should You Change Car Tires?

Drivers often ask how often they should change their tires, and this ultimately depends on how often the tires are rotated and how well the tires are made. If you perform tire rotations regularly, you should expect to get the full mileage promised. However, you should still check your tire pressure and tread depth consistently to be safe. If there’s significant tread wear, you’ll need to invest in new tires. To make sure that your tires hold up for the entirety of their lifespan, it’s a good idea to schedule a tire rotation when you get an oil change. 

How Do You Put Air in Tires?

If your car isn’t due for new tires, you may just need to put air in them. You can always use a personal air pump but if you don’t own one, local gas stations typically have a pump that drivers can use. Follow these steps to put air in your tires:

1. Park your car by the air dispenser, and make sure that it’s close enough so that the hose can reach each tire.
2. Remove the cap on the tire valve of the first tire. 
3. Use your tire gauge to check the air pressure. We recommend completing this step at home prior to leaving for the gas station. Tires can heat up when you drive and cause the air inside to expand. This can result in a false reading.
4. Use the air hose to add small amounts of air in short bursts. Make sure that you’re checking the tire gauge each time. 

How Many Miles Can You Drive on a Spare Tire?

If you put a spare tire on your vehicle, the last thing you want to do is cruise around Red Bank for an extended period of time. Spare tires are not made to be driven on for very long distances–typically no more than 50 miles–and you should never drive on them at high speeds. Your spare tire will make note of its specific limits, but most recommend staying below 50 mph. 

Visit Land Rover Monmouth for Excellent Tire Care

Don’t feel comfortable changing tires by yourself? Schedule service at our service center where our expert technicians can take care of it for you. Also, be sure to browse our service specials to keep your vehicle maintained for a great price.