CHANGE A TIRE IN 10 STEPS

A flat tire is one of the biggest inconveniences you can experience on the road. Perhaps you need to pick up your kids at their grandparents’ place in Cedar, but you are in St. George or farther – Mesquite! If you don't have your cell phone handy to call a tow truck or aren't up for waiting, here's what to do.


Before you start:
Make sure to consult your vehicle owner's guide for details specific to your car or truck, such as the location of the spare and jack kit. Also, be aware of your surroundings. If you do not feel safe, do not hesitate to call the local police for help.
1.Remove the spare tire and jack from your vehicle. Check the inflation level of your spare - if its pressure is too low, you'll either need to find a place where you can inflate it or call a tow truck.

2.Your jack kit should include a tire iron for removing the lug nuts. Use it to loosen the lug nuts on the flat tire, but don't remove them yet. If you need to use a lot of force to get them loose, you don't ever want to do it while the vehicle is already jacked up.

3.Block the other tires to make sure the vehicle doesn't roll.

4.Raise the corner with the flat tire high enough off the ground to put the spare tire on. You should always avoid raising the vehicle any higher than you need to.

5.Finish removing the lug nuts from the flat tire and pull it off.

6.Put the spare tire on the vehicle.

7.Replace the lug nuts, but don't tighten them yet.

8.Lower the vehicle by turning the jack in reverse.

9.Tighten the lug nuts. After a few turns, rotate clockwise to tighten the next lug nut. Repeat this process until each lug nut is securely in place.

10.Stop by St. George Ford Quick Lane Tire for a replacement tire as soon as you can. If you have to use highways to get there, keep your vehicle under 55 mph and use your hazard lights. Most spare tires are not designed to handle high speeds for long periods of time.