How to Change a Tire

It could be a flat tire or tire threads that have worn down too much, either way you’re going to need new tires. In each case, knowing how to change a tire is important. Rather than waiting on the side of the road in Woodbury, or driving on severely worn out threads in St. Paul, knowing how to do this is paramount.

Below, the Mauer Chevrolet service center explores all aspects of tire repair and maintenance. When it’s over, you’ll be able to answer the question, how often to change car tires?

Changing Your Chevrolet Tires

In order to handle changing your Chevrolet tires, it’s more than just asking, “How to change a car tire.” You need the right tools, including a jack, lug wrench, spare tire or new tire (s), alongside your owner’s manual. Replacing your car’s tire, even if it’s a truck or SUV, is a simple process:

1. If you’re on the side of the road near Eagan, move to a safe spot and turn on your vehicle’s hazard lights.
2. Wherever you are, apply the parking brake and wheel wedges under the other vehicle tires.
3. Remove the wheel cover or hubcap from the tire, then loosen the lug nuts.
4. Use the jack to raise your vehicle up and remove the lug nuts.
5. Remove the current tire and mount the new and/or spare tire.
6. Tighten up the lug nuts, then lower your vehicle back down to the ground.

How Often Should You Change Car Tires?

It’s one thing to change your tire when it’s flat, it’s another to wonder how often to change car tires. This depends on how often you rotate your vehicle’s tires. If they’re frequently rotated, you can get the full promised mileage, yet checking your tire pressure and tread on a regular basis can help.

If the tread wear is too severe, you’re going to have to get new tires. To make sure your tires last for a long time, you should probably schedule a tire rotation alongside an oil change.

How to Put Air in Your Tires

Perhaps it’s not a tire rotation or replacement, maybe your tires just need a little air. If you don’t have an air pump at home or in your car, stop by a local service station and use the one they have. Here’s how to do this:

• Park your vehicle next to the air dispenser and ensure that the hose will reach each tire.
• Remove the cap on the tire valve of the first tire you plan to fill.
• Check the air pressure in the tire by using your tire gauge. It’s helpful to do this while at home, even if you’re heading to the gas station, because tires will heat up while you’re driving and cause the air inside them to expand. This leads to a false reading.
• Use the air hose to pump small amounts of air in short bursts while checking the tire gauge each time you do.

Always check the tire gauge to make sure you hit the right amount of pressure as it’s being done. For most drivers, it’s nearly impossible to do it right the first time around.

How Many Miles Can You Go on a Spare Tire?

If you have to put a spare tire on, you’re going to need to get a permanent tire replacement as soon as possible. Spare tires are not designed to last and few will go longer than 50 miles, coupled with not being able to drive at fast speeds. Many spare tires list their specific limits, yet most will indicate staying below 50 mph.

The Mauer Chevrolet Service Center Helps With Your Tire Needs

If you’re still not comfortable changing a tire on your own, or have more questions about how to change a tire, Mauer Chevrolet can help. Call us at (651) 356-6090, or fill out our contact form. You can get your battery and brakes checked, along with taking advantage of our service offers. We look forward to helping you with your tires and more!