Whether you’re dealing with a flat or swapping out your summer tires in Malibu, how do you change a car tire like a pro? Though changing your tires may take some time and effort, it’s a simple skill for any driver to master – and a valuable one as well! Are you searching, “how do you change a car tire” online? We have your answers!

Step By Step Instructions

Before you begin, you’ll need to have the following supplies: a jack, lug wrench, spare tire or new tire(s), and your owner’s manual. We recommend checking your vehicle periodically to make sure your equipment is in good working order and your spare tire is inflated properly. This can save you a major headache if you run into an unexpected flat! Then, follow these steps:

• Park in a safe spot where you can work undisturbed. If you’re traveling, pull off the road and turn on your hazard lights.
• Apply the parking brake and place wheel wedges, bricks, or stones under the other tires.
• Remove the wheel cover or hubcap and loosen the lug nuts, but don’t remove them completely.
• Use your jack to lift the vehicle. Remove the lug nuts.
• Remove the old tire and put the new tire on.
• Tighten the lug nuts and lower the vehicle back to the ground. Check the lug nuts once more.

drilling tire bolts

How Many Miles Can I Get on a Spare?

If you had to change a flat tire in an emergency, don’t get too comfortable driving on your spare! You’ll need to get a replacement tire as soon as possible. While normal tires can last years and years, spare tires are usually only built to last 50 miles or so under speeds of 50 mph or less. While there is some variation, it’s still a good idea to head to the tire center at your earliest convenience.

How Often to Change Tires

Not everyone knows just how often to change tires, and the answer can vary quite a bit from driver to driver. If you keep up with tire rotations and alignments in Los Angeles, you may get a much longer lifespan out of your set than someone who neglects maintenance completely in Brentwood. We recommend checking your tire pressure and tire tread regularly to make sure your set is in good shape. And if you’re not sure if it’s time for an upgrade, feel free to request an appointment for an inspection or maintenance service at Jaguar Santa Monica Authorized Service.

Learn More with Jaguar Santa Monica Authorized Service

You know how to change a tire and how often to change tires, but do you still have questions about your car like how to remove your car battery, what do tire numbers mean or how to get smoke smell out of a car? Feel free to contact us at Jaguar Santa Monica Authorized Service for personalized recommendations.