How to Change a Tire

If you’re driving down the Russell Springs, KY roads and encounter a flat tire or worn treads, you might want to replace the tires yourself. Therefore, knowing how to change a tire is a critical skill to have if you’re a vehicle owner. This will save you the time waiting on the side of the road for help around Lexington, or driving on tires with worn tread. Let’s take a look at how to change a tire with the experts at the Don Franklin Auto service center! For more information, feel free to contact us anytime!

Changing Your Tires Yourself

In order to change a tire around Russell Springs, KY, you need to have the correct tools for the job. These include a jack, lug wrench, spare tire or new tires, and of course, your owner’s manual. Learning how to change a tire is very easy, and can be done in just a few simple steps:

1. Be sure to move to a safe place and turn on your hazard lights to make sure you can safely change your tire.
2. Make sure you 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 lift 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?

So, now you might be wondering how often to change car tires. It really depends on your maintenance cycle, and how often they are rotated. It is recommended that you rotate your tires regularly, and if you stay on a regular rotation cycle, you will be able to significantly extend the lifespan of your tires. However, you should always be sure to check both the tread wear and tire pressure to make sure you are getting the most efficiency possible. To make sure you are properly caring for your tires, it’s recommended that you receive a tire rotation when you change your oil.

How to Put Air in Your Tires

Putting air in your tires is a relatively simple task, which can be done using your own air pump if you’re at home, or a local gas station if you’re on the road. Follow these steps to properly inflate your tires:

• Park your vehicle by the air dispenser and ensure that the hose can reach each tire.
• Remove the cap on the tire valve of the first tire.
• Use your tire gauge to check the air pressure on each tire. It’s best to do this before you leave home, as the air inside will expand as the tire heats up, providing you with an inaccurate reading.
• Add small amounts of air in short bursts with the air hose, and check the tire gauge each time.

It’s important to constantly check the tire gauge until you reach the correct air pressure. This usually takes a few tries to get the recommended pressure. 

How Many Miles Can You Go on a Spare Tire?

How many miles you can go on a spare tire depends on the type of spare that is included with your vehicle. A full-size spare can likely last a while, while a space-saver tire, or “donut” should be used no more than 50 miles, and at speeds of less than 50 mph. 

Schedule Service With Don Franklin Auto Today!

Now that you know how to change a tire, you know how critical it is to make sure that you rotate them often and keep a regular maintenance schedule. If you need a tire rotation, repair, or an entirely new set, schedule service with the experts at Don Franklin Auto today! Be sure to use our service specials to save big on your next tire service near Somerset, KY! For more automotive maintenance tips, check out our website!