How Do You Change Your Tires?

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Knowing how to change your tires can not only save you money, it can keep you from being stranded during your Florence, KY commute throughout the Cincinnati metro. Follow the steps below for instructions on how to safely change your tires, and then keep reading to learn about checking for adequate tread, as well as when it’s time to call in the professionals at Tom Gill Chevrolet for flat tire replacement.

1. Get the car to a flat, stable place away from traffic.
2. Turn on your flashers and set the parking brake.
3. Place large heavy objects such as bricks, rocks, or wheel chocks in front of and behind the rear wheels.
4. Retrieve your jack and spare tire from its storage space.
5. Place the jack under the car on the side of the flat tire that needs replacement. Make sure the jack is beneath the metal frame and not the plastic fascia.
6. Raise that jack just until it is supporting the weight of the car but not lifting it.
7. Remove the hubcap careful to avoid damaging the tabs that connect it to the wheel.
8. Loosen the nuts.
9. Raise the car a bit more until the tire is off the ground.
10. Remove the nuts.
11. Remove the tire.
12. Place the spare tire on the hub, careful to align the bolt holes.
13. Hand tighten the bolts until they no longer turn.
14. Lower the car until the tire just rests on the ground.
15. Tighten the nuts with as much force as you can.
16. Lower the car the rest of the way and remove the jack.
17. Tighten the nuts again.
18. Replace the hubcap.
19. Put the jack and old tire back in their storage space.
20. Make an appointment to have your tire inspected and repaired or replaced.

The procedure could be slightly different if you’re replacing winter tires, snow tires or oversized tires. If you find yourself in unsafe conditions or without the necessary equipment, stay in your vehicle and call for roadside assistance.

How Do I Perform a Tire Tread Test?

To avoid being stranded on the side of the road, make sure you’re driving with the right tire size, ensure proper air pressure with a good tire pressure gauge, and regularly perform a tire tread test to inspect your tires for excess wear. The simplest way to do this is with a tire penny test. Just place the coin in the tread with Abe’s head upside down and facing you. If you can see his scalp, it’s time to shop for new tires.

Let Tom Gill Chevrolet’s Service Department Help You with Flat Tire Replacement, Tire Rotations and More!

Your tires are one of your car’s most important safety systems. Inspect and rotate them regularly to keep them in top shape longer. Buy your new vehicle from Tom Gill Chevrolet and get free tire rotations for as long as you own it. Even if you bought it someplace else, we offer special pricing and service coupons to help you save on the maintenance your car needs. To learn more, contact the service department at Tom Gill Chevrolet at 859-371-7566 or visit us at 7830 Commerce Drive in Florence, KY, just a short trip from Covington.