The Safe Way to Change a Tire (Avoid Mistakes!)

How to Change a Tire: A Step-by-Step Guide by Calderon’s Tires in San Jose, CA

At Calderon’s Tires in San Jose, we know that a flat tire can happen when you least expect it. Whether you're driving on the freeway or around town, it's important to know how to change a tire quickly and safely. With a few essential tools and the right approach, you can handle the situation with ease. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you change a tire like a pro:

Tools You'll Need:

Before you start, make sure you have the following items in your car:

• A spare tire (make sure it's properly inflated)
• A jack
• A lug wrench
• A wheel wedge or chock
• A flashlight (if it's dark)
• A tire pressure gauge (optional)

1. Prepare Your Vehicle

Before you even touch the tire, it's crucial to ensure your safety. Here’s what you should do:

• Park in a Safe Location: Find a flat, stable surface away from traffic. If you're on the road, turn on your hazard lights.
• Apply the Parking Brake: This will prevent your car from rolling while you're working on it.
• Place Wheel Wedges: If you're changing a tire on the front of the car, place the wheel wedges behind the rear tires to ensure stability.

2. Loosen the Lug Nuts

• Use the Lug Wrench: Take the lug wrench and turn the lug nuts counterclockwise to loosen them. You don’t need to remove them entirely at this point—just break the initial resistance. If they’re too tight, use your body weight to apply extra pressure.
• Remember to Loosen in a Star Pattern: Loosen the lug nuts in a star or crisscross pattern to ensure even pressure on the tire.

3. Lift the Car with the Jack

• Position the Jack: Find the correct jacking point on your vehicle—refer to your owner's manual for the exact location. Usually, this is just behind the front tires or just in front of the rear tires.
• Raise the Car: Use the jack to lift the vehicle off the ground. The tire should be a few inches above the ground, allowing you enough space to remove it.

4. Remove the Flat Tire

• Take Off the Lug Nuts: Now that the car is lifted, remove the lug nuts completely. Keep them in a safe place, as you’ll need them for the spare tire.
• Remove the Flat Tire: Gently pull the flat tire off the wheel hub and set it aside. Be careful when handling it, as it may be heavier than you think.

5. Install the Spare Tire

• Align the Spare Tire: Take the spare tire and line it up with the wheel bolts. Push the tire into place, making sure it sits securely on the hub.
• Tighten the Lug Nuts: Start threading the lug nuts by hand to ensure they go on evenly. Then, use the lug wrench to tighten them in a star pattern, just like you did when loosening the nuts. Make sure they’re snug but don’t over-tighten them at this point.

6. Lower the Car and Tighten the Lug Nuts

• Lower the Car: Slowly lower the car back to the ground using the jack. Once the tire touches the ground, remove the jack and put it back in your vehicle.
• Tighten the Lug Nuts: With the car securely on the ground, use the lug wrench to tighten the lug nuts as much as possible. Again, follow the star pattern to ensure even tightening.

7. Check the Tire Pressure

After you’ve finished changing the tire, it’s a good idea to check the pressure of your spare tire to ensure it’s properly inflated. If you don’t have a tire pressure gauge, stop by Calderon’s Tires, and we can assist you with a quick check.

8. Pack Up and Drive Safely

Once your spare is securely in place, put your tools and flat tire back in your car. You can now safely drive to a tire shop, like Calderon’s Tires in San Jose, to get your flat tire repaired or replaced.

Why It’s Important to Learn How to Change a Tire

Knowing how to change a tire is a vital skill for any driver. It not only gives you peace of mind but can also save you time and money in emergency situations. At Calderon’s Tires, we’re always ready to help you with tire maintenance, repairs, and replacements. If you’re in San Jose, stop by and let us keep your vehicle in top shape.

Need Help? Contact Calderon’s Tires

If you ever find yourself needing a tire repair, replacement, or just want to make sure your tires are in good condition, visit Calderon’s Tires in San Jose. Our team of experts is here to assist you. Whether it’s an emergency or regular tire maintenance, we’ve got you covered!



Visit Calderon’s Tires Today:

454 S Bascom Ave. San Jose, CA
(408) 297-3600

1620 Story Rd. San Jose, CA

(408) 259-2245

We hope this guide helps you feel more confident when changing your tire! Stay safe on the road, and remember—we’re always here when you need us!