One of the most important skills that you can have as a driver is knowing how to handle simple service tasks. While you don’t need to reach the level of expertise of the certified Acura technicians at our Acura service center, knowing how to change a flat tire is a helpful skill in a variety of situations. The team at Acura of Sherman Oaks is happy to provide a helpful guide.
Setup and Initial Steps
The moment you realize that you have a flat tire, find a flat, stable surface that’s as far away from traffic as possible. Turn on your hazard lights and set the parking brake to prevent any accidental rolling during the tire change process. For additional stability, you can place a heavy object or wheel chock behind the tire opposite the flat. Locate your spare, jack, and lug wrench and prepare to get started.
The Wheel Exchange
A flat tire can happen when you least expect it, but knowing the right steps can help you get back on the road safely and with confidence. Here are the steps to follow:
- Use the lug wrench to loosen the lug nuts in a star pattern while the tire is still on the ground
- Position the jack under the vehicle’s reinforced frame point and raise the vehicle until the flat tire clears the pavement
- Remove the damaged tire and mount the spare tire in its place
- Hand-tighten the lug nuts as much as possible before lowering the vehicle
- Lower the jack until the vehicle is back on the ground
- Fully tighten the lug nuts with the wrench in a star pattern to help ensure the wheel is secure
Get Professional Towing and Acura Service in Sherman Oaks, PA
If you are uncomfortable with performing the tire change yourself, we recommend calling the Acura of Sherman Oaks service center for a tow. Our technicians will assess the damage to determine if a full tire replacement is needed. We can even install a completely new set, so don’t wait — schedule your appointment today!