How to Change a Flat Tire: The Right Tools and the Right Method

March 22nd, 2018 by

Car with flat tire sitting in a parking lot

How to change a flat tire – it’s knowledge all drivers should have, and yet it’s a skill frequently spurned. That’s okay. Every driver should know how to be prepared on the road. Let’s go ahead and learn about:

  • The Right Gear
  • The Right Method

The Right Gear

Firstly, have these items in your car:

  • Jack
  • Lug Wrench
  • Fully Inflated Spare Tire
  • Owner’s Manual

Misplaced them? Never issued them in the first place? Pick up new ones, making sure the spare is regularly inflated to your manufacturer’s recommended PSI.

You’ll also want the following on-hand:

  • Flashlight
  • Rain Poncho
  • 2″x6” Wood to Secure the Jack
  • Gloves
  • Wheel Wedges

The Right Method

Okay, now onto the good stuff:

  1. Bring your vehicle to a safe location. Slow down and pick out a level, straight stretch of road with a wide shoulder
  2. Turn on your hazard lights before getting out.
  3. Apply the parking brake, even on level ground, to prevent rolling.
  4. Apply the wheel wedges. They go in front of the front tires when you’re changing a rear tire or behind the rear tires when you’re changing at the front.
  5. Place the jack beneath the frame. Look for a section of exposed metal, and follow the instructions in your owner’s manual.
  6. Place a small cut of 2×6” wood beneath the jack to prevent it settling, then start to lift. Remember never to place any part of your body under the vehicle.
  7. Unscrew the lug nuts – once loose, it’s easy to unscrew them by hand.
  8. Remove the flat by gripping the treads and pulling gently towards you. Set it on its side to prevent rolling.
  9. Mount the spare on the lug nuts, then tighten them by hand until they are all on.
  10. Lower the vehicle slightly and tighten the lug nuts with a wrench
  11. Bring the vehicle to the ground
  12. Replace the hubcap. It may not fit – if so, stow it with your flat.
  13. Check the pressure of the spare to make sure it’s safe to drive on.
  14. Drive to a service center. Remember, spares are meant to be temporary and shouldn’t be driven at high speeds.

Need Any Further Advice? Simply Contact Acura of Ocean

Whether talking to our finance department or visiting our service department we’re always here to help. Don’t hesitate to contact us today if you’d like to find out more about vehicle maintenance, like when you should get your oil changed, or come visit us at our dealership in Ocean today!

Service Specials

acura brakes

Brakes Special

Expires: December 31, 2019
Winter Brake Special

20% OFF BRAKES.
Our Acura-Trained Technicians:

  • Replace pads and resurface rotors.
  • Inspect front and rear disc and calipers.
  • Inspect brake lines and hoses.
  • Inspect master cylinder.
  • Brembo Brakes and rotor replacement extra.
  • Regular price $289.00 per axle.

Not to be combined with any other discount. Plus tax where applicable. Present coupon at time of write-up. Hazardous disposal fees, if any, are extra.

Contact UsSchedule ServicePrint Coupon
Putting Tire on Car

TIRE SPECIAL

Expires: December 31, 2019

BUY 3 TIRES AND GET THE 4TH FOR FREE

Program only valid when mounting and balancing 4 tires. Mount, balance, and alignment extra. Discount not valid with any other offer. Must present coupon at time of purchase. Limit one coupon per person. Coupon does not apply to prior purchases. Tax and installation additional.

Contact UsSchedule ServicePrint Coupon

Detail Special

Expires: December 31, 2019
$40 off Vehicle Detail

Get $40 off vehicle detail.  Detail includes:

  • Remove all road dirt, grime and steam clean engine
  • Prep vehicle surface by using clay bar
  • Machine application and removal of compound to eliminate scratches
  • Hand application of sealer to restore oils to paint
  • Hand application of wax, with machine removal and buffing, followed by hand buffing and detailing
  • Shampooing all rugs and cloth areas; treating all vinyl & leather area, sealing all rubber areas
  • Cleaning all glass and chrome areas
Contact UsSchedule ServicePrint Coupon

Alignment Special

Expires: December 31, 2019
$10 off alignment

To maintain the handling you value, we will:

  • Use computerized equipment to adjust your Acura.
  • Adjust tire air pressures; inspect suspension, tires and wheels.
  • Adjust front and rear tires.
  • Road test for quality control.
  • Provide you with a computerized printout.

Regular Price: $109.95

Prices may vary by model. Not to be combined with any other discounts. Plus tax where applicable. Hazardous disposal fee, if any, are extra. Present coupon at time of write-up.

Contact UsSchedule ServicePrint Coupon

Winter Battery Special

Expires: December 31, 2019
$15 off Battery Replacement

Worried About Your Battery?

Our experts will put your mind at ease.

  • Install an Acura Genuine Battery.
  • Clean cables and inspect alternator belt.
  • Check charging system performance.
  • This offer includes a discount on our 100-month battery.

Prices may vary by model.  Not to be combined with any other discounts. Plus tax where applicable. Hazardous disposal fee, if any, are extra. Present coupon at time of write-up.

Contact UsSchedule ServicePrint Coupon
timing belt

$200 Off Timing Belt Special

Expires: December 31, 2019
$200 off Timing Belt Package

$200 off Timing Belt package. Timing Belt package includes:

  • Replace timing belt
  • Replace drive belts
  • Replace water pump
  • Replace timing belt tensioner
  • Replace coolant
  • Spark Plugs
  • Multi-Point Inspection
  • Car Wash and Vacuum
  • Complimentary Loaner Car

Coupon not valid with any other offer. Must present coupon at time of purchase. Limit one coupon per person. Coupon does not apply to prior purchases. Regular price between $1050 - $1650 depending on vehicle. Call for more information.

Contact UsSchedule ServicePrint Coupon

More from Acura of Ocean

  • Best Mexican Restaurants Near Ocean Township, NJ

    We don’t lack for great restaurants, but why not make every day Taco Tuesday with these Mexican restaurants near Red Bank? Whether you’ve been relaxing at the beach or you’re coming home from a long day at work, these casual Mexican restaurants offer a fun way to refuel and relax.  Contact Us Taco-Tastic Named one of…

    Read More

  • Italian Restaurants in Freehold, NJ

    Italian restaurants in Freehold, NJ can hit the spot whether you’re looking to indulge in fine dining or fancy a simple slice of pizza. If pressed, just a few of our favorite places would have to include: Lemon Mediterranean Restaurant La Cipollina Federici’s Pizzeria Dusal’s Italian Restaurant Solo Trattoria We’re here to tell you what…

    Read More

  • 2019 Acura MDX Interior Features

    The 2019 Acura MDX is an affordable SUV sporting luxurious interior features like heated seats and Tri-Zone Automatic Climate Control, and you can find yours at Acura of Ocean. Learn more about the SUV’s sound system, climate control features, and seating options before you visit us in Red Bank for a test drive in one of our various…

    Read More

Posted in Acura Models, Service