How Do You Change a Car Tire?

Whether you plan to change your tires on your own or have it done by the Valdosta Toyota service center, learning how to change a car tire is something every driver should know. This way if you ever find yourself at the side of a Albany road with a flat tire, you can repair your vehicle and get back on the road. Follow along with Valdosta Toyota as we show you how to change a car tire and when you need to have your tires changed. Then, read our service tips for more information on DIY car care.

Remember! Your new Toyota vehicle comes with ToyotaCare and includes 24/7 roadside assistance. If you need your tires changed, contact ToyotaCare roadside assistance at this number: 1-800-444-4195.

How to Change a Car Tire in Six Steps

Before you can change your car tire, you will need to have the proper tools. You can find the following tools at most Tallahassee auto stores and larger shopping centers. Once you have these tools, it’s a good idea to keep them in your trunk, so you have them in case you get a flat tire on your commute.

• Car jack
• Lug wrench
• Tire wedges
• Spare tire or new tire(s)
• Your owner’s manual

With these tools, you can begin the process of replacing the tire on your Toyota vehicle. Make sure to read the instructions over in full before starting, then take your time with each step:

1. If you’re on the side of the road near Thomasville, move to a safe place and turn on your hazard lights.
2. Wherever you are, apply the parking brake and place wheel wedges under the unaffected tires.
3. Remove the wheel cover or hubcap from the tire, then loosen the lug nuts.
4. Use the jack to raise 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.

The type of tire you install on your vehicle will determine your next steps. If you’ve installed a full-size spare tire, then you’re good to go until you have the time to replace it. If you’ve installed a small spare tire – also known as a doughnut spare – you shouldn’t drive above 50 MPH or more than 50 miles. Instead, you should make your way to the nearest tire center or Toyota service center to have a new full size spare installed.

How Often Should You Change Your Car Tires?

Like many things on your vehicle, your tires have an average lifespan and will need to be replaced after a few years. While you can lengthen the lifespan of your tires by rotating them regularly, you will still need to check your tire pressure and tread wear each month. If your tire treads are at or below 2/32 of an inch, your tires will need to be replaced. Additionally, if you’ve had your tires for six years or more, you will need to have them replaced regardless of how deep the tire tread is.

How to Put Air in Your Tires

Keeping your tires at their recommended tire pressure rating will help keep you safe on the road and also lengthen the lifespan of your tires. If you need to add air to your tires, all you need to do is follow the steps below:

1. Use an air pump at your home or visit a local gas station to access and air pump.
2. Park your vehicle by the air dispenser and ensure that the hose can reach each tire.
3. Remove the cap on the tire valve of the first tire.
4. Check the air pressure in the tire by using your tire gauge. It’s helpful to do this at home, even if you head to the gas station to fill your tires, because tires can heat up when you drive and cause the air inside to expand. This can provide a false reading.
5. Use the air hose to add small amounts of air in short bursts while checking the tire gauge each time.

Remember to keep checking your tire pressure gauge to ensure you have the right amount of air. Having too little or too much air pressure will negatively affect your vehicle’s performance.

Find Tire Care at Valdosta Toyota

If it’s time for a new set of tires, or you’re not comfortable changing your tires on your own, let the team at Valdosta Toyota help! You can schedule a service appointment online to have your tires inspected and rotated, and you can take advantage of our service specials to save on your next visit. Come to our Valdosta service center today. We look forward to helping you keep your Toyota running for mile after mile!