Having proper tire pressure is one of the most important things you need to think about as you drive your car. Especially as we head into the spring, you’ll need to keep an eye on your tire pressure (hotter roads will impact your tire pressure). We recommend that you check your tire pressure every 1,000 miles, every other gas fill-up or at least once a month.

If you do not have proper tire pressure, you run the risk of having a tire blow out, which can cause a serious accident. You also run the risk of having a flat. Having a flat tire is not only dangerous, but it also requires that you know how to change a tire or how to contact someone that can change it for you.

Here are some things that you need to know about changing a tire that you should know:

Get Out of the Road

If you have a flat tire or a tire blow out because of improper tire pressure, the first thing you need to think about is safely steering your car out of the road. Pull off to the side of the road as far as possible. If you can, turn into a parking lot or side street. If you are not able to get out of the road, you run the risk of having your car hit by another car. In such a case, get out of your car and wait for help by the side of the road. Do not try to change your tire in traffic.

Park Your Car

If you are able to get to a safe location and are going to try to change your tire on your own, put your car in park. Engage the parking gear.

Access Your Tools

Your car should come with some tools that will help you change your tire. These tools include the spare tire (which is smaller than a normal tire and should only last for about 50 miles), a jack, and tire iron.

Hoist Your Car

Safely raise your car using the jack. Be sure that the jack is on a solid surface of the car and not on the flexible part of the body (such as the door).

Loosen Lug Nuts and Remove Tire

Loosen all of the lug nuts and safely remove the tire. Put the tire in our truck so that it does not roll away.

Replace Tire

Replace your tire with your spare tire and tighten lug nuts. Lower your car. Replace your spare tire with a new tire as soon as possible.

By regularly checking your tire pressure, you will remove many of the causes of blown tires, flats, and other tire-related hazards. Stop in anytime to have one of our trained technicians inspect your tires today.