Learn how to change a flat tire like a pro!

Do you know how to change a flat tire? It’s a pretty basic driving skill, and it can really come in handy. No one wants to be stuck on the side of the road waiting hours for a tow truck when they get a blowout or flat! That’s why our Charlotte Scion Service Center is here to give you step by step instructions on how to change a tire. You’ll be prepped and ready should the situation ever come up!

Learn how to change a flat tire, step by step!

The first thing our Charlotte Scion Service Center recommends is having all the tools you need to change a flat tire! This means you should keep a spare tire (that’s inflated and has tread) in the trunk, along with a car jack, a lug wrench, a flashlight, and a towel to kneel on in case the roads are wet!

Once you’ve assembled your tire change kit, you’re ready to actually learn how to change a flat tire. Follow our Charlotte auto service center’s step-by-step instructions to make it happen!

How to change a flat tire, step one: Pull over to the side of the road – you should look for a surface that is flat and firm, and avoid sand or mud. Put the car in park and turn on your hazard lights!

How to change a flat tire, step two: Next, you’ll want to loosen the lug nuts on your damage tire! Our Charlotte Scion Service techs recommend doing this BEFORE you jack the car up so you have more leverage. However, just loosen them – don’t remove them just yet!

How to change a flat tire, step three: The third step is to jack your car up. Make sure you place the jack in a structurally sound spot – our auto service techs in Charlotte can show you the exact spot that works for your ride. Jack your car up six to eight inches!

How to change a flat tire, step four: Next, remove the lug nuts and put them in a safe spot. Then, pull the tire off. Our Charlotte auto service techs recommend pulling it straight off the car and be careful… it’s heavy!

How to change a flat tire, step five: Now it’s time to put the spare tire on. Slide it on and put the lug nuts back on, tightening them. Jack your car back down so it’s resting fully on all four tires!

How to change a flat tire, step six: Finally, tighten the lug nuts on the spare tire so they’re nice and tight. Remember, you’re going to drive to our Scion Service Center in Charlotte to get a replacement tire, so you need things to be secure. ALSO remember, spare tires aren’t meant for long distances or high speeds, so be careful on your ride in!