Tools Needed to Change a Tire
Changing a tire is as easy as learning your ABCs! There are 3 important tools that are mandatory for changing a flat tire. You will need a jack, a lug wrench, and a spare tire.
Jack
You should always keep a jack in your automobile. Most automobiles come with a manufacturer’s manual or hydraulic jack. You should familiarize yourself with it and examine where the proper place to insert it on your vehicle. If you choose, you also have the option to purchase an electric jack. While a manual or hydraulic jack is usually more affordable or easier to find, an electric jack typically requires less effort to lift the vehicle. Be sure to use the proper jack for your vehicle as different jacks have different weight capacities.
Wrench
Once you have properly jacked the vehicle up, the next thing you need is wrench. Like with jacks, there are multiple choices for types of wrenches. First, there is a socket wrench. This typically comes with your manufacturer’s jack and spare. It has a long bar, and an area that you place over the lug nut and turn. Some people, however, prefer a Four Way wrench. Four Way wrenches are most noticeable for their X shaped appearance and are easy to grasp. The last option available is an electric wrench. An electric wrench will require the least amount of effort as you can place it over the lug nut, press the trigger, and watch it go!
Wheel Lock (if appropriate)
Wheel locks are not found on all vehicles. If your wheel has a wheel lock, then having the wheel key is very important. But how do you know if your vehicle has a wheel lock? Usually you can identify a wheel lock visually as one of the lug nuts has a design or looks a little different than the others. To unlock the wheel lock, place the key over the lug with the lock, insert the wrench of choice from above and turn as usual.
Spare Tire
Once you have gotten all the lugs off, remove the flat tire and replace with the spare. Most spare tires are referred to as “donuts” as they are typically smaller than the standard tire on your vehicle and not meant to be driven on for a long period of time. The spare is usually location in rear floor of standard cars, under the truck bed, or in a spare wheel compartment on some trucks or SUVs. Once you have placed the spare tire in place, put all lug back on, secure them with the lug wrench, and lower the vehicle back to the ground.
With these items, you are guaranteed to be prepared to change out your tire. There are really no other tools needed. Remember, righty tighty, lefty lucy!
