How Do You Change a Car Tire?

Whether you experience a flat tire or the treads have worn down too far and you want to put fresh tires on yourself, knowing how to change a tire is an important skill to have. This can save you from having to wait on the side of the road in Chatham or riding around on dangerous tires in Rochester. The Green Dodge service center is here to teach you how to change a car tire.

Changing Your Dodge and Ram Tires

In order to change the tires on a Dodge or Ram, you’ll need the right tools: a jack, lug wrench, spare tire or new tire(s), and your owner’s manual. Replacing your tire on your car, truck, or SUV is a fairly simple and straightforward process.

• If you’re on the side of the road near Decatur, move to a safe place and turn on your hazard lights.
• Wherever you are, apply the parking brake and wheel wedges under the other tires.
• Remove the wheel cover or hubcap from the tire, then loosen the lug nuts.
• Use the jack to raise your vehicle and remove the lug nuts.
• Remove the current tire and mount the new or spare tire.
• Tighten the lug nuts, then lower your vehicle back to the ground.

How Often Should You Change Car Tires?

It all depends on how often you rotate tires and how well your tires are made. If you rotate your tires regularly, you should be able to get the full mileage promised, but you should still check your tire pressure and check the tread regularly just to be safe. If the tread wear is too significant, you’ll need new tires. To ensure that your tires last for as long as possible, it’s a good idea to schedule a tire rotation when you get your oil changed.

How Many Miles Can You Go on a Spare Tire?

If you put your spare tire on your vehicle, you’ll want to get a new, permanent tire put on as soon as possible. These tires are not made for driving on for very long — rarely more than 50 miles — and you should never drive on them at high speeds. Your spare tire will say its specific limits, but most recommend staying below 50 mph.

The Green Dodge Service Center Helps with Your Tire Needs

If you don’t feel comfortable changing tires yourself, or you’re not sure what kind of tires to purchase, we’re happy to help. Contact us with any tire-related questions, or bring your vehicle in to our service department in Springfield, and we can change the tires or do a tire rotation for you. While you’re here, you can even find out whether buying or leasing a car is right for you!