Chevrolet Service Tips: How to Change a Flat Tire

When it comes to Chevrolet service, knowing how to change a flat tire is an essential skill that keeps you prepared for the unexpected. At Blaise Alexander Chevrolet of Altoona, we’re committed to helping you stay confident on the road with this step-by-step guide.

Step-by-Step Guide to Changing a Flat Tire

1. Find a Safe Location: As soon as you notice a flat tire, reduce your speed and look for a safe place to pull over. Choose a level surface away from traffic and turn on your hazard lights.
2. Secure Your Vehicle: Engage the parking brake and place wheel wedges behind the tires to prevent movement.
3. Gather Your Tools: Locate your spare tire, jack, and lug wrench — these are typically stored in the trunk beneath the floor mat.
4. Loosen the Lug Nuts: Before lifting the vehicle, use the lug wrench to loosen the lug nuts by turning them counterclockwise. Do not remove them completely yet.
5. Position and Use the Jack: Place the jack under the designated jacking point, which can be found in the owner’s manual. Raise the vehicle until the flat tire is about six inches off the ground.
6. Remove the Flat Tire: Fully unscrew and remove the lug nuts, then carefully pull the flat tire off the wheel hub.
7. Install the Spare Tire: Align the spare tire with the wheel bolts and slide it into place. Make sure the valve stem faces outward.
8. Tighten Lug Nuts by Hand: Reattach the lug nuts and tighten them by hand as much as possible.
9. Lower the Vehicle: Slowly lower the vehicle until the spare tire makes contact with the ground.
10. Secure the Lug Nuts: Use the lug wrench to fully tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern to ensure even pressure.
11. Completely Lower the Vehicle: Once the vehicle is fully lowered, double-check that all lug nuts are secure.

Trust Blaise Alexander Chevrolet of Altoona for Expert Tire Service

Whether it’s a flat tire or routine maintenance, our certified technicians are ready to keep your Chevrolet performing at its best. Schedule your service at our Altoona, PA Chevrolet dealership today and drive with confidence!