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Believe it or Not! Save upto* 75% on TATA AIG Car Insurance
How to Change a Car Tyre -DIY
- Author :
- TATA AIG Team
- ●
- Last Updated On :
- 22/09/2023
A flat tyre often wears out when you least expect it. And it can be infuriating and dangerous at the same time, especially when you are driving at high speed, for the car can lose control all of a sudden. But then, that can happen even with the best tyres. There’s no getting around it, you have to change one sooner or later.
Such circumstances can be manageable if you can spare one or two hours whenever the need arises. Or, you can avail of the 24X7 roadside assistance facility often provided by insurers. Hence, it is highly recommended to renew your car insurance within time so that you remain covered under such unprecedented circumstances. It becomes even more crucial to possess insurance for your vehicle if your car bears any damage due to a tyre puncture.
But again, changing a car tyre is not as difficult as it seems. This skill can be learned by anyone. You do not need the strength of a bodybuilder to do this job. So, if you are someone who is always seeking help from a stranger to change the tyre for you, here’s a step-by-step guide on how to change a car tyre without any fuss. But, even before that, you need to know the tools that you require to change a car tyre.
Although most of the tools are already available in your car tool kit, there are certain tools that you need to buy in advance in order to change the tyre smoothly.
Tools You Need for Tyre Change
Here’s a list of all the tools that you need when to change car tyres in case of emergencies:
- A jack that fits under the car to lift the vehicle by a few inches
- A lug wrench to loosen or tighten the nuts on the wheels of your car
- Wheel wedges (if it didn’t come with your car jack)
- Wooden bricks or blocks to hold up the car tyre when it is being removed
- Spare tyre (in case of emergency) to replace the flat tyre
- A car’s owner manual can be helpful while changing tyres.
Apart from these tools, it’s also advised to always keep your four-wheeler insurance documents with you so as to use them in case of emergency or avail of the roadside assistance facility from the insurer.
Now, let’s go through the step-by-step guide on how to change a tyre on your own, for punctured or damaged tyres can be extremely dangerous to continue with if they are not checked on a regular basis.
Follow These Steps for Car Tyre Change
Look for a Safe Place: Yes, it’s critical to find a safe spot to park the car and then get off the road. Do not swerve all of a sudden, else it can be dangerous not only for you but for other vehicles cruising on the road as well. Park your car away from traffic as much as possible, and ensure the ground is free from mud or gravel.
Switch the Parking Lights On: Do switch the parking or hazard lights on in order to alert other vehicles. The blinking lights can help them notice you from a distance, and thus, you can change car tyre safely.
Engage the Handbrake: Put your car in gear and pull the handbrake to its highest position. This prevents the car from moving and locks it in one place while you may apply force to change the tyre.
Secure the Wheel Wedges:Secure the wheel wedges behind the tyres to ensure extra safety. You might need them on an inclined road. To wedge a wheel, you would need a wooden board or any other sturdy material that does not break under pressure.
Remove Wheel Covers: Most wheels have wheel covers. You can locate them on either side of your wheels. You can not perform a car tyre change without removing them first. You may refer to the car owner’s manual to understand how this can be done.
Loosen the Lug Nuts: Half loosen the lug nuts before you lift the car using a jack. It will prevent the tyre from rotating. Now, loosen the lug nuts completely using the lug wrench. Do not do it with bare hands, or your hands might get caught between the car tyre and the wheel rim.
Secure the Jack with Wooden Boards: Put the jack under your car to connect it to the vehicle. You may place two wooden boards underneath the jack, hold it in place, and make sure it does not slip or fall over.
Replace the Flat Tyre: Now, you may remove the flat tyre and replace it with a spare tyre. Once you have replaced the tyre, tighten all the lug nuts with a wrench to keep the tyre in place. If you do not know how to remove tyres from the car, you may refer to the car manual and get the job done.
Few Tips on Changing Tyres
Bear in mind a few of these tips as well that can help you change tyres smoothly:
- Use your feet when you are trying to tighten the lug nut. This way, you will add extra force to the wrench, and the lug nut will smoothly screw in its position.
- If possible, put a triangle reflector at some distance from your car for additional warning in order to alert the passing vehicles.
- Always keep a small mat in the car to place your knee on it while changing the car.
- Let your subconscious mind believe that your car has five tyres. This will help you keep a spare tyre, and you will not feel helpless when you need to replace the car tyre.
Before we conclude, let us mention another important point that can help you from the distress of running a flat tyre in the middle of the road. And that point is roadside assistance. Roadside assistance is available as an add-on cover to Tata AIG comprehensive or standalone owd damage car insurance.
To know more about car insurance or to buy/renew one, visit the Tata AIG website. You can also compare car insurance policies on your own on our website and buy a policy that completely matches your requirements.
Conclusion
Changing a car tyre is not a task as many people consider it. You may follow through the steps given above, and voila! You can be pro at replacing car tyres in no time. However, it’s recommended to learn how to change a car tyre at home first before you use your skills in public. What’s more? Do not forget to renew your car insurance within time so that all the expenses are taken care of by your insurer without you indulging in any hassle.
Disclaimer / TnC
Your policy is subjected to terms and conditions & inclusions and exclusions mentioned in your policy wording. Please go through the documents carefully.
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