How to Change a Tire

Becoming stuck on the side of a road in New Milford with a flat is never a great situation. What’s even worse is not knowing how to change a tire, and having to call a towing service to help you out. That’s why knowing how to change a tire is important to avoid these aggravating situations. Believe it or not, you don’t have to be the handiest person in the world to know how to change a tire. The service team at Todd Maserati of Danbury breaks down how to change a tire and how often to change a tire in the following guide, so read on to avoid getting stuck on the road ever again! 

How to Change a Tire: The Steps

Before you go ahead and attempt to change your tires,you need the following tools on hand: a spare tire (or new tires), a lug wrench, the owner’s manual for your vehicle, and a car jack. If you don’t have some of these tools, you can always order them from our parts department. Always have these tools stored away in your car in the case you have a tire blowout or a flat. Now, on to the actual steps on how to change a tire:

1. If you’re stuck on the side of a road in Trumbull or elsewhere, immediately get to a safe spot and turn on your hazards. 
2. Set the parking brake, and using the jack, place the wheel wedges under the tires.
3. Remove the wheel cover or hubcap from the tire you intend to change, then, taking the lug wrench, carefully loosen the lug nuts.
4. Set the parking brake, and put the wheel wedges under the other tires.
5. Using the jack, raise your vehicle, then take off the lug nuts.
6. Remove the flat tire and replace it with the good tire.
7. Retighten the lug nuts, then lower your vehicle back to the ground.
8. Yay! You know how to change a tire!

How to Pump Air in Tires (If You Don’t Need a Change)

Oftentimes, you don’t actually need to replace a tire. Sometimes, all you need is to simply pump air into the “bad” tire. This is an easy task, and you can do it by using your own air pump (again, you can get one from our parts department), or by visiting your local Stamford or Waterbury gas station: 

1. Find an air dispenser and park next to it, ensuring that the hose is in reach of your tire.
2. Remove the cap off the tire valve of the first tire.
3. Taking your tire gauge, check the air pressure in the tire. It’s better to just do this at home, as tires heat up and expand when you’re driving and can lead to a false reading.
4. In small bursts, use the air hose to deliver small amounts of air while checking the tire gauge after every pump.

How Often Do I Need to Change My Tires?

Now you know how to change a tire, you may be wondering how often to change tires. It all depends on the quality of your tires, and how often you get them rotated. Always check your tire pressure and tread from time to time. If you notice that your treads are wearing down, it’s time to schedule a tire rotation to ensure the longevity of your tires.

Get Your Tires Taken Care of at Todd Maserati of Danbury!

If you don’t feel comfortable changing your tires yourself, that’s perfectly fine! Instead, let the service technicians at Todd Maserati of Danbury help you out by finding the right tires for your Maserati and changing them for you. See our service specials to see if you can save, then book your service appointment at our shop in Danbury. We look forward to getting your car back up to speed and running wherever you go!