How to Change a Tire

Whether you experience a flat tire or the treads have worn down too far and want to put fresh tires on yourself, knowing how to change a tire is an important skill to have because it saves you from waiting on the side of the road in Englewood or riding around on dangerous tires in North Port. Kia of Port Charlotte is here to teach you how to change a car tire.

Changing Your Kia Tires

To change the tires on a Kia, 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 straightforward.

1. If you’re on the side of the road near Venice, move to a safe place and turn on your hazard lights.
2. Wherever you are, apply the parking brake and wheel wedges under the other tires.
3. Remove the wheel cover or hubcap from the tire, then loosen the lug nuts.
4. Use the jack to raise your vehicle and remove the lug nuts.
5. Remove the current tire and mount the new or spare tire.
6. 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 they’re 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 best to schedule a tire rotation when you get your oil changed.

How to Put Air in Your Tires

Perhaps it’s not time to change your tire just yet, and you are simply wondering how to put air in your tires. If you don’t own your air pump or you’re on the road, you can typically stop at a local gas station to use theirs. Here’s how to put air in your tires:

• Park your vehicle by the air dispenser and ensure the hose can reach each tire.
• Remove the cap on the tire valve of the first tire.
• Check the air pressure in the tire by using your tire gauge. It’s helpful to do this at home, even if you head to the gas station to fill your tires because tires can heat up when you drive and cause the air inside to expand. This can provide a false reading.
• Use the air hose to add small amounts of air in short bursts while checking the tire gauge each time.

Remember to keep checking the tire gauge until you hit the right amount of pressure! It’s nearly impossible to get it right the first time.

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 Kia of Port Charlotte Service Center Helps with Your Tire Needs!

If you don’t feel comfortable changing tires or are not sure what kind of tires to purchase, we’re happy to help. Contact us with any tire-related questions, or bring your vehicle to our service department in Port Charlotte, and we can change the tires or do a tire rotation for you.