How Do You Change a Car Tire?

Every driver should be able to answer the question, “How do you change a car tire?” Whether you’re worried about a flat tire, need to trade up for a new set, or you’re rotating tires at home, knowing how to take care of this service yourself can save you time and help to provide peace of mind on San Francisco-area drives. The guide below provides all the information you’ll need.

Changing Your BMW Tires

Before you get started, make sure you have all the tools you’ll need on hand:

• A jack
• A lug wrench
• A spare tire or a new BMW tire
• Wheel wedges
• Your owner’s manual, just in case

It’s not a bad idea to make a small kit that you can store in your trunk or cargo area! If you do have all the required tools, you’re ready to take the next steps:

1. Make sure you’re in a safe place to change a tire. If you’re out and about in Foster City or Palo Alto, pull off to the side and put on your hazard lights.
2. Apply the parking break and place wheel wedges on each of the tires.
3. Take off the wheel cover or the hub cap, and place it to the side
4. Loosen the lug nuts while your tire is still on the ground, but don’t remove them completely.
5. Use the jack to raise your vehicle into the air, and then remove the lug nuts.
6. Remove the flat or worn down tire, and place your new tire on the vehicle
7. Get the lug nuts as tight as you can by hand before lowering the vehicle
8. Use your lug wrench to tighten the nuts firmly, working in a star pattern to ensure an even finish.

How Often Should You Change Car Tires?

You can check your owner’s manual for a model-specific recommendation on how often to change the car tires on your vehicle. However, the exact answer will depend on how you drive, how often you rotate your tires, and how well you maintain your recommended tire pressure. So, how long do tires last? Most will keep you going for six to ten years, but you should keep an eye on your tread depth instead of relying on abstract guidelines. If the tread on any of your tires falls below 2/32 of an inch, it should be replaced as soon as possible.

How Many Miles Can You Go on a Spare Tire?

Spare tires are not designed with the same specifications as your standard BMW tires. If you do have to put on a spare, you should be sure to change it out for a new tire before you drive more than 50 miles. While you’re making your way to your local parts center near Redwood City or Burlingame, you should stay below 50 mph.

The Peter Pan BMW Service Center Helps with Your Tire Needs

Just because you know how to change a tire doesn’t mean you have to go it alone. The Peter Pan BMW service department is here to assist with any and all of your tire care needs! Just make sure to check out our service specials before you stop in. We’d also be happy to pass along some other DIY service tips or teach you how to check your oil level at home!