How to Change a Tire



If you drive a car in Vineland, chances are you’ve probably experienced a flat tire now and then. This is an unfortunate but common occurrence that can happen to anyone, but it’s an easy fix as long as you follow the proper steps. You can also change a tire preemptively if you don’t want to wait for a problem on the road, and it’s always a good idea to do a quick inspection of your tires before you get behind the wheel to see if they need attention. 

No matter the cause of a flat, the service team at Volkswagen of Salem County is here to help you learn how often to change your car tires, and how to change a tire at home in Millville. Read on for details, and be sure to check out our other DIY car care guides!

Changing Your Tires: Step-By-Step

To change the tires in your Volkswagen, the first you should do is make sure you have all the correct tools. These include a jack, a lug wrench, a spare or new tire, and your Volkswagen owner’s manual. From there, just follow these steps:

1. If you’ve ended up with a flat tire while driving in Washington Township, pull off to a safe place on the side of the road and make sure your hazards are on. 
2. Engage the parking brake and wheel wedges under the other tires.
3. Remove the wheel cap or hubcap from the flat tire and loosen the lug nuts.
4. Raise your vehicle using the jacks and remove the lug nuts.
5. Remove the flat tire from your vehicle and replace it with the spare or new tire.
6. Tighten the lug nuts and lower the vehicle back down to the ground.
7. You’re all set!

How Often To Change Your Tires

How often should you change your tires if you aim to avoid getting a flat in the first place? Unfortunately, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this question—it depends on the quality of your tires and how often you rotate them. Rotating your tires on a regular basis is one of the most effective ways to maximize the lifespan of your tires, and it’s usually performed at one of your vehicle’s routine maintenance appointments. 

Putting Air In Your Tires

Keeping your tires at the proper pressure is also key when it comes to avoiding flats and maximizing tire life. There are a few ways you can add air to your tires—you can either do it yourself with an air pump, or you can stop by a gas station to use theirs. No matter which method you choose, here are the steps you should follow:

• Park your vehicle by the air dispenser. Make sure that the hose is long enough to reach each tire.
• Remove the cap on the first tire’s tire valve.
• Use your tire gauge to monitor the air pressure in each tire. You might want to do this at home, since driving to the gas station can heat up your tires and give you a false air pressure reading.
• Add small amounts of air in short bursts, making sure to check the tire gauge each time you add air. Keep checking the gauge until you reach the right level of pressure. 

How Far Can You Go on a Spare Tire?

A spare tire is good in an emergency, but you should find a new, permanent tire as quickly as possible. You can usually go only 50 miles or so—at low speeds—on a spare tire. Your specific spare tire will give you more information about its mileage and speed limits.

Turn To Volkswagen of Salem County For All Your Tire Needs!

If you have any questions or want to learn more about how to change a tire, feel free to contact our service center! You can also schedule a service appointment and bring your car by our Monroeville dealership to have it inspected by a member of our team. And be sure to check out our service specials if you’re looking to save on your next appointment!