Not sure how to change a tire? While it can be a hiccup in your journey, changing a tire is a fundamental skill that every GMC owner should have. Let’s walk through how to safely and correctly change a tire, courtesy of your GMC dealer.
How to Change a Tire on Your GMC
Step 1: Pull Over Safely
When you encounter a flat, pull over to a level, safe, stable area away from traffic. Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers you are stationary. Then, apply the parking brake. This reduces the risk of your vehicle rolling.
Step 2: Loosen the Lug Nuts
Before lifting the car with your jack, remove the wheel cover if your tire has a hubcap that covers the lug nuts. Using the lug wrench, turn the nuts counterclockwise. Don’t remove them completely yet; just break their resistance.
Step 3: Lift the Vehicle
Now it’s time to use the jack. Refer to your GMC’s owner’s manual for the specific place to put your jack, as its placement will vary by vehicle model. Pump or crank the jack to lift your car until the flat tire is about six inches off the ground.
Step 4: Remove the Flat Tire
With the vehicle lifted, you can remove the tire. Now that they’re loose, unscrew the lug nuts and remove them completely. Then, gently pull the tire toward you until it’s free of the hub.
Step 5: Mount the Spare Tire
Take the spare tire and mount it on your GMC. Make sure to align the rim with the wheel bolts. Next, it’s time to screw on the lug nuts. Put them back on and tighten them by hand as much as you can.
Step 6: Lower the Vehicle and Tighten the Nuts
It’s time to bring your car back down. Slowly lower the vehicle back to the ground and remove the jack. Using the wrench, tighten the nuts in a star pattern. This ensures the tire is balanced. Don’t over-tighten them, but make sure they are very snug.
Step 7: Replace the Hubcap and Stow Equipment
Put the jack, wrench, and flat tire back in your car. If your vehicle has a hubcap, stow it with your tire.
Step 8: Visit the GMC Dealer
Check the spare tire’s pressure to ensure it’s safe to drive on. Then, head to the nearest dealership to have your tire checked out. It may be possible for the tire to be patched, but perhaps you will need to replace it. Either way, the friendly experts at the dealer will have you back on the road in no time!
By following these steps, you can handle this situation with confidence and ease. Remember, regular maintenance and checking your tires frequently can reduce your chances of having a flat tire. Visit Dutch Miller’s Beckley Automall to have your tires inspected today!
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