How Do You Change a Car Tire?

Many of our neighbors can rely on our service center, or on Mercedes-Benz Roadside Assistance, whenever they run a flat tire. However, whether you’re interested in saving with DIY maintenance or you’d just like to be more self-sufficient, answering the question “How do you change a tire?” can help you drive with more confidence. We’ve put together a short guide with all the information you’ll need!

Changing Your Mercedes-Benz Tires

Whether you’re rotating your tires or fixing a flat, you’ll have to take similar steps to replace a tire and get back on the roads near North Attleboro. Here’s everything you need to know: Before you start, collect your materials. These include a jack, a lug wrench, a new (or spare) tire, and your owner’s manual. Wheel wedges can help to make the process a little safer, and if you’re performing rotation, you’ll need jack stands to keep your vehicle elevated.

1. Make sure you’re in a safe location and pull off to the side of the road if necessary. Do your best to get on level ground, and then turn on your hazard lights and your parking brake.
2. If you have wheel wedges, place them under each of the tires that you won’t be changing.
3. Remove the wheel cover or the hubcap from the tire that needs changing, and then loosen the lug nuts that secure it to your vehicle. Don’t remove them completely just yet.
4. Locate the jack point underneath the vehicle and place your jack beneath it, on a secure footing. Use the jack to elevate your vehicle, and then finish removing the lug nuts.
5. Place the new tire on your vehicle, and tighten the new lug nuts, as well as you can by hand. Then, finish the job with your lug wrench, working in a star pattern to ensure an even finish.
6. You’re ready to lower your vehicle and place the wheel cover back on your tire.

How Often Should You Change Car Tires?

Knowing how to change a car tire is one thing, knowing how often to change a car tire is another! Most Mercedes-Benz tires can last for six to ten years, but how well you care for your tires will make all the difference.  If you want to maximize the lifespan of your tires, you need to schedule regular tire rotation and wheel alignment. You also need to be sure that you’re keeping your tires inflated at the proper levels. If one of your tires has a tread depth below 2/32 of an inch, you need to have it replaced as soon as you can.

How Many Miles Can You Go on a Spare Tire?

You shouldn’t use a spare tire for more than 50 miles of travel, and you shouldn’t go more than 50 mph while you have a spare on your vehicle! Although spare tires are lighter and more transportable than your average Mercedes-Benz tire, they’re simply not manufactured according to the same standards. Make your way to a East Greenwich-area tire center as soon as you can.

For DIY Car Care Tips or Expert Service, Choose Us!

If learning how to change a car tire has you embracing the spirit of do-it-yourself, then don’t wait to check out our other service tips and tricks or find out how to change a brake light at home! If you’d like us to lend a hand, feel free to schedule service at your leisure. We’re easy to reach from Cranston or Providence.