How To: Install A Spare Tire
Knowing how to install a spare tire is an important skill for all drivers. It can also save you time and money when you get a flat tire. You can get a flat tire anywhere, but limited service and low battery mean having your cell phone is no substitute for knowing how to install a spare tire. Learn more about installing a spare now at Rosen Hyundai!
What You’ll Need To Install A Spare Tire
Some Hyundai vehicles come equipped with a spare tire, enabling you to change the tire in the event of a flat. Even if it’s not included, you should make sure to have a spare on hand. You will also need a jack, a lug wrench, and your vehicle owner’s manual. If your vehicle came with a spare tire, it probably also came with these tools. However, you should double check you haven’t misplaced them. There are some other items that aren’t required but can be helpful when installing a spare tire. This includes a flashlight with working batteries, a rain poncho, small cut of 2”x6” wood to secure the jack, gloves, and wheel wedges.
How To Change A Spare Tire
Before installing your spare tire, you’ll need to do some safety checks. Make you find a safe location to park your vehicle, turn on your hazard lights, apply the parking brake, and place the wheel wedges. Now you’re ready for the spare tire installation. Here’s how to change a spare tire:
- Remove the Hubcap or Wheel Cover: Use the flat end of your lug wrench to remove the hubcap.
- Loosen the Lug Nuts: Using the lug wrench, turn the lug nuts counterclockwise until you break their resistance. You might have to apply your full body weight to get them loose. Do not remove the lug nuts completely, just loosen about ¼ to ½ of a turn.
- Place the Jack Under the Vehicle: Stick the jack beneath the vehicle frame alongside the tire that’s flat. Be sure to follow the instructions for jack placement in your vehicle owner’s manual.
- Raise the Vehicle with the Jack: With the jack properly positioned, raise the vehicle until the flat tire is about six inches above the ground. Do not put any part of your body under the vehicle during or after raising the vehicle with the jack.
- Unscrew the Lug Nuts: Now you can fully unscrew the lug nuts.
- Remove the Flat Tire: Pull the tire by its treads, pull it gently toward you until it’s completely free from the hub behind it.
- Mount the Spare Tire on the Lug Bolts: Place the spare on the hub by lining up the rim with the lug bolts, then push gently until the lug bolts show through the rim.
- Tighten the Lug Nuts by Hand: Place the lug nuts back on the lug bolts and tighten them all the way by hand (not the wrench yet).
- Lower the Vehicle and Tighten the Lug Nuts with a Wrench: Lower the jack so that the space tire is resting on the ground but the full weight of the vehicle isn’t fully on the tire. Now, you should use the wrench (turning clockwise) to tighten the lug nuts as much as possible.
- Lower the Vehicle Completely: You can now bring the vehicle all the way to the ground and remove the jack.
- Replace the Hub Cap: If the hubcap you removed from the flat tire will fit your spare, put it in place the same way you removed it initially. If it doesn’t fit, stow it away with the tire when you stow your equipment.
- Check the Pressure in the Spare: Be sure to check the tire pressure of the spare tire to make sure that it is safe to drive on. If the tire needs pressure, drive slowly to a service station immediately.
Driving With A Spare Tire
So, how long can you drive on a spare tire? And how fast can you drive on a spare tire? The basic rule of thumb is that you should not drive above 50 mph on a spare tire, and you should not drive more than 50 miles on a spare tire.
Visit Rosen Algonquin!
Looking for Hyundai parts near me? At Rosen Hyundai of Algonquin, we have a great parts department, as well as a full inventory of new and used vehicles, including Rosen EVs. Our goal when you visit our new Hyundai dealership is to provide you with a superior experience satisfying your needs. Experience the Rosen difference when you shop or service with us! Visit us to schedule your Rosen service or check out our Hyundai parts online today!
