Subaru Service Tips: What to Do When You Get a Flat Tire

Flat tires are always stressful, but with a little preparation and the right equipment, anyone can learn how to change a tire. Spare tires aren’t meant to be driven on for long, but they’ll keep you going until you can visit us at Dalton Subaru National City for Subaru service.

Getting Ready

Once you realize you’ve got a flat, slow down and look for a place with a wide shoulder to safely pull off the road. Turn on your hazard lights, apply the parking brake, and gather your equipment. You’ll need your jack, a lug wrench, wheel wedges, your new spare tire, and, depending on the time of day, a light source that can stand up on its own.

Changing the Tire

Use your lug wrench to break the resistance of the lug nuts on the blown-out tire, enough so you will be able to loosen them by hand, but don’t do so just yet. Place the jack under the exposed metal section of the underbody (not anything covered in plastic) and begin lifting the car. When the wheel is off the ground, you can loosen the lug nuts entirely, remove the tire, and mount your spare tire. Re-attach and tighten the lug nuts as much as you can with your hands.

Lowering Your Car

Lower the jack so that the new wheel rests lightly on the ground, then tighten the lug nuts all the way with your lug wrench, using your body weight if you can. Lower the jack completely and replace the hubcap. If you can, you should also check the pressure on your spare to make sure it’s safe to drive on.

Get Subaru Service in National City, CA

Spare tires aren’t meant to be driven on for long, so bring your car into our Subaru service center at Dalton Subaru National City. Our expert team will replace your tires and perform a complete inspection to ensure your other tires are healthy, so make an appointment today!

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