How to Change a Tire from Herb Connolly Chevrolet

From locating the spare and learning to use the jack to removing and replacing the lug nuts, changing a tire is one of the most intimidating tasks a novice car owner can face.

We asked Mike Farrell, Service Manager at Herb Connolly Chevrolet in Framingham, Mass., to help us navigate the understandably daunting task of correctly (and safely!) changing a tire.

Here are a few of the most helpful tips Mike gave us:

• Your car likely comes with all of the tools you’ll need to change a flat. Check under the matt in your trunk for your spare tire, jack and lug nut tools. In some vehicles, like trucks, the spare tire could be located under the vehicle.
• The proper location for placement of the jack is different for every location, so check your owner’s manual.
• After you’ve removed your tire and have your spare mounted, tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern. Use the chart below as a guide.

It turns out changing a tire really isn’t that intimidating at all! What are your biggest concerns about learning to change a tire?