How to Change a Flat Tire in Virden, IL

A sudden loss of tire pressure in your Chrysler Pacifica or Jeep Compass can be a source of frustration and danger. Given that you cannot continue to drive in such conditions, our Service Department at Freedom CDJR Virden is going to show you how to change a flat tire and get back on the roads of Virden. 
Necessary Tools
The process of changing the flat tire in your Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Ram, or Wagoneer begins before you leave your parking space. You must store the correct assortment of tools to make the repair possible, starting with a spare tire that fits your car, has no damage, and undergoes frequent PSI checks. Aside from that necessary part, your car should be stocked with a lug wrench and a car jack. In the front storage area of your vehicle, make sure your Owner’s Manual is present, so you know the safest place to put a jack on the car’s underside. Aside from those basic items, you will require a tire pressure gauge, a reflective vest, and wheel wedges. After every oil change, inspect your tire-changing kit and repair or replace damaged elements. 
Getting Started
The first step to changing a flat tire is to figure out if it’s a problem that you are equipped to handle. For example, if you’re traveling on a busy road with a small shoulder, it may be wiser to call for Roadside Assistance rather than risk performing the service yourself. You can always have your vehicle brought to our dealership location to get the damaged tire fixed or replaced. However, if you’re at the NMABA-Main Field parking lot, then start by inspecting the spare tire and gathering the tools we mentioned earlier. If you have all the items needed, then you can begin. Remove the hubcap on your tire and use the lug wrench to turn the lug nuts counterclockwise to loosen them about half a turn. Next, use the Owner’s Manual to find the correct placement for the car jack. Raise your Jeep Wrangler or Ram 1500 until you have between three and six inches of space below the tire. Finish loosening the lug nuts until they’re able to be entirely removed. Set those aside and pull your flat tire off the lug bolt assembly. 
Finish Changing a Flat Tire
Take your spare tire and mount it on your car’s lug bolts. Push it all the way until the bolts come through. Once that’s finished, take the lug nuts and add them to the vehicle, hand-tightening them by rotating the items clockwise. Next, slowly lower the car to the ground until the tire is touching the surface but not taking on all the weight from the vehicle. Use the lug wrench to secure the nuts, making certain to follow a star-shaped pattern by tightening one, skipping the one next to it, and then tightening the following item. After all of them are fully in place, use the jack to completely bring the car to the ground. Using significant force on the lug wrench, try to turn the lug nuts a bit more. Stow all your tools and the damaged tire in your car, and finish taking your little one to North Mac Elementary School before coming to our dealership to get the tire repaired or replaced. Our Parts Department can help you find the right match that meets your car’s needs and your budget.