Changing a van tire is an essential skill for any driver, as unexpected flat tires can happen at any time. Learning how to safely change a van tire is vital to your safety on the road and the smooth operation of your vehicle. Follow this step-by-step guide to ensure a safe and efficient tire changing process.

Prepare Your Tools and Safety Equipment

Gather the necessary tools and safety equipment before you begin. Our passenger van rental Atlanta contains all the necessary tools in the van for emergency purposes.

Jack: Ensure you have a functional, appropriate-sized jack for your van.

Lug Wrench: Use a lug wrench that fits the lug nuts on your van’s wheels.

Spare Tire: Check that the spare tire is properly inflated and in good condition.

Wheel Wedges: Place wheel chocks on chocks to prevent the van from rolling.

Gloves and Safety Glasses: Wear gloves and safety glasses to protect your hands and eyes.

Find a Safe Location

Choose a flat, stable, and safe location to replace the tire don’t forget the importance of traffic signals while finding the safe place. Avoid hills or busy roads. If possible, pull over to a parking lot or a designated safe area.

Apply the Parking Brake and Wheel Wedges

Apply the parking brake to stop the van from moving. Install wheel chocks on the opposite side of the flat tire to prevent the vehicle from rolling.

Loosen the Lug Nuts

Using a lug wrench, carefully loosen the lug nuts on the flat tire, but do not remove them completely at this stage. Turn the wrench counterclockwise to loosen each nut.

Jack Up the Van

Find the appropriate jack points on your van, usually specified in the vehicle’s manual. Carefully position the jack and begin lifting the van until the flat tire is off the ground.

Remove the Flat Tire

Now that the flat tire is off the ground, fully unscrew and remove the lug nuts. Carefully remove the flat tire and set it aside.

Mount the Spare Tire

Lift the spare tire and align it with the wheel bolts. Gently push the spare tire onto the wheel bolt until it is fully seated.

Hand-Tighten the Lug Nuts

Tighten the lug nuts on the spare tire by hand. Make sure they are sticky but not completely tight.

Lower the Van and Tighten the Lug Nuts

Using the jack, slowly lower the van until it is back on the ground. Once the van is on the ground, use the lug wrench to fully tighten the lug nuts in a criss-cross pattern.

Double-Check Lug Nut Tightness

Go around the spare tire and recheck the lug nuts to make sure they are securely tightened.

Stow Your Equipment and Test the Spare Tire

Place the jack, lug wrench, and any other equipment. Test the spare tire by driving it a short distance at a safe speed to make sure it is installed and functioning properly.

Conclusion

Knowing how to drive safely and replace a van tire is a fundamental skill that all drivers should possess. By following these steps and taking precautions, you can handle flat tire situations with confidence and ensure your safety on the road. Inspect the condition of your spare tire regularly and keep your tools in good working order to be well prepared for any unexpected tire-related incidents.