How To Change A Flat Tire for Your Hyundai Vehicle

Experiencing a flat tire can be a frustrating interruption to any journey, especially if you're unprepared. Knowing how to change a flat tire is an essential skill that every Hyundai vehicle owner should possess. This article will guide you through the process step-by-step, ensuring you're equipped to handle this common issue confidently and safely.

Ensure Your Safety First

Before you start the tire change process, make sure you're parked in a safe location, away from traffic. Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers, apply the parking brake to prevent the vehicle from rolling, and if available, place reflective triangles behind your vehicle to increase visibility.

Gather Your Tools

The tools needed for changing a tire include a jack, a lug wrench, and a spare tire. These items are typically located in your Hyundai's trunk beneath the floor panel. Some models may also include wheel wedges and a tool for removing hubcaps or wheel covers.

Loosen the Lug Nuts

Using the lug wrench, loosen the lug nuts on the flat tire by turning them counterclockwise. Don't remove them completely yet—just break their resistance. This step is easier to do while the tire is still on the ground because the wheel can't spin.

Lift the Vehicle

Place the jack under the vehicle, near the tire that needs to be replaced. Hyundai vehicles usually have a specific spot designed for the jack. If you're unsure, refer to your owner's manual for guidance. Crank the jack to lift the car off the ground until the flat tire is a few inches in the air.

Remove the Lug Nuts and Tire

Now that the tire is elevated, finish removing the lug nuts. Keep them in a secure spot where they won't get lost or roll away. Once the lug nuts are removed, carefully take the flat tire off the vehicle by pulling it straight toward you. Set it aside in a location where it won't roll away or cause a tripping hazard.

Mount the Spare Tire

Take your spare tire and align it with the wheel bolts. Then, place it onto the wheel base. Once in position, reattach the lug nuts by hand to secure the spare tire. It's important to ensure the lug nuts are threaded correctly to avoid cross-threading.

Tighten the Lug Nuts

After all the lug nuts have been hand-tightened, use the lug wrench to tighten them further. However, don't fully tighten them yet. Lower the vehicle slightly so the spare tire begins to take on the car's weight, but keep the tire slightly off the ground.

Lower the Vehicle and Final Tightening

Use the jack to lower the vehicle completely, removing the jack once the car is fully grounded. Now, use the lug wrench to tighten the lug nuts as much as possible in a crisscross pattern. This ensures even distribution of pressure and secures the spare tire properly.

Check and Store Your Equipment

After the spare tire is securely attached, gather your tools and the flat tire. Store them back in your vehicle. If your spare tire is a temporary "donut," remember that these have speed and distance limitations—usually no more than 50 miles per hour and ideally not more than 70 miles total. Plan to visit a tire shop or your Hyundai dealer as soon as possible to repair or replace the flat tire.

Safety Reminder

Changing a tire by the roadside can be dangerous. If you do not feel safe or are unsure about performing any of these steps correctly, it's best to call for professional roadside assistance. Always consult your Hyundai vehicle's owner's manual for specific instructions related to your model.

Learning to change a flat tire on your Hyundai vehicle is a valuable skill that can save you time and stress in an emergency situation. By following these steps, you'll be prepared to handle a flat tire quickly, safely, and efficiently, getting you back on the road with minimal disruption.