Practical Report: Tire Change

Replacing a tire is an essential skill that every driver should possess and be familiar
with. In this practical report, I will discuss the safety steps, tools and equipment used,
step-by-step procedures, reasons for performing this practical, and what I learned by
doing this practical.

Safety Steps:

Steps to consider in Real-Life Scenario:

● Park your vehicle in a safe place away from moving traffic. Choose a level and
stable surface to minimize the risk of the vehicle rolling.
● Activate your hazard lights to alert other drivers of your presence and indicate
that your vehicle is not in motion.
● Apply the parking brake to prevent the vehicle from rolling while you're changing
the tire.
● Whenever possible, position yourself on the side of the vehicle that is away from
the flow of traffic. This reduces the risk of being hit by passing vehicles.
● Before driving, make sure the spare tire is in good condition, properly inflated,
and suitable for road use. Avoid using a spare tire that is worn, damaged, or not
the correct size for your vehicle.

Standardized steps for both Real-Life and Transportation Tech Scenario:

● Always make sure the location of the jack is stable.

● Before lifting any vehicle, make sure the frame is structurally sound. If you see
rust or signs of major repair, lifting the vehicle with a jack may cause damage to
the vehicle or may be dangerous to you.
● The lifting capacity of the jack you are using must be rated for a vehicle weight
greater than that of the vehicle you are intending to lift. Check the jack rating and
compare it with the weight given in the vehicle service manual.
● Be sure the jack is fully lowered before positioning it under the vehicle. Check the
amount of clearance under the vehicle.
● The lifting points on a vehicle are typically located under the jacking points.
Check the vehicle service manual if you are not sure where the lift points are.
The lifting pad must be positioned under the center of the lift points, so that the
weight of the vehicle is distributed evenly.
● A jack can be used to raise and support the appropriate part of the vehicle while
changing a wheel at the roadside, but a jack must NOT be used to support the
weight of the vehicle during any task which requires the student to get
underneath any part of the vehicle.
● For all workshop tasks, a jack should only be used to raise the vehicle so that it
can then be lowered onto suitably rated and carefully positioned stable jack
stands. All jacks must always be used in accordance with the manufacturer's
 instructions and should be inspected on a regular basis to ensure that they are in
full working order.
● If available, place wheel chocks or blocks in front of and behind the tires opposite
the flat tire. This provides an extra layer of security to prevent the vehicle from
rolling.
● When handling the spare tire or any heavy equipment, use proper lifting
techniques to avoid straining your back or causing injury. Bend your knees, keep
your back straight, and lift with your legs.
● Never drop and/or bounce tires when removing them from the vehicle, which may
cause possible injury or damage.
● Be careful lifting heavy tires. Keep your back straight and lift with your legs. If a
tire is too heavy ask for help.
● When working in the shop always make sure you clean up after yourself. Don’t
leave things lying around where others can trip on them. Don’t leave tires
standing on their ends. They may fall and cause injury.
● Use a jack and follow the manufacturer's instructions on how to safely position
and operate it. Do not put any body parts under the vehicle while it is supported
by the jack.
● Never lower a vehicle until you have made sure nobody is under the vehicle.
● It's extremely important to avoid going underneath the vehicle while it is jacked
up. The jack can slip or fail, leading to serious injuries or even death.
● Ensure that the lug nuts are securely tightened in a star or crisscross pattern.
Over-tightening or under-tightening can result in wheel instability, so follow the
recommended torque specifications from your vehicle's manual.

Tools/Equipment Used:

1. Scissor Jack
2. Lug Wrench
3. Lug Nuts
4. Safety Glasses
5. Car
6. Wheel Chocks
7. Mechanics Kneeling Pad

Step-by-Step Procedure:

1. Prepare the vehicle:

Make sure that the vehicle is in park and the parking brake is engaged. Remove
any loose items from the vehicle or other accessories that might interfere with
lifting the vehicle.
2. Loosen the lug nuts:

Using a lug wrench, loosen the lug nuts on the flat tire. Turn them
counterclockwise, but avoid removing them completely at this stage.

3. Set up the scissor jack:

Consult your vehicle owner's manual to locate the appropriate jack points.
Position the jack securely under the vehicle, ensuring it makes contact with a
designated lifting point.

4. Lift the vehicle:

Use the jack handle or crank provided with the jack to raise the vehicle off the
ground. Pump or crank the jack until the flat tire is off the ground and there is
sufficient clearance to remove it.

5. Remove the tire:

Fully unscrew and remove the lug nuts from the flat tire. Carefully pull the tire
straight toward yourself, ensuring it is clear of the wheel hub. Set the tire aside,
preferably out of the way.

6. Install the spare tire:

Lift the spare tire and align it with the wheel hub. Push it onto the hub, ensuring
the bolt holes align correctly. Hand-tighten the lug nuts onto the wheel studs, but
do not fully tighten them at this stage.

7. Lower the vehicle:

Gradually lower the vehicle by turning the jack handle or crank in the opposite
direction. Ensure the spare tire makes full contact with the ground but is not
bearing the full weight of the vehicle.

8. Tighten the lug nuts:

Use the lug wrench to tighten the lug nuts on the spare tire. Start by tightening
them in a star or cross pattern to ensure even tightening. Tighten them as much
as possible by hand.

9. Fully lower the vehicle:

Continue lowering the vehicle until it is fully resting on the ground. Remove the
jack from underneath the vehicle and set it aside.
 10. Tighten the wheel fully:

Use the lug wrench to tighten the lug nuts on the spare tire fully. Tighten them in
a star or cross pattern to ensure even and secure fastening. Ensure all lug nuts
are tightened properly.

Reason/Why:

Knowing how to change a tire is a vital skill for drivers as it provides the ability to handle
unexpected situations on the road. Flat tires can occur at any moment, and the
knowledge of changing a tire enables individuals to promptly address the issue and
continue their journey safely. Acquiring this skill allows technicians to gain practical
experience in the tire-changing process, including the use of proper tools and following
correct procedures. This knowledge prepares drivers to effectively manage similar
tire-related incidents that may arise when driving alone or in areas where immediate
assistance may be limited. The skill encourages self-reliance, empowering individuals to
independently resolve a common automotive problem without relying on external aid.
This practical experience demonstrates that knowing how to change a spare tire not
only saves time and minimizes potential frustration but also significantly improves road
safety. By being prepared and skilled in tire changing, drivers can confidently handle
unexpected situations, leading to a smoother and safer driving experience.

What did you learn by doing this practical?

During my practical experience, I learned how to properly change a tire, which included
following safety guidelines, properly positioning the scissor jack, and using the lug
wrench. Proper use of the scissor jack is crucial to ensure the safety of both the
technician and the vehicle. As an operator, it is essential to know how to raise and lower
the jack properly. Incorrect usage can result in damage to the car, as well as potential
injuries to the operator. Improper placement of the jack on the vehicle may cause it to lift
incorrectly, therefore, it is crucial to position the jack correctly. In addition, I learned to
use the appropriate tools, such as a lug wrench to loosen and remove the lug nuts. I
also gained an appreciation for the precision and attention to detail required throughout
the tire replacement process, especially when it comes to properly aligning the spare
tire and tightening the lug nuts to the recommended torque. This practical experience
has provided me with valuable knowledge and skills that will be useful in future
automotive repair work. It has also reinforced the importance of prioritizing safety when
changing a tire.