How to Use a Scissor Jack to Change a Tire

Posted on November 3, 2022 by Autohaus

If you’ve ever found yourself stranded on the side of the road with a flat tire, you know how frustrating it can be. But changing a tire is actually a pretty simple process, as long as you have the right tools. One of the most important tools you’ll need is a scissor jack. Continue below to learn how to use a compact scissor jack to lift your vehicle high enough off of the ground to change your flat tire out with a spare or new tire.

Get European Tire Service in Carmel Indiana! Call 317-571-0800 for a free quote!

What You Need to Change a Flat Tire

Aside from a scissor jack or floor jack, you will need a few other tools to change a damaged tire. These include a lug wrench and sometimes a spare tire. You may also consider equipping your car with some standard roadside emergency supplies, which you can review here.

Let’s take a look tool needed to change a flat tire:

The jack is what lifts up the car so you can remove the flat tire and put on the spare. There are different types of jacks, but most cars come with a scissor jack. A scissor jack is a mechanical device that is used to lift up the body of a vehicle so that you can change a tire. It consists of two handles and a screw mechanism that allows you to raise and lower the jack. You’ll need to find the right spot to place the jack, which should be explained in a diagram in the owner’s manual of the vehicle.

The lug wrench is what you use to remove the lug nuts that hold the flat tire in place. Again, there are different types of lug wrenches, but most cars come with a crowbar-type wrench, also known as a torque wrench. Place the wrench on the lug nut and turn it counterclockwise to loosen. Once it’s loose, you can remove it by hand. Repeat this process for all the lug nuts. Once the lug nuts are removed, you can take off the flat tire by hand. If you don’t have a spare tire, you’ll need to take the flat tire to a nearby service station to get it repaired or replaced.

If you DO have a spare tire, place it on the wheel bolts and hand-tighten the lug nuts. Once all the lug nuts are in place, use the lug wrench to tighten them further. You’ll want to make sure they’re tight enough so that the tire doesn’t come loose while you’re driving, but just don’t over-tighten them. Once the spare tire is in place, lower the car back down to the ground and remove the jack. You can now drive to a service station to have the flat tire repaired or replaced.

Tips for Using a Scissor Car Jack

To use a scissor jack, first locate the jack points on your vehicle. These are typically located near the corners of the vehicle body. Once you’ve found the jack points, place the jack under the vehicle and screw the mechanism until the Jack is tight against the body. Next, use the handles to start lifting the vehicle body.

Once the vehicle is high enough, remove the flat tire and replace it with a new one. Then, lower the jack and remove it from under the vehicle. That’s all there is to it! With a scissor jack, changing a tire is a breeze. Just be sure to check your tires regularly and keep them inflated to the proper pressure to avoid flats in the future.

Are you looking for superior tire, wheel, and brake care for your luxury import vehicle? Contact Autohaus Dierolf at 317-571-0800 for professional European auto repair and service in Indianapolis, Carmel, Indiana. We are factory-trained German mechanics who specialize in Mercedes, BMW, Audi, and Volkswagen, but work on all European and British cars.

The Quickest Way to Check Your Tire Pressure

Posted on October 28, 2022 by Autohaus

Temperatures are dropping, and rising, and dropping again. Quite typical for Indiana climate patterns this time of year. One of the most effected automotive parts during this seasonal transition are tires. And as fall continues and the winter months approach, many drivers begin to worry about how the cold weather will have an effect on their cars. One of the most common questions is, “What happens to my car tires in the cold?”

Continue below to learn exactly what you need to know about the way cold temperatures affect your car tires, plus a guide on how to check your tire pressure.

Car Tire Maintenance in Carmel Indiana — Car Tire Maintenance Carmel Indiana 317-571-0800

Top 5 Ways Cold Weather Affects Car Tires

❶ Cold weather can cause your tires to lose pressure.

As the temperature drops, so does the air pressure in your tires. This can lead to a decrease in performance and fuel efficiency, as well as increased wear and tear on your tires. It’s important to check your tire pressure regularly during the winter months to ensure that it stays at the proper level.

❷ Cold weather can make your tires harder.

The cold weather can make your car tires harder, which can lead to less traction and increased wear. It’s important to check your tires regularly for signs of wear and tear, and to have them replaced when necessary.

❸ Cold weather can reduce the lifespan of your tires.

The cold weather can reduce the lifespan of your tires by causing them to crack and degrade faster. It’s important to inspect your tires regularly for signs of damage, and to have them replaced when necessary.

❹ Cold weather can make it more difficult to change a tire.

If you have a flat tire, the cold weather can make it more difficult to change. It’s important to be prepared for this possibility by having the proper tools and knowledge to change a tire in the cold.

❺ Cold weather can increase the risk of a blowout.

The cold weather can also increase the risk of a tire blowout. This is because the air pressure in your tires is lower in the cold, which makes it more likely for the tire to fail. It’s important to check your tire pressure regularly and to have your tires replaced when necessary.

Conclusion…If you’re concerned about how the cold weather will affect your car tires, be sure to follow these tips. By taking care of your tires, you can help to ensure that they last longer and perform better in the cold.

How to Check Tire Pressure

It is important to check your tire pressure regularly to ensure safe driving conditions and to extend the life of your tires. You can purchase a tire pressure gauge at most auto parts stores. To check your tire pressure, remove the valve cap from each tire and press the gauge firmly onto the valve stem. The gauge will give you a reading of the pressure in your tires. Compare this to the recommended tire pressure for your vehicle, which can be found in your owner’s manual or on a placard located on the driver’s side door jamb or glove box.

If your tires are underinflated, use a portable air compressor or visit a service station to inflate them to the proper pressure. If your tires are overinflated, release some of the air by pressing on the gauge and then removing it from the valve stem.

Check Your Tire Tread Too!

It is also a good idea to check your tire tread regularly. You can do this by inserting a penny into the tread groove with Lincoln’s head upside down. If you can see the top of Lincoln’s head, your tread depth is less than 2/32nds of an inch and it is time to replace your tires.

Conclusion…Checking your tire pressure and tread regularly will help ensure safe driving conditions and extend the life of your tires.

Are you ready to get your tires, wheels, brake pads, and brake rotors ready for the upcoming season? Contact Autohaus Dierolf at 317-571-0800 for superior factory scheduled maintenance in Carmel, Indiana. We work on all European vehicles, but specialize in BMW, Mercedes, Volkswagen, Porsche, and Audi repairs and services.

Frequently Asked Questions About Tire Care

Posted on June 10, 2022 by Autohaus

As the sole point of contact between the road and your vehicle, car tires are arguably one of the most vital automotive systems. Good car owners take good care of their vehicle’s tires, staying current on all tire inspections, measurements, rotations, balances, and replacements. If you are new to the world of automotive maintenance, educate yourself on the importance of routine tire care.

Get started on the right path by reviewing some frequently asked questions about tire care, below.

Import Car Maintenance Carmel Indiana 317-571-0800

FAQ About Tire Maintenance

What Does Tire Care Involve?

Taking good care of your tires involves several routine maintenance responsibilities. Not only should you regularly inspect your tire tread and tire pressure, but you should also have your tires periodically rotated and balanced, especially if you regularly drive off-road or on rough or bumpy terrain.

Additionally, you want to ensure that the tires are compatible with your make and model vehicle. If you have the incorrect size tires, it can have a negative impact on fuel economy, safety, and automotive performance. If you have the wrong type of tires on your vehicle, it can have all sorts of incompatible effects, plus pose safety risks. Refer to your vehicle’s owners’ manual for tire recommendations.

What is the Proper Tire Tread Depth?

Brand-new tires generally have a tread depth of 10/32 or 11/32 of an inch (about a third of an inch). According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, drivers should replace car tires when the tread depth has receded below 2/32 of an inch. If the tire tread variance between your car tires is greater than 2/32 of an inch, you should have them rotated to even out the tread wear.

How Do I Measure My Tire Tread?

To measure where your tire tread depth is at, all you need is a penny. That’s right; a copper penny! Turn the penny upside down with Lincoln’s head facing out so you can see him. Then stick the penny inside a tire groove. If you can see Lincoln’s entire face, your tire tread depth is below 2/32 of an inch.

What is the Proper Tire Pressure?

Tire pressure plays an important role in your vehicle’s overall safety and performance. Tire pressure is measured in “pounds per square inch” or PSI. Car tires can lose up to 2 PSI of pressure every month. Colder temperatures tend to lower tire pressure, causing under inflation, while higher temperatures tend to cause overinflated tires.

Both underinflated and overinflated tires are unsafe. For this reason, it is important to routinely inspect your tire pressure, including your spare tire. Proper tire pressure varies depending on several factors. It is recommended to use an online tire pressure monitor tool to learn the recommended tire pressure for your vehicle. You may also refer to the manufacturer’s recommendation.

How Do I Measure Tire Pressure?

To measure tire pressure, you will need to purchase a tire pressure gauge. They are inexpensive and readily available at any local auto parts store, department store, or home improvement store. They are also available on any relevant online retailer. This tool will come with manufacturer’s instructions that will teach you how to use it. It is very simple and only takes a couple of seconds to obtain a reading. You can also take your vehicle into the shop for routine tire maintenance, which will include tire tread and pressure measurements, which should include tire pressure and tread service.

Do I Need to Rotate and Balance My Car Tires?

Although you don’t have to, it is recommended to have your car tires rotated and balanced on a routine basis. This will help ensure that all four tires wear down evenly. Most drivers will have their car tires balanced and rotated every 5000 to 7000 miles.

Can Tires Impact Fuel Economy?

Yes, tires can impact fuel economy. Improperly inflated tires will use up more gas in your tank. With proper tire care, you can help maintain good fuel economy in your vehicle. Additionally, you can swap out your current tires for more fuel-efficient tires. These tires are designed to deliver higher tire rolling resistance, which is the force required to get the tires to start moving. Consumer Reports revealed that “The Department of Energy estimates that 4 to 11% of fuel consumption is due to tire rolling resistance.”

Why Does My Car Not Come With a Spare Tire?

If your car does not come with a spare tire, there could be a number of reasons why. Most likely, you purchased your car used and the previous owner did something with it. Or, you have a newer model vehicle. Automakers these days are foregoing the spare tire for all sorts of reasons, mostly for the sake of cost savings and space-saving design.

Do I Need a Spare Tire?

It is highly recommended tire, either at home or in the trunk of your vehicle. Some cars don’t have space for a spare tire, which is why they didn’t come with one of the first place. In this case, you might want to consider run-flat tires or a tire inflation kit. These will help you out in a roadside emergency situation.

Does your luxury import vehicle need some professional tire service? Contact Autohaus Dierolf at 317-571-0800 for professional European auto repair and service in Indianapolis, Carmel, Indiana. We are factory-trained German mechanics who specialize in Mercedes, BMW, Audi, and Volkswagen, but work on all European and British cars.

Carmel IN Auto Repair | Mechanic 46032 | Car Repair 46033 | 317-571-0800

Tag Archives: tire pressure