How to Change a Flat Tire in Goleta, CA

As you drive around Goleta, it’s important to be prepared for the worst-case scenario. Once you’re equipped with a spare tire from Santa Barbara Honda, a Honda Authorized Tire Center, it’s time to learn how to change a tire on your Civic, Accord, or Odyssey!

Tools

Before you’re faced with a tricky situation, make sure your Honda’s trunk is stocked with everything you could possibly need. Of course, it’s crucial to bring along a spare tire. Next, stash away a jack to lift the car and give you room to work, as well as a lug or torque wrench to adjust the lug nuts. Even if your car features a Tire Pressure Monitoring System, you’ll also want a tire gauge for a more exact reading. Your Honda’s Owner’s Manual will provide you with information like the ideal jack placement position, the correct sequence to loosen and tighten lug nuts, and other vehicle-specific details, so it’s a good resource to have handy. A portable tire inflator and wheel wedges are optional, but helpful.

First Steps

Before starting to change a tire, pull over to a safe location free of traffic. Put your Honda in park and engage the parking brake, then remove your car’s key to avoid rolling. Whether it's after dark on Route 217 or not, turn on the hazard lights to alert oncoming motorists. Keeping an eye on the instructions, loosen the lug nuts, but don’t remove them yet. Refer to the Owner’s Manual for the correct jack placement, then lift up the car and remove the old wheel. If you have any questions about the process, talk to the certified technicians in Santa Barbara Honda’s Service Department.

Final Steps

Now that the old tire is off, you can put on the new one on your Honda. Place it on the wheel studs and tighten the lug nuts enough to hold the wheel on, but not all the way. Finish screwing in the lug nuts in a star pattern — every other nut if there are five, or the pairs across from one another if there are six. Lower the jack and completely secure each nut. Use the tire gauge and your vehicle’s Tire Pressure Monitoring System to check that nothing is amiss. After that, it’s a good idea to go to the nearest service center before your next trip to Lake Los Carneros Park, since there is a danger that a flat tire could be connected with other issues, such as a damaged axle or suspension. To save money on any Honda maintenance, tire-related or otherwise, take advantage of the service specials at Santa Barbara Honda!