Changing a tire on a hill or inclined surface can be tricky. Many risks are involved, including collapsing the jack or the car rolling away. It is why auto experts advise that you have your tire changed on a flat surface.
However, can you change a tire on an incline? The answer is yes but It will require the right tools, and you must follow a proper guide.
Can You Change A Tire On An Incline?
Changing your vehicle on an inclined road is not advisable as it is risky to both you and the car. But if you are stuck, it is possible to do so.
Changing tire on incline road comes with some risk, as your automotive can quickly move or slip down during the process. The vehicle’s weight shifts towards the inclined part of the road when lifting the SUV to remove the tire.
Also, the vehicle is unstable when changing the tire and even dangerous when it is on an inclined road.
Can you change a tire on a hill? If you are in a position where you can not get to a leveled road, then you have no choice but to change the tire. To do this, you must follow the proper procedure and observe all safety precautions.
How To Change Tire On Slope (Steps)
If you are stuck on an inclined surface and need to get your tire changed, there is no need to panic. Although it could be risky to change the tire, you can still have it changed.
To change your tire in this situation, you first need to get all the tools you will use. All the tools you will need are already in the trunk; all you need to do is confirm that none are missing.
Below is a step-by-step guide about how to change a tire on a car.
1. Block Tire
This part of the process is vital; remember that you are on a slopey road, and anything can happen. You will need large stones to block all tires except the flat tire. Ensure the tires are blocked well.
2. Jack your vehicle
After blocking the tires properly, the next step is to get the jack out of your car. Place the jack close to an area near the flat tire and start jacking the vehicle. You must knowhow to jack up a car on an incline. Ensure the jack is placed correctly, or you can support it with wood or stone.
3. Remove the Wheel Cover
If your vehicle comes with a wheel cover, remove it with a lug wrench. If you have a stubborn wheel cover, use the wrench to work around the cover until it pops open.
4. Remove the Wheel Nut
Use your wrench to proceed to loosen the wheel nuts of your wheel. Do this carefully not to cause much movement to the vehicles.
5. Replace the Tire
Now you can carefully remove the flat tire and replace it with a spare tire. Fix all the wheel nuts and lower the vehicle back to position. Make sure to pick up all the tools and remove the wheel blocks or large rocks in each tire.
Once you have completed this process, you can continue your trip. First, drive slowly and observe if there is any problem with the tires during the change.
Is It Safe To Change A Tire On An Incline?
It is not safe to change your tire on an inclined road. Many risks are associated with doing this unless you follow the proper procedure.
When you notice a flat tire, and you are on an inclined, slopey, or hilly surface, the best thing to do is move your vehicle to a much flatter surface.
Also, after the jacking process, the vehicle’s weight is shifted to one position, and any slight force can send the car moving, which could cause severe damage to the vehicle and yourself.
When changing your tire on an inclined road, make use of wheel blocks to stop the wheels from moving during the changing process.
You must be careful not to cause too much movement when changing the tires.
Can You Jack Up A Car On An Incline?
It is possible to jack up your car on an inclined road it is generally not recommended to do so. To jack up your vehicle on an inclined road, you must adopt a series of safety measures to ensure that your car does not slip.
When changing a tire on a hill or inclined road, you will have incline tires which means you will have to block all tires to stop them from moving while jacking up the vehicle. Secure the incline tire before the jacking process, not after.
If you are too scared of using a jack, there is another way out: changing a tire without a jack; yes, you can! You may be surprised to hear this, but it is possible.
How to change tire without jack? You will first have to get the right tools to complete the process. In this case, you need the following.
1 A digging tool
2 An open environment
3 Wheel blocks or large rocks
4 Spare tire
Once you have all the tools ready, you can proceed with the tire change without jack process.
Firstly, you will have to slowly move your vehicle to an area where the tire is over loose soil that you can easily dig, then turn off the engine. Block all tires with your wheel blockes or any large rock you can find around the area.
Next, you must start digging the soil underneath the flat tire. Dig up to a few inches and dig every corner of the tire. Once you have enough space to remove the tire, you can start changing the tire.
With all this done correctly, you have completed the “change a tire without a jack” process.
Does Your Car Have To Be On A Flat Surface To Change Tire?
When changing the tires, it is essential to have your vehicle on a leveled surface. It reduces the risk of your vehicle slipping during the replacement process.
The flat surface keeps your vehicle stable when changing the tire and balances the car’s weight.
Also, the jack will have a better grip on the floor during the change and will not slip. When your tire gets flat in a sloping environment, you need to move your automotive to a more leveled ground to perform the change.
Safety Tips To Follow During Changing Tires
When changing tire on sloped driveway, there are some safety tips that you should consider. These tips will help save you from any potential risks that you may face.
Below are some tips that will help you safely remove your tire.
1. Use wheel blockers to put tires in place during the change.
2. Turn on the hazard light.
3. Consult your vehicle’s manual before you proceed to change the tires.
4. Make use of a reflector triangle.
5. Make use of the parking brake.
6. Use the appropriate tools.
7. If you are using a tire-changing machine, move parts.
8. Properly tighten all loosed screws.
Conclusion
Can you change a tire on a hill or an inclined road? The answer is yes. It may come with some risk, but you can use the right guide.
If it is not necessary to change the tire at that position and a leveled road is close, then it is advisable to avoid changing the tire on an inclined road and get to a flat surface. You can drive with your flat tire if it is not far but do it slowly.