2017 Nissan Sentra: Easy Tire Change Guide
Hey guys! Changing a tire might seem like a daunting task, but trust me, it's a skill every driver should have. This guide will walk you through changing a tire on your 2017 Nissan Sentra. Whether you've got a flat or you're just swapping out seasonal tires, knowing how to do this yourself can save you time and money. So, grab your tools, and let's get started!
Preparing for the Tire Change
Before you even think about jacking up your car, there are some crucial steps to take to ensure your safety and a smooth process. Safety first, always! Make sure you're in a safe location, away from traffic. A level surface is ideal, as it prevents your car from rolling. Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers, and engage your parking brake firmly. These precautions are extremely important, so don’t skip them!
Now, gather your tools. You'll need your spare tire (make sure it's properly inflated!), a lug wrench, and a car jack. Your 2017 Nissan Sentra should have these in the trunk, usually under the floor panel. Additionally, it's a good idea to have gloves to keep your hands clean and a flashlight if it’s dark. A small piece of wood can also be helpful to stabilize the jack on soft surfaces. Take a moment to familiarize yourself with each tool, especially if you haven't used them before. Knowing where everything is and how it works will save you a lot of frustration later on.
Also, consult your 2017 Nissan Sentra's owner's manual. It contains specific information about your vehicle, including the location of the jack points and any special instructions for changing the tire. Ignoring these instructions could damage your car or lead to injury. Keep the manual handy; it's a lifesaver.
Finally, give the situation a quick assessment. Are you comfortable performing the tire change yourself? If you’re on a busy highway or feel unsure about any of the steps, it’s always best to call for roadside assistance. There’s no shame in asking for help, especially when safety is a concern. Remember, it’s better to be safe than sorry. With these preparations in place, you’re ready to move on to the next step. Getting everything ready beforehand makes the actual tire change much easier and faster.
Loosening the Lug Nuts
Before you lift your 2017 Nissan Sentra with the jack, it's essential to loosen the lug nuts on the flat tire. This step is much easier to accomplish while the tire is still on the ground, as the ground provides leverage. Trying to loosen them after the tire is in the air can be dangerous, as the wheel might spin. Use the lug wrench and fit it snugly onto one of the lug nuts. Apply firm, steady pressure to loosen it by turning the wrench counterclockwise. You might need to use your foot or body weight to get enough leverage, especially if the lug nuts are tight. Don't remove the lug nuts completely at this stage; just break them loose.
Repeat this process for all the lug nuts on the wheel. Work in a star pattern – meaning, loosen one lug nut, then move to the one directly opposite it, and so on. This ensures even pressure on the wheel and prevents it from warping. If you encounter a stubborn lug nut that refuses to budge, try applying a penetrating oil like WD-40 and let it sit for a few minutes before trying again. Sometimes, a little extra lubrication is all you need. Be patient and avoid using excessive force, which could damage the lug nut or the wrench.
Remember, the goal here is just to loosen the lug nuts, not remove them entirely. Once they are all loosened, you should be able to unscrew them by hand once the car is lifted. This pre-loosening step is crucial for safety and efficiency. Imagine trying to loosen those nuts in the air – it would be a wobbly, frustrating experience. By taking the time to do it right while the car is still on the ground, you set yourself up for a much smoother tire change. So, take your time, use the right tools, and don’t skip this important step!
Lifting the Vehicle with the Jack
Now that the lug nuts are loosened, it's time to lift your 2017 Nissan Sentra using the car jack. Refer to your owner's manual to find the correct jack points on your vehicle. These are reinforced areas of the frame designed to safely support the weight of the car. Using the wrong jack point can damage your car's frame or, worse, cause the car to slip off the jack.
Position the jack securely under the designated jack point. Make sure it is stable and on a level surface. If the ground is soft, place a piece of wood under the jack to provide a more solid base. Slowly begin to raise the vehicle by turning the jack handle. As the car lifts, double-check that the jack remains stable and doesn't shift. If it does, lower the car and reposition the jack before continuing.
Raise the vehicle high enough so that the flat tire is completely off the ground and you have enough clearance to remove it and install the spare. It's a good idea to raise it a bit higher than necessary, just to give yourself some extra room to maneuver. Once the car is at the desired height, give it a gentle nudge to ensure it is stable on the jack. Never work under a vehicle that is only supported by a jack. If you have jack stands, now is the time to use them. Place them under the frame near the jack point for added safety.
Lifting the car is a critical step, and it's essential to do it correctly. Rushing or taking shortcuts can lead to accidents and injuries. Always prioritize safety and double-check everything before proceeding. With the car safely lifted, you're ready to remove the lug nuts and take off the flat tire.
Removing the Flat Tire
With the 2017 Nissan Sentra safely lifted and supported, you can now remove the lug nuts completely. Unscrew them by hand, turning them counterclockwise. Keep a firm grip on the lug nuts as you remove them, as they can be hot if you've been driving recently. Place the lug nuts in a safe place, such as your pocket or the hubcap, so you don't lose them. Losing even one lug nut can compromise the safety of the wheel.
Once all the lug nuts are removed, carefully pull the flat tire towards you and off the wheel studs. It might take a bit of wiggling to get it loose, especially if it's been on there for a while. Be prepared for the tire to be heavier than you expect. Set the flat tire aside, away from your work area, so you don't trip over it. Now, take a moment to inspect the wheel studs. Make sure they are clean and free of any debris. If necessary, use a wire brush to clean them.
Before mounting the spare tire, double-check that it is the correct size and type for your vehicle. Using the wrong spare tire can damage your car's drivetrain. Also, inspect the spare tire for any signs of damage, such as cuts or bulges. If the spare tire is damaged, do not use it. Call for roadside assistance instead.
Removing the flat tire is a straightforward process, but it's important to pay attention to detail. Keeping track of the lug nuts, inspecting the wheel studs, and verifying the spare tire are all essential steps to ensure a safe and successful tire change. With the flat tire removed, you're ready to mount the spare tire and get back on the road.
Installing the Spare Tire
Now comes the exciting part – putting on the spare tire! Align the spare tire with the wheel studs on your 2017 Nissan Sentra. Carefully lift the spare tire and push it onto the studs. Make sure the wheel is flush against the hub. Once the spare tire is in place, grab those lug nuts you safely stowed away earlier. Thread them onto the studs by hand, tightening them in a star pattern, just like when you loosened them. This ensures even pressure and prevents the wheel from warping.
Tighten the lug nuts until they are snug, but don't fully tighten them yet. You'll want to do that once the car is back on the ground. Lower the vehicle carefully using the jack. Once the tire is touching the ground, but the full weight of the car isn't on it, give the lug nuts another tightening in that star pattern. Now, lower the vehicle completely and remove the jack. Give the lug nuts one final tightening. You want them to be as tight as possible, but be careful not to overtighten them, which could damage the studs or the lug nuts.
A good way to ensure they're tight enough is to use your body weight on the lug wrench. If you have a torque wrench, consult your owner's manual for the correct torque specifications and use the torque wrench to tighten the lug nuts to the specified torque. After driving a short distance (about 50 miles), it's a good idea to re-check the lug nuts to make sure they haven't loosened. Installing the spare tire correctly is crucial for your safety. Taking the time to do it right will give you peace of mind knowing that your wheel is securely attached.
Finishing Up and What to Do with the Flat Tire
Congrats, guys! You've successfully changed the tire on your 2017 Nissan Sentra! But before you pat yourself on the back entirely, there are a few more things to take care of. First, stow the flat tire, jack, and lug wrench back in their designated places in your trunk. Make sure everything is secure so it doesn't roll around while you're driving. Leaving loose objects in your trunk can be dangerous in the event of a sudden stop.
Next, check the pressure in your spare tire. Most spare tires require a higher pressure than regular tires, so consult the sticker on the spare tire or your owner's manual for the correct pressure. Use a tire pressure gauge to check the pressure and add air if necessary. Remember, spare tires are often smaller than regular tires and are not meant for long-term use. Get your flat tire repaired or replaced as soon as possible. Driving on a spare tire for an extended period can damage your vehicle's suspension and drivetrain.
As for what to do with the flat tire, you have a few options. You can take it to a tire shop to have it repaired if the damage is not too severe. If the tire is beyond repair, you'll need to replace it. Tire shops can also dispose of your old tire for a small fee. Alternatively, you can check with your local waste management services to see if they offer tire recycling programs. Disposing of tires properly is important for the environment. And that’s it! You’ve not only changed your tire but also ensured everything is properly stowed and taken care of. Drive safely!