How to Change a Flat Tire in Bloomington, IN
Being able to change a tire is an important skill to have. Prepare yourself by reading this overview and contacting the Service Department staff at Royal South Mazda.
Tools
Whether you drive a Mazda CX-50, Mazda CX-30, or Mazda3 Sedan, you should ensure that you have the tools necessary to change a flat tire before you embark on a trip to Griffy Lake. Check your car’s cargo area for the basic components that you’ll need, starting with the spare tire. This is often located beneath the mat in your trunk, and it’s usually surrounded by other important tools. For instance, you’ll usually find a lug wrench and car jack, both of which will be required for swapping the flat tire out. Also, make sure that you have a lever to pump the jack up, otherwise you won’t be able to hoist your vehicle off the ground. Lastly, we recommend bringing a pressure gauge to see how much air your tire has. Other emergency tools can also be helpful, especially during our harsh Bloomington winter months.
First Steps
If you encounter debris or a pothole on Highway 45 that pops your tire, the first step is to find a safe place to pull over. Try to locate a parking lot or shoulder with little to no traffic. Next, locate the damaged tire and remove the aforementioned tools from your trunk. Start removing the flat tire by loosening the nuts on each bolt with the torque wrench. Before you take them off completely, place the car jack beneath the metal frame of your Mazda and start lifting it off the ground. Once it’s about four to six inches from the pavement, take off each nut and keep them in a safe place so that you don’t lose them. Contact us if you have any questions about this process!
Spare Tire
Now that the old wheel is removed from your car, it’s time to install the spare. Place the tire on the wheel base where the other one was and set each of the lug nuts on the bolts. Use your hand to tighten them a bit before slowly lowering the car jack. When the wheel touches the ground, you can finish securing each of the bolts using the wrench. Be sure to tighten them in a star-shaped pattern to ensure that it is fastened evenly. It’s important to visit our convenient location to get a replacement as soon as possible, as spare tires only last about 50 miles.
What Tools Are Needed To Change a Flat Tire?
- Car jack and lever
- Torque wrench
- Spare tire
- Pressure gauge
Dealership Information
Testimonials
I highly recommend them.
Each time was an enjoyable experience.
“ I didn't buy my car here but sent it for regular maintenance a few times. Each time was an enjoyable experience. They were always friendly and never tried to sell me stuff I didn't need. I was sad when I got a new car and had to find another dealership for services! ”
We have had a very good experience with this dealership.
“ We have had a very good experience with this dealership. They were very upfront with their pricing. They had the suv that we were looking for in stock. They are not pushy but very knowledgeable about their businesses. Overall a very good dealership. ”
Service was the best I have had since having a car in the last 35 years.
“ Service was the best I have had since having a car in the last 35 years. I did not have an appointment and they got me in for service. Everyone from the Service writer to the service tech was professional and nice to work with. Price for my oil change and inspection was very competitive and worth the 5-star service I recieved. They also sent me a Video of the service so I could see what was completed...Just top tier in my book. I will continue to go there with my MX-5 until it's dying day. ”
Everyone is very nice, helpful, and understanding from a phone call all the way to leaving the lot.
“ Everyone is very nice, helpful, and understanding from a phone call all the way to leaving the lot. I brought car in for an inspection, I LOVED the explanation video that was sent to me of the inspection. Not only did it make me feel a little more a part of the process, it gave me an excellent run down of everything that needed done and an accessible means of sharing with those who understand cars better than I do. Thank you very much! ”

“ Service department is great! Easy to make an appointment and they have always been ready for me at my appointment time. They have been respectful of my time and very thorough in their services. For even a basic service they do a nicely comprehensive check on the car and send you a video of, all the things they checked it’s very cool. I highly recommend them. ”