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How to Change a Flat Tire in Skokie, IL
It's easier than you may think to change a flat tire! Avoid towing fees by learning how to perform the task yourself. After reading this overview, get a new tire for your vehicle at McGrath Evanston Subaru and contact us if you need assistance.
Preparation
If you're driving around Skokie and experience a flat tire, you don't want to be without the proper tools. For that reason, collect them ahead of time! you're going to need a car jack to lift up your Subaru Forester, Impreza, or Ascent. This will usually come with a lever that is used for activating the mechanism. You will also need to bring a torque wrench to remove the lug nuts from the affected wheel. It is also important to have a pressure gauge so that you can test the air in your spare tire. If it’s low, then a portable air compressor can be extremely helpful in getting you back on I-94. Other emergency gear is useful as well, so bring a blanket in case this event happens in winter.
Removing the Flat
The first step to changing your flat tire is to remove the damaged component. To do so, get to a safe place like a parking lot and call for help if more than one tire is affected. Then, remove the aforementioned tool from your trunk and place the jack beneath the metal frame of your car. Ensure that it is secure before you start undoing the lug nuts that hold the tire in place using the torque wrench. Before they are completely loose, lift the car off the ground a few inches to ensure that it won’t spin when you’re removing the flat. Finish taking off the lug nuts and you’re all set! Be sure to come to our Service Department to see if the flat tire is repairable.
Installing the Spare
You will also need to learn how to install your spare tire, and it all begins by placing the component over the bolts where the old unit was. It should fit snugly, so continue by screwing the lug nuts back onto the wheel by hand. Without fully tightening them with the wrench, set the car back down on the ground. This will allow you to finish securing them more easily. When you do so, alternate which bolt is being tightened in order to ensure that the wheel sits evenly in its place. A spare tire will only last around 50 miles, so it may be best to postpone your trip to Devonshire Park until you get a new one from our Tire Center.
How Long Do Spare Tires Last?
- Spare tires only last about 50 miles, so don't travel too far on them!
Dealership Information
Testimonials
5 Star Service! A couple shout-outs. Jeff helped us get moving on a build sheet and purchase order, and was extremely communicat
Eddie my service guy was exceptional.
“ Eddie my service guy was exceptional. He originally got a “no” from the warranty company about my coverage, but called them back and talked to a supervisor. He persisted and got my repair covered, as it should be. It said it right there on the contract. He also worked with me on the best price for tires. Eddie was great! My only snafu was in picking up my car (the next morning because there was no courtesy driver available). I paid, then waited 10-15 minutes for my car to be driven up, which it never was. I finally walked around and found it, right outside the garage and tracked down someone to just give me my keys. Clearly, there was a mess up in communicating to someone to get me my car, even though both the cashier and a guy whose attention I was able to get said it should be coming soon. ”
They care about keeping our Subaru in the best running condition. Thank you for caring!
“ I bought this 2010 Forrester for my sister 12 years ago. We have taken our car to Evanston Subaru for all our service needs and have always been treated well. I recommend this dealership. It is staffed with good people and competent mechanics. The facility is always clean. This is noticeable. They even wash my car without being asked.. When the service personnel recommend areas needing attention, I trust them for caring for our safety. They care about keeping our Subaru in the best running condition. Thank you for caring! ”
George worked with my budget for an oil change and back brake replacement. Extremely kind.
“ Great. I called first so it would be OK to get my 2018 Subaru Forester towed in because the engine oil light came on, with a message on my dashboard. George told me since I didn't have an appointment it would be worked on the next day. (The towing service was great). They found a quart of oil missing, and some other things to fix. George worked with my budget for an oil change and back brake replacement. Extremely kind. Then they always fill the tires with air, and give a free carwash before I go. The technicians worked really hard in 104 degree weather. I waited in the waiting area: free coffee, water and a granola bar. Thank you! ”
Every experience I've had at this location has been great and I'm sure everyone who works here is wonderful.
“ Every experience I've had at this location has been great and I'm sure everyone who works here is wonderful. That said, Eric is a cut above — he's just incredible. We recently had to get a good amount of work done on our 2015 Forester which had not been taken in for some time. Eric walked me through several different options for repairs and servicing, all with different price breakdowns, and made sure I understood what each service/repair was and why he recommended it. He also worked with his service manager to get me a great deal by not charging to replace our AC condenser which had stopped working. I had stopped going to this location because we moved and it wasn't as convenient, but after this most recent experience with Eric I will only take my Forester here. Wish I could give more than 5 stars! ”
“ 5 Star Service! A couple shout-outs. Jeff helped us get moving on a build sheet and purchase order, and was extremely communicative and friendly! We loved working with him while we waited for our car. Derek helped us finalize the order and all of our information, and did a great job. Ken was fantastic on the day-of walking us through all the information on our new car and having a smile throughout! Really incredible staff, as well as a really incredible car! ”