2017 Nissan Sentra: Easy Tire Change Guide

Hey guys! Changing a tire might seem daunting, but trust me, it's a skill every driver should have. Whether you're dealing with a flat in the middle of nowhere or just swapping out your tires for the season, knowing how to do it yourself can save you time, money, and a whole lot of stress. In this guide, we'll walk you through the process of changing a tire on your 2017 Nissan Sentra step-by-step. So, let’s dive in and get you prepared for anything the road throws your way!

Tools You'll Need

Before we get started, let's make sure you have all the necessary tools. Here's a checklist of what you'll need to change a tire on your 2017 Nissan Sentra:

• Spare tire: Essential, obviously! Make sure it's properly inflated.
• Jack: The scissor jack that came with your Sentra.
• Lug wrench: For loosening and tightening the lug nuts.
• Owner's manual: Super helpful for locating jack points and specific instructions.
• Gloves: To keep your hands clean.
• Wheel chocks: To prevent your car from rolling.
• Flashlight: If you're changing a tire at night.
• A piece of wood: To provide a stable base for the jack on soft surfaces.

Having these tools ready will make the process smoother and safer. Trust me, you don't want to be caught without a lug wrench when you need it most!

Step-by-Step Guide to Changing a Tire

Okay, let's get into the nitty-gritty of changing that tire. Follow these steps carefully, and you'll be back on the road in no time.

1. Safety First

Safety is paramount. Before you even think about touching a lug nut, make sure your car is parked on a level surface, away from traffic. Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers. Engage the parking brake firmly. This is super important! Place wheel chocks behind the wheels that are diagonally opposite the flat tire. For example, if you're changing the front right tire, place the chocks behind the rear left wheel. This will prevent the car from rolling while you're working. Ensure all passengers are out of the vehicle and in a safe location, away from the road. This is especially crucial if you're on a busy highway. Remember, it's always better to be safe than sorry. Before proceeding, double-check that your car is stable and secure. A little extra precaution can prevent accidents and injuries.

2. Locate the Jacking Points

Consult your 2017 Nissan Sentra's owner's manual to identify the correct jacking points. These are reinforced areas on the car's frame designed to safely support the vehicle's weight. Using the wrong jacking point can damage your car's frame or undercarriage. The jacking points are typically located behind the front wheels and in front of the rear wheels, near the rocker panels. They are usually marked with a small notch or arrow. Once you've located the jacking point, make sure the area is clear of any debris or obstructions. Place the jack in the correct position, ensuring it's stable and aligned properly. If you're working on a soft surface, such as gravel or grass, place a piece of wood under the jack to provide a more stable base. This will prevent the jack from sinking into the ground and causing the car to become unstable. Always double-check the jack's placement before lifting the vehicle.

3. Loosen the Lug Nuts

Before you lift the car, use the lug wrench to loosen the lug nuts on the flat tire. It's important to loosen them before lifting the car because the wheel will be more stable on the ground. Use the lug wrench to turn the lug nuts counterclockwise. You might need to apply some force, especially if the lug nuts are tight. If you're having trouble, try using your foot to push on the wrench. Be careful not to slip! Don't remove the lug nuts completely at this stage; just loosen them enough so that they can be easily removed once the car is lifted. Loosening them about a quarter to half a turn should be sufficient. Remember to loosen the lug nuts in a star pattern (opposite nuts) to ensure even pressure on the wheel. This helps prevent the wheel from warping or becoming damaged. This step is crucial for your safety and the integrity of your wheel.

4. Lift the Vehicle

Now it's time to lift the vehicle using the jack. Slowly and steadily raise the car until the flat tire is off the ground. You only need to lift it high enough to remove the flat tire and install the spare tire. Avoid lifting the car too high, as this can make it unstable. As you raise the car, double-check that the jack is stable and properly positioned. If it looks like it's leaning or slipping, stop and reposition it before continuing. Once the tire is off the ground, give the car a gentle nudge to ensure it's stable on the jack. If it feels wobbly, lower the car and reassess the jack's placement. 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 car's frame near the jacking point for added safety. Jack stands provide a secondary support system in case the jack fails.

5. Remove the Flat Tire

With the car safely lifted, you can now remove the lug nuts completely. Unscrew them by hand and keep them in a safe place, such as your pocket or the hubcap, so you don't lose them. 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 effort if the tire is stuck, but try to wiggle it gently until it comes loose. Be prepared for the tire to be heavier than you expect. Once the tire is removed, set it aside. Take a moment to inspect the wheel studs for any damage or debris. If they look dirty or corroded, clean them with a wire brush before installing the spare tire. This will ensure a proper and secure fit. Also, check the hub for any rust or dirt that could prevent the wheel from sitting flush against it.

6. Install the Spare Tire

Now, align the spare tire with the wheel studs and carefully push it onto the hub. Make sure the wheel is flush against the hub before proceeding. Once the spare tire is in place, hand-tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern. This will ensure even pressure on the wheel and prevent it from wobbling. Tighten them as much as you can by hand. After hand-tightening the lug nuts, use the lug wrench to tighten them further. Again, tighten them in a star pattern to ensure even pressure. Don't overtighten the lug nuts at this stage; just make them snug. You'll tighten them fully once the car is back on the ground. Ensuring the spare tire is properly installed is crucial for your safety. Double-check that all the lug nuts are in place and properly aligned before proceeding.

7. Lower the Vehicle

Slowly lower the vehicle using the jack until the spare tire is touching the ground but still has some weight on the jack. This will prevent the wheel from spinning when you tighten the lug nuts. Once the tire is touching the ground, use the lug wrench to fully tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern. Apply firm and even pressure to each lug nut until they are securely tightened. Avoid overtightening them, as this can damage the wheel studs or the wheel itself. If you have a torque wrench, consult your owner's manual for the recommended torque specification and use it to tighten the lug nuts to the correct torque. After tightening the lug nuts, lower the vehicle completely to the ground. Remove the jack and double-check that the car is stable. Give the wheel a final check to ensure it's properly seated and the lug nuts are tight.

8. Final Tightening and Inspection

Once the car is fully on the ground, give the lug nuts one last tightening with the lug wrench. Make sure they are all snug and secure. It's a good idea to check the lug nuts again after driving a short distance, such as 50 to 100 miles. This will ensure that they haven't loosened during driving. Store the flat tire, jack, and lug wrench back in their designated places in your car. Make sure everything is secure so it doesn't roll around while you're driving. Finally, take a moment to inspect the spare tire. Check the tire pressure and inflate it to the recommended pressure if necessary. Remember that spare tires are often smaller than regular tires and may have a lower speed rating. Drive cautiously and avoid high speeds until you can replace the spare tire with a regular tire.

After the Change

• Get your flat tire repaired or replaced: Don't drive on a spare tire for too long. Get your flat tire fixed or buy a new one as soon as possible.
• Check the spare tire's pressure: Ensure your spare is always properly inflated.
• Re-torque the lug nuts: After driving about 50 miles, double-check the lug nuts to make sure they're still tight.

Conclusion

Changing a tire on your 2017 Nissan Sentra might seem intimidating at first, but with the right tools and a little bit of know-how, you can handle it like a pro. Remember to prioritize safety, follow the steps carefully, and don't hesitate to ask for help if you're unsure about anything. Now you're equipped to tackle a flat tire and get back on the road with confidence. Safe travels, everyone!