How to Change a Flat Tire in Chicago, IL
Whether you are far from Chicago or on local streets, getting a flat tire is never fun. In order to be prepared for this occurrence, it’s important to know how to change it. Get more advice at Western Avenue Nissan by contacting us online or by phone.
What Tools Do You Need?
The necessary tools for changing a flat tire are usually found in the trunk or under the cargo panel in your storage area. It's a good idea to check this compartment before the items are needed. First of all, you'll want to locate the spare tire and the car jack. The former is what you’ll swap the flat tire out for, while the latter allows you to lift the vehicle up to access the wheel. Another item you will need is a torque wrench, which will help you to unscrew each of the lug nuts. We also highly recommend having a portable air compressor to restore pressure in a tire that is low. This often happens to spare tires that have gone unused for several years.
First Steps
If you find yourself with a flat tire as you drive to Calumet Park, the first thing you will want to do is find a safe place to pull over. While some roads have a shoulder that you can use, others may not, requiring you to make the next possible turn to get to an unoccupied area. Once you can safely exit your Nissan Altima or Sentra, remove the aforementioned tools from your vehicle. Place the car jack beneath the frame of the car, ensuring that it is directly beneath the sturdy metal bar that is close to the flat tire. Using the pumping handle, elevate the vehicle until the affected wheel is off the ground. Then, apply the torque wrench to the lug nuts and remove each of them, allowing you to completely take off the flat tire. Reach out to our team members or another party if you are having trouble.
Installing a Spare Tire
In order to resume your trip down Interstate 90, you will need to put the spare tire on your car. First, place it on the bolts where the old one was, and then set each of the lug nuts in the holes. Screw them in by hand at first, then use the torque wrench to tighten them completely. Instead of fastening them in a clockwise order, make sure to do so in a star pattern. This will keep the wheel even as you secure it to your car. After that, slowly lower the vehicle using the pump handle on the jack. Spare tires are not meant to last long, so get a new one from our Tire Center as soon as you can.
How Long Should You Drive on a Spare Tire?
- Spare tires are not designed for long-term use and should only be driven on for up to 50 miles.
Dealership Information
Testimonials
Wonderful Experience!
Amazing
“ Jermaine Give Amazing Work performance He Was Very professional. ”
Highly Recommended!
“ Jermaine was very knowledgeable and has excellent customer service!! I highly recommend coming here to get a car! 10/10 recommend, absolutely amazing service!! ”
Thanks!
“ Thank you very much. We value you as a customer and appreciate your feedback. If there is anything we can help you with please don’t hesitate to contact us directly. ”
Very Helpful!
“ Desiree were very helpful very nice and help get a car I liked. ”
I really appreciate the profound customer service!
“ I really appreciate the profound customer service that Jermaine Rogers provided to me in the sale of my new vehicle. Jermaine was very professional and attentive throughout my entire purchasing process. Sincere thanks!!! ”
Easy Process!
“ From the very first phone call to the moment I drove off the lot, Desiree Williams made the entire process smooth and enjoyable. She was professional, patient, and truly went above and beyond to make sure I got exactly what I wanted. Couldn’t have asked for a better experience—thank you, Desiree! ”
Thanks for the Help!
“ Thank you for all your help Melvin You are inspiration. You said you would get the job done and you executed on your word. Job well done we now have a beautiful car at the best time in need Thank you once again please everyone come see Melvin at Western Ave., Nissan. He is the truth. ”
Very nice and knowledgeable!
“ Edgar was definitely a great salesman, my entire experience was quick, easy, and simple… I told him what I wanted and my expectations and he delivered. He was very nice and knowledgeable. This my 3rd car from this dealership and I appreciate the service. Western Ave Nissan HIT A BIG WIN with EDGAR. I’m very happy!! ”
Great Experience!
“ Darius Lewis surely saved my day. I had problems at other dealerships, but when I came here, My. Darius help me thru the process, carefully explained everything, and made sure I walked out here with a new car. He’s awesome. ”
Very Professional
“ He was good with the way he used my points to get me a better car. He was very professional. I am grateful the fact that I came back to the same person as before. The dealership treated like the great and good customer that I am. Thanks kino Williams!!!!! ”
Jermaine was amazing
“ Jermaine was amazing. A great salesman who checked every option to find what was right for us (price included lol). There is a stereotype of a shady cars salesman, trying to do anything for that commission; and he is as far from that as you can possibly get. Along with their finance department’s assistance finding a way to get the best possible price, all together it was the best experience we ever could’ve asked for. ”
Reggie was awesome!
“ Reggie was awesome. He was knowledgeable and patient, taking the time to understand my needs and preferences without any pressure. He was transparent about pricing and features, ensuring I felt confident in my decision. The finance process was equally smooth, with clear explanations and a stress-free experience ”
Such a great experience!
“ Such a great experience. If you looking for a new car ask for Courtney. He got me approved when I didn’t believe I could due to a chapter 13 but he did at a good rate too ”
Informative & Understanding
“ First, I had contact with Nicole, who was informative & understanding. When I got into the dealership, I worked with Mr. Courtney, who was friendly and informative. Despite my tricky financial situation, we were able to work out a deal for financing that was within my budget. I ended up with a car 10 years newer than I was originally looking at! ”
Daniel was my salesman
“ So happy! Daniel was my salesman. He was very helpful and got me such a great deal on a new car! Everyone was very nice. I went to the right place to get my 2025 Nissan. Def recommend and def will be going back if I ever need to purchase another car. ”
I highly recommend for anyone responsible
“ I typed a review but forgot to press send cause they called me to sign the paperwork. I was here last Friday, first time buyer, first car. It was a day that changed my life. Hector was the one who mainly helped me and he hooked me up. He took his time, he was very easy to talk to and relate to, let me test drive what I wanted and he let me drive out there with a better deal than I went in for. Hector’s the real MVP. ”
Most definitely will comeback!
“ Jermaine was an amazing sells man!! He listened to what my daughter was looking for, how much she wanted to put down and how much she wants as a car payment. Let just say he exceeded our expectation with the mileage of the car and the monthly payment . Most definitely will comeback to get a new car. No, you get a whopper if you don’t cry, I’m your reason to cry so go ahead and act up for don’t work with me. I work with your mama. ”
Good Experience!
“ Well, at first I saw another car online that I thought was reasonable and I didn’t know if I could afford it or not and it turned out to be not what I expected so I met a nice young man and Daniel. He was very nice and he assured me that he could help me find a better car than what I was looking at. He was the first one that took the step out to reach out to me. The other people in the building act like that I didn’t exist, but Daniel Took his chance and show me some cars, and I even got the opportunity to trade in mine and it was a good experience it was better than I expected and now I have a beautiful new car and I feel more safer than I did before I came there. I just wanna tell Daniel thank you so much for taking the opportunity and your time to make me feel comfortable about getting a car I really need one really bad and now I will feel safe getting to working back because of you , thank you so much for the good customer service and believing me and you gave me the confidence to get myself better Car thank you and I will assure you that I will take care of the car like I supposed to who knows I may come back and get a more expensive one but right now this one fits my budget and I’m happy for what I got. Thank you so much. ”
Great Personality
“ Mevin helped my husband and I get a great car that was affordable with a low car note. He’ll take care of you and make sure you leave happy. He had a great personality and you can tell how genuine he is. ”
“ Wonderful salesman assisted with every need from the time we stepped in the dealership. My daughter left happy with her new car. Stop by and see Melvin down at Nissan. ”