How To Change A Tire

Changing a flat tire is a practical skill every driver should know. This guide provides a clear, step-by-step process to safely replace a tire using your vehicle's jack and spare. You'll learn how to prepare, execute each step, and avoid common mistakes, ensuring you can handle this roadside emergency with confidence and without panicking.

Fast Answer

Park on a flat, stable surface, turn on your hazard lights, and apply the parking brake.
Loosen the lug nuts, jack up the car, remove the flat, mount the spare, and tighten the nuts in a star pattern before lowering the car.

Set-up ready What to have on hand

Step-by-step Guide format

Device-specific Check official settings

Before You Start

Find a safe location away from traffic, ideally a level surface. Turn on your hazard lights and engage the parking brake.
Locate the spare tire, jack, and lug wrench in your vehicle. Check your owner's manual for their exact locations and instructions.
If you have wheel locks, find the lock key. Also, check the spare tire's pressure if possible, using a gauge if available.
Collect any additional safety items you have, such as reflective triangles, gloves, or a flashlight. You may need a flashlight if it's dark.

Check first: Never position any part of your body under the vehicle while it is supported only by the jack. The jack is for changing tires, not for crawling under the car. Always ensure the vehicle is on stable ground and the parking brake is firmly applied before lifting.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare Your Vehicle and Gather Tools

First, turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers, and engage the parking brake to prevent the car from rolling. Shift into Park (automatic) or first gear (manual). If you have wheel chocks or large stones, place them in front of and behind the wheel diagonally opposite the flat tire. This prevents any movement while you work. Next, locate the spare tire, jack, and lug wrench. In most vehicles, these are stored in the trunk under the floorboard or mounted on the rear. Consult your owner's manual if you cannot find them. Also, check the spare tire's pressure using a gauge if available; a properly inflated spare is crucial. Finally, if you have a wheel lock key, ensure you have it accessible. This preparation ensures you can work safely and efficiently without unnecessary delays.

Tip: If you're on a slope, angle the vehicle so the flat tire is on the downhill side, and chock wheels more firmly. This reduces strain on the parking brake.

Loosen the Lug Nuts Before Jacking

Before raising the vehicle, use the lug wrench to loosen each lug nut on the flat tire by turning it counterclockwise. Do not remove them completely; just break the initial resistance. This is easier while the tire is still on the ground, as the vehicle's weight holds the wheel in place. If a nut is stubborn, you can carefully apply your weight to the wrench or use a foot for leverage, but be cautious. Some lug nuts may have caps over them; pop them off if needed. Loosening the nuts now prevents the wheel from spinning when you try to loosen them after the car is in the air. It is a critical safety step because using force on a lifted car could rock it off the jack. Work your way around in a star pattern to ensure even breakage. Once all nuts are loose, proceed to the next step.

Tip: If the lug wrench is small or you lack leverage, you can place the wrench on the nut and gently push down with your foot while standing on the ground. Always double-check that the wrench is seated securely.

Position the Jack and Lift the Vehicle

Locate the correct jacking points on your vehicle. These are reinforced metal points designed to support the vehicle's weight. Refer to your owner's manual for exact locations; typically, they are just behind the front wheels or just ahead of the rear wheels, along the pinch welds. Position the jack under the frame or designated jacking point, making sure it is stable and level. If you're using a scissor jack, place it on a flat surface. Turn the jack handle clockwise to raise the vehicle until the flat tire is about six inches off the ground. This clearance gives you room to remove the flat and install the spare. Make sure the vehicle is stable before you proceed. You can give a gentle push to ensure it doesn't move. The vehicle must be on solid, level ground to avoid the jack sinking.

Tip: If you have a scissor jack, ensure its base is perpendicular to the ground. If the ground is soft, place a sturdy piece of wood under the jack to prevent it from sinking.

Remove the Lug Nuts and the Flat Tire

Now that the vehicle is safely raised, finish removing the lug nuts. Turn them counterclockwise by hand until they are all off. Place the nuts together in a safe spot, such as a pocket or a small container, so they don't get lost in the grass or gravel. Next, grip the flat tire at the 3 and 9 o'clock positions and pull it toward you to detach it from the hub. If it is stuck, you can gently kick the tire's sidewall at the top and bottom, or use a rubber mallet if you have one. Be careful not to damage the wheel studs. Once the tire is free, roll it away from the vehicle and set it aside, but do not lie it flat; placing it under the vehicle's frame for extra safety is a common practice, but ensure it's not interfering with your work space. Removing the flat completely gives you clear access to the hub.

Tip: Check the tire's brake rotor or drum for any obvious damage while the wheel is off, but do not touch the hot brake components.

Mount the Spare Tire and Hand-Tighten the Nuts

Take the spare tire and align its wheel holes with the wheel studs. Slide the spare onto the hub, ensuring it sits flush and flat. If the spare has a center guide, use it to align. If it doesn't slip on easily, you may need to lift the tire to align the holes with the studs. Once it's on, screw the lug nuts back on by hand, turning them clockwise. Tighten them as much as you can with your fingers. This ensures the nuts are correctly threaded and prevents cross-threading. If they are difficult to turn, do not force them; check the alignment. Hand-tightening all nuts in a star pattern (opposite nuts) helps seat the wheel evenly. Do not use the wrench yet, as the full tightening will be done after the car is lowered. This step is critical for a secure fit.

Tip: If the spare is a compact temporary tire, note that it may be smaller or have a different tread pattern. Avoid driving fast or long distances on it.

Lower the Vehicle and Tighten Lug Nuts

Lower the vehicle slowly by turning the jack handle counterclockwise. Lower it until the tire touches the ground but still supports the vehicle's weight partially. Do not fully remove the jack yet. Now, use the lug wrench to tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern: tighten one, then skip to the next but one, and so on. This ensures even pressure. Apply your full body weight to the wrench for a firm, crisscross tightening. You want them snug, but avoid over-tightening, which can damage the studs or warp the wheel. After you've tightened all the nuts, lower the vehicle completely and remove the jack. Then, give each nut another half-turn in the same star pattern to ensure maximum tightness. Use your body weight, but don't jump on the wrench. A final tightness is crucial for safe driving.

Tip: Remember to re-tighten the lug nuts after about 50 miles of driving, as new wheels or spares can settle. Use a torque wrench if available to achieve the vehicle manufacturer's recommended torque.

Quick Reference

Situation	Action	Why it helps
You are on a busy freeway shoulder with traffic passing.	If you cannot safely change the tire, call for roadside assistance and stay inside the vehicle with your seatbelt on until help arrives.	The risk of being struck by passing vehicles is high; never expose yourself to traffic unnecessarily.
The lug nuts are extremely tight, and the wrench won't budge.	Stand on the wrench handle to use your body weight, or place the wrench on the nut and step on it firmly, ensuring it is secure.	Using your weight safely multiplies the force you can apply, breaking the corrosion that often causes stuck bolts.
The jack starts to sink into soft ground while lifting the car.	Lower the vehicle immediately, reposition the jack on a firm, flat surface, and place a wide, sturdy board under the jack base before lifting again.	A sinking jack can destabilize the vehicle and cause it to fall, leading to serious injury or vehicle damage.

Common Issues

The spare tire is flat or has low pressure.: If the spare is flat, you cannot drive on it. Use a portable air compressor if you have one, or call roadside assistance for a tow. Never drive on a flat spare.
Wheel studs are rusted or damaged, preventing the nuts from threading on smoothly.: Clean the threads with a wire brush if possible. If a nut won't thread at all, do not force it. Call a professional to replace the stud or the wheel.
The vehicle's jack is missing or doesn't fit the vehicle's jacking point.: Use a floor jack with a proper adapter if available, or call roadside assistance. Do not use any random jack that doesn't fit securely; it can slip and cause the car to fall.

Advanced Tips

Use a crisscross pattern when tightening lug nuts to ensure the wheel is seated evenly and to prevent warping the brake rotor.
If you have a torque wrench, tighten the lug nuts to the vehicle manufacturer's specification, usually around 80-100 foot-pounds, after completing the change.
A tire plug kit and portable compressor can help you temporarily repair a minor puncture, but only if the damage is in the tread area and you are otherwise stranded, as a temporary fix.

Final Checklist

Ensure the spare tire is inflated to the pressure recommended for your vehicle, which you can find in the owner's manual or on the door jamb sticker.
Confirm all lug nuts are tightened to the correct torque in a star pattern, using a torque wrench if available.
Stow the flat tire, jack, and tools securely in the vehicle so they don't become projectiles in the event of a crash.
Drive to a nearby tire shop to have the flat repaired or replaced, and remember to re-torque your lug nuts after about 50 miles.

FAQ

How long can I drive on a temporary spare tire?

Temporary spares, often called donuts, are not meant for long distances or high speeds. Check the label on the tire for the maximum speed, usually 50 mph, and drive only to the nearest tire shop to get a proper repair or replacement.

What if my car has no spare tire?

Many modern cars come with a tire repair kit that includes sealant and a compressor. If you have this kit, follow the instructions to seal the puncture and inflate the tire. If the repair is not possible, call roadside assistance for a tow.

Can I change a tire if I have a physical disability?

If you have limitations that prevent you from safely lifting or crouching, it's best to call roadside assistance. Some versions of this guide recommend using a friend or family member for help. Always prioritize your safety over trying to complete the task alone.