How to Change a Flat Tire
Changing a flat tire is an essential skill every driver should know. Whether you’re stuck on the roadside or preparing for an emergency, this step-by-step guide will help you replace your tire safely and efficiently.
How to Change a Flat Tire: Step-by-Step
Prepare Your Vehicle and Tools
Pull over to a safe, flat area away from traffic.
Turn on your hazard lights.
Apply the parking brake.
Retrieve your spare tire, jack, lug wrench, and wheel wedges (usually found in your trunk).
Loosen the Lug Nuts
Use the lug wrench to loosen the lug nuts on the flat tire by turning them counterclockwise.
Do not remove them completely yet—just break the initial tightness.
Lift the Vehicle
Place the jack under your vehicle’s frame near the flat tire.
Consult your owner’s manual for the correct jack point.
Raise the vehicle until the flat tire is about 6 inches off the ground.
Remove the Flat Tire
Finish unscrewing the loosened lug nuts.
Carefully pull the flat tire straight off the hub.
Set the flat tire aside.
Mount the Spare Tire
Align the spare tire with the lug bolts and push it onto the hub.
Screw the lug nuts back on by hand as tightly as possible.
Lower the Vehicle and Tighten Lug Nuts
Slowly lower the vehicle back to the ground using the jack.
Remove the jack once the car is fully lowered.
Use the lug wrench to tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern, ensuring even pressure.
Tips for Changing a Flat Tire Safely
Safety and Maintenance Tips
Always use wheel wedges to prevent the car from rolling.
Check your spare tire’s pressure regularly.
Replace lug nuts securely to avoid accidents.
If you’re unsure or unsafe, call roadside assistance.
Practice changing a tire in a controlled environment before an emergency.