How to Change a Tire: A Skill Every Driver Needs
Getting a flat tire is stressful, but changing it is straightforward once you know how. This guide walks you through the process step by step.
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Before You Start
Safety First
- Pull completely off the road
- Flat, stable surface (not soft ground)
- Away from traffic
- Turn on hazard lights
- Apply parking brake
- Turn off engine
- Place warning triangles if you have them
- Never change a tire on a slope
What You Need
- Spare tire (check pressure periodically!)
- Jack
- Lug wrench
- Vehicle owner's manual
- Flashlight
- Gloves
- Wheel wedges/chocks
- Rain poncho
- Reflective vest
Step-by-Step Process
Step 1: Prepare the Wheel
Before jacking up the car:
- Retrieve spare tire and tools
- Check spare tire pressure (if possible)
- Place wheel wedges behind tires to prevent rolling
- Remove hubcap if present (use flat end of lug wrench)
- Loosen lug nuts (turn counterclockwise) — loosen only, don't remove!
Important: Loosen lug nuts while the tire is still on the ground. The weight keeps the wheel from spinning.
Step 2: Position the Jack
- Check your owner's manual for exact location
- Usually a reinforced metal area on frame
- Never place jack on plastic body panels
- Position jack under vehicle frame
- Raise until jack is supporting (but not lifting) the car
- Ensure jack is positioned squarely
Step 3: Raise the Vehicle
- Continue raising the jack
- Raise until flat tire is 6 inches off the ground
- Never put any body part under the vehicle
Step 4: Remove the Flat Tire
- Finish unscrewing (counterclockwise)
- Place lug nuts somewhere safe (pocket, cup holder)
- Grip tire by treads
- Pull straight toward you
- Set aside flat tire
Step 5: Mount the Spare Tire
- Lift spare into place
- Align holes with bolts
- Push gently until bolts show through rim
- Thread lug nuts by hand
- Tighten in a star pattern (not circular)
- Get them as tight as possible by hand
Step 6: Lower and Tighten
- Lower jack until tire touches ground
- Tire should carry some weight but car not fully down
- Use lug wrench for final tightening
- Star pattern again
- Tighten as firmly as possible
- Lower jack completely
- Remove jack from under vehicle
Step 7: Final Check
- Double-check lug nut tightness
- Check spare tire pressure at next opportunity
- Stow flat tire and equipment
- Remove wheel wedges
After Changing the Tire
- Maximum speed: 50 mph
- Maximum distance: 50-70 miles
- Replace with full-size tire ASAP
- Avoid highway driving if possible
- Drive normally
- Still get flat tire repaired or replaced soon
- Have lug nuts re-torqued after 25-50 miles
- Check alignment if you hit something
When NOT to Change It Yourself
- You're on a busy highway with no safe shoulder
- Ground is too soft or uneven
- You're physically unable
- You don't have necessary equipment
- Weather makes it dangerous
AAA or roadside assistance exists for a reason.