Getting a flat tire is never convenient, but knowing how to change it safely can get you back on the road quickly. This guide walks you through the entire process from start to finish, with safety tips along the way. Whether you are roadside or in your driveway, these steps will help you change a flat tire without risk.
Find a Safe Location
If you get a flat while driving, do not slam on the brakes. Slow down gradually and steer to a safe, flat area away from traffic. A parking lot, wide shoulder, or level driveway is ideal. Avoid soft ground, slopes, or curves where other drivers might not see you. Turn on your hazard lights as soon as you pull over.
Gather Your Tools
Most cars come with a spare tire, a jack, and a lug wrench. Check your owner manual to locate them. You may also need a wheel wedge or large rock to chock the wheels, and a flashlight if it is dark. If you do not have a spare, you might have a tire repair kit or need to call for help. Make sure your spare is properly inflated before you start.
Secure the Vehicle
Before jacking up the car, you must prevent it from rolling. Place wheel chocks or heavy objects behind the wheels on the opposite side of the flat tire. If changing a front tire, chock the rear wheels and vice versa. Engage the parking brake firmly. If you have a manual transmission, leave it in gear (1st or reverse). For automatics, put it in Park.
Loosen the Lug Nuts
Do not jack up the car yet. Use the lug wrench to loosen each lug nut by turning counterclockwise. If they are tight, you can use your foot for leverage but be careful not to slip. Only loosen them a quarter to half turn. Do not remove them completely until the wheel is off the ground.
Jack Up the Car
Consult your owner manual for the correct jacking point on your vehicle. It is usually a reinforced area on the frame near the flat tire. Position the jack securely under that point. Slowly raise the jack until the tire is about 2 to 3 inches off the ground. Make sure the car is stable before proceeding. If using a scissor jack, turn the handle smoothly and check stability frequently.
Remove the Flat Tire
Now fully remove the loosened lug nuts by hand and place them in a safe spot like a pocket or on a cloth to keep them clean. Grasp the tire by the sides and pull it straight toward you. If it is stuck, gently kick the sidewall near the bottom to break it loose. Set the flat tire aside flat on the ground.
Mount the Spare Tire
Lift the spare tire and align the holes with the wheel studs. Push it onto the studs as far as it will go. If it does not slide on easily, you may need to lift the car a bit more. Once seated, start threading the lug nuts by hand. Tighten them as much as you can in a star pattern (tighten one, skip one, etc.) to ensure even pressure.
Lower the Car and Tighten Lug Nuts
Slowly lower the jack until the tire touches the ground but the full weight of the car is not yet on it. Then use the lug wrench to tighten the lug nuts firmly in the star pattern. Lower the car completely and remove the jack. Give each lug nut one final solid turn to ensure they are secure. Do not overtighten as you risk damaging the studs.
Stow Equipment and Check Pressure
Place the flat tire and all tools back in their storage locations. Check the spare tire pressure with a gauge if you have one. The recommended pressure is usually listed on a sticker inside the driver door or in the manual. Drive slowly and avoid high speeds, as many spares are only for temporary use. Get the flat tire repaired or replaced as soon as possible.
Safety Tips to Remember
- Always change a tire on level ground if possible.
- Never put any body part under a car supported only by a jack.
- Use your hazard lights and set up reflective triangles if you have them.
- If you are on a busy road, call for professional help instead.
- Check your spare tire condition periodically so it is ready when you need it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I don't have a spare tire?
Many newer cars come with a tire repair kit instead of a spare. Use the kit following the instructions, or call for roadside assistance. If no kit is available, you will need a tow to a tire shop.
How often should I check my spare tire pressure?
Check your spare tire pressure at least once a month and before long trips. The recommended pressure is usually higher than regular tires and is listed in your owner manual or on a sticker inside the driver door.
Can I drive on a donut spare at highway speeds?
Temporary spare tires (donuts) are rated for speeds up to 50 mph (80 km/h). Driving faster can cause tire failure. Always follow the speed limit listed on the spare tire sidewall.