How to Change a Flat Tire

Step-by-Step Guide to Changing a Tire

1. Find a Safe Location: Pull over on a flat, stable surface away from traffic. Turn on your hazard lights and apply the parking brake.
2. Gather Your Tools: You’ll need a spare tire, jack, lug wrench, and wheel wedges.
3. Loosen the Lug Nuts: Use the wrench to turn the lug nuts counterclockwise (but don’t remove them completely yet).
4. Lift the Vehicle: Position the jack under the vehicle’s designated jacking point and raise it until the flat tire is 6 inches off the ground.
5. Remove the Flat Tire: Unscrew the lug nuts completely and carefully pull the tire straight toward you.
6. Mount the Spare Tire: Place the spare on the hub and hand-tighten the lug nuts.
7. Lower the Vehicle and Tighten: Lower the car until the tire touches the ground, then use the wrench to fully tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern.
8. Stow Equipment and Check Pressure: Put all equipment away and check the spare tire’s air pressure as soon as possible.

Note: Donut spares are temporary and should be replaced with a full-size tire promptly.