Before You Begin
Safety First
- Pull over to a safe, flat surface away from traffic
- Turn on your hazard lights
- Engage the parking brake
- Place wheel wedges on the opposite side of the flat tire
Gather Your Tools
Make sure you have:
- Spare tire: Ensure it's properly inflated
- Jack: To lift the vehicle
- Lug wrench: To remove and tighten the lug nuts
- Owner's manual: For specific instructions
- Flashlight: If dark
- Gloves: Optional
Step-by-Step Process
1. Locate Proper Lifting Points
Consult your vehicle's manual to find the designated jack points. Using the wrong spot could damage your car or cause the jack to slip. Most vehicles have reinforced points behind the front wheels and in front of the rear wheels.
2. Remove Hubcap and Loosen Lug Nuts
Important: Do this before lifting the car!
- Remove any wheel covers or hubcaps using the flat end of your lug wrench
- Use the lug wrench to loosen each nut by turning counterclockwise
- Don't remove them completely - just break their initial resistance
3. Lift the Vehicle
- Position the jack under the appropriate lifting point
- Raise the vehicle until the tire is about 6 inches off the ground
- Ensure the car is stable before proceeding
4. Remove the Flat Tire
- Fully remove the lug nuts (keep them together in a safe place)
- Pull the tire straight off the wheel hub
- Place it flat on the ground
5. Mount the Spare Tire
- Lift the spare tire and align it with the wheel hub
- Push it all the way onto the hub
- Replace the lug nuts, tightening them by hand initially
6. Lower and Secure
- Lower the vehicle until the tire touches the ground
- Remove the jack completely
- Fully tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern for even pressure
Pro Tip: Never use your full body weight or jump on the lug wrench. This can damage the nuts or brake components.
Time Estimates
- Preparation: 5 minutes
- Loosening lug nuts: 2-3 minutes
- Raising vehicle: 3-5 minutes
- Removing flat tire: 2-3 minutes
- Installing spare: 2-3 minutes
- Lowering and tightening: 2-3 minutes
- Final check: 1-2 minutes
Total Time: 15-30 minutes for most situations
Additional Tips
- Practice locating your jack points before you need them
- Keep your tire-changing tools organized and easily accessible
- Consider keeping a small piece of plywood in your trunk for soft surfaces
- Regularly check your spare tire's pressure and condition
- Visit a tire repair shop as soon as possible, as most spares are temporary
For more detailed information, visit:
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
- AAA's guide on changing a tire
- Owner's manual online guide
Remember that if you don't feel comfortable changing a tire yourself, it's perfectly acceptable to call for roadside assistance.