A flat tire can happen anytime, anywhere—but knowing how to change it yourself can save you time, money, and stress. Whether you’re on the side of the road or in your driveway, this step-by-step guide will walk you through how to safely and efficiently replace a flat tire. Follow along with John and you will be back on the road in no time!

Step 1: Find a Safe Location

• If you’re driving when you notice the flat, slow down and find a safe, flat area away from traffic.
• Avoid stopping on a curve or a hill. If possible, pull into a parking lot or onto the shoulder of the road.
• Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers.

Step 2: Gather Your Tools

Before you start, make sure you have the necessary tools, which are usually found in your trunk:

• Spare tire
• Car jack
• Lug wrench
• Owner’s manual (for reference)
• Wheel wedges (optional but helpful for extra safety)

Step 3: Secure the Vehicle

• Engage the parking brake to prevent the car from rolling.
• If you have wheel wedges or heavy objects, place them behind or in front of the tires opposite to the one you’re changing.

Step 4: Loosen the Lug Nuts

• Use the lug wrench to turn the lug nuts counterclockwise.
• Loosen them slightly but don’t remove them yet. Lug nuts may be tight, so use your body weight or a foot push if necessary.

Step 5: Lift the Car with the Jack

• Locate the jack point near the flat tire (check your owner’s manual if unsure).
• Position the jack securely under the frame and slowly lift the car until the flat tire is about 6 inches off the ground.

Step 6: Remove the Flat Tire

• Fully unscrew and remove the loosened lug nuts.
• Carefully pull the flat tire straight off and set it aside.

Step 7: Mount the Spare Tire

• Line up the holes on the spare tire with the lug bolts.
• Push the spare tire onto the hub until it fits snugly.

Step 8: Tighten the Lug Nuts by Hand

• Place the lug nuts back onto the bolts utilizing the cross/star pattern John shows in the video and tighten them by hand as much as possible.
• This helps keep the tire centered before fully securing it.

Step 9: Lower the Car and Fully Tighten Lug Nuts

• Slowly lower the car until the spare tire touches the ground.
• Use the lug wrench to fully tighten the nuts in a star pattern to ensure even pressure.
• Double-check that all lug nuts are secure.

Step 10: Clean Up and Check Your Tire Pressure

• Put the flat tire, jack, and tools back in your car.
• If you have a tire pressure gauge, check the spare tire’s pressure and inflate if needed.
• Drive carefully and get the damaged tire repaired or replaced as soon as possible—most spare tires are not designed for long-term use.

Changing a flat tire is a valuable skill that can get you back on the road quickly. By following these steps, you can safely swap out a flat and avoid being stranded. If you’re ever unsure or feel unsafe, don’t hesitate to call us for roadside assistance.

Happy driving!

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