How to Change a Flat Tire (Step-by-Step Guide)

What You’ll Need:

• Spare tire (fully inflated)

• Car jack

• Lug wrench (usually in your trunk)

• Owner’s manual

• Wheel wedges (optional, but helpful)

• Flashlight (if it’s dark)

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Step 1: Find a Safe Spot

• Pull over somewhere flat and away from traffic.

• Turn on your hazard lights.

• Apply the parking brake and place wheel wedges (or large rocks) behind the opposite tires.

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Step 2: Get Your Tools Out

• Open your trunk and grab the spare tire, jack, and lug wrench.

• Check your owner’s manual if you’re not sure where things are.

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Step 3: Loosen the Lug Nuts

• Use the lug wrench to turn each lug nut counter-clockwise.

• Don’t take them off yet—just break the resistance.

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Step 4: Jack Up the Vehicle

• Find the jack point near the flat tire (check the manual).

• Place the jack and raise the vehicle until the flat tire is about 6 inches off the ground.

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Step 5: Remove the Flat Tire

• Fully remove the loosened lug nuts.

• Pull the flat tire off and set it aside flat on the ground.

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Step 6: Mount the Spare Tire

• Line up the holes and slide the spare tire on.

• Hand-tighten the lug nuts.

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Step 7: Lower the Vehicle

• Lower the car slowly back to the ground.

• Once it’s fully down, use the wrench to tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern (tighten one, then go to the one opposite it, and so on).

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Step 8: Clean Up + Check Tire Pressure

• Put the flat tire and tools back in the trunk.

• If you have a tire gauge, check the pressure in the spare (especially if it’s a donut).

• Drive carefully and get the flat fixed or replaced ASAP.

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Safety Notes

• Never get under the vehicle while it’s jacked up.

• If you’re not confident or it feels unsafe, call for roadside help