Change a Tire

Tools

• Vehicle jack
• Lug wrench
• Owner's manual
• Wheel chocks

Materials

• Spare tire

Safety

• Park on a flat, stable surface away from traffic.
• Turn on hazard lights if you are near a roadway.
• Engage the parking brake and put the vehicle in park or in first gear/reverse for a manual transmission.
• Use wheel chocks if available to prevent rolling.
• Check the owner's manual for the correct jack points and spare tire instructions.
• Loosen lug nuts slightly before lifting the car.
• Lift only at the manufacturer-approved jack point.
• Keep hands and feet clear of the underside of the vehicle.
• Never place any part of your body under a car supported only by a jack.
• If the vehicle feels unstable on the jack, lower it immediately and reposition.
• Tighten lug nuts in a star pattern and torque them to specification as soon as possible.
• If using a temporary spare, drive cautiously and follow its speed and distance limits.

Steps

1. Step 1: Pull over and secure the vehicle

   • Move to a flat, firm area away from traffic.
   • Turn on the hazard lights.
   • Set the parking brake and shift into park, or into gear if the vehicle has a manual transmission.
   • Place wheel chocks on the opposite end of the vehicle from the flat tire if you have them.

   Check: The vehicle is fully stopped on stable ground. · The car cannot roll easily. · You are positioned as far from moving traffic as possible.

2. Step 2: Gather the spare and tools

   • Retrieve the spare tire, jack, and lug wrench from the vehicle.
   • Read the owner's manual for the correct jack point and any spare-tire-specific instructions.

   Check: You have the correct tools for your vehicle. · You know the approved jack location for the flat tire position. · The spare tire appears usable and not obviously damaged.

3. Step 3: Loosen the lug nuts slightly

   • Remove the hubcap or wheel cover if needed to access the lug nuts.
   • Use the lug wrench to turn each lug nut counterclockwise about a quarter turn while the tire is still on the ground.
   • Do not fully remove the lug nuts yet.

   Check: Each lug nut has been loosened slightly. · The wheel is still firmly attached to the vehicle. · You did not lift the car before breaking the lug nuts loose.

4. Step 4: Position the jack and raise the vehicle

   • Place the jack at the manufacturer-approved jack point nearest the flat tire.
   • Raise the vehicle until the flat tire is just off the ground.

   Check: The jack is contacting the correct lift point. · The vehicle feels stable as it rises. · The flat tire has enough clearance to be removed.

5. Step 5: Remove the flat tire

   • Finish unscrewing the loosened lug nuts and set them aside where they will not roll away.
   • Pull the flat tire straight off the wheel studs.

   Check: All lug nuts are accounted for. · The flat tire has been removed cleanly. · The vehicle remains stable on the jack.

6. Step 6: Install the spare tire

   • Align the spare tire with the wheel studs.
   • Push the spare fully onto the hub.
   • Thread the lug nuts on by hand until snug.

   Check: The spare sits flush against the hub. · All lug nuts are hand-threaded correctly and not cross-threaded. · The wheel does not wobble loosely on the studs.

7. Step 7: Lower the vehicle and tighten the lug nuts

   • Lower the vehicle until the spare just contacts the ground enough to keep it from spinning.
   • Tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern.
   • Lower the vehicle fully and remove the jack.
   • Tighten the lug nuts again firmly in a star pattern.
   • Torque the lug nuts to the manufacturer's specification if you have the proper tool; otherwise have them checked as soon as possible.

   Check: The vehicle is fully back on the ground. · The jack has been removed safely. · The lug nuts are tightened evenly in a star pattern.

8. Step 8: Stow equipment and follow up

   • Put the flat tire, jack, and tools back in the vehicle.
   • Check the spare tire pressure if possible.
   • Drive cautiously, especially if the spare is a temporary spare.
   • Repair or replace the damaged tire as soon as practical.

   Check: All tools and the flat tire are secured in the vehicle. · You understand any speed or distance limits for the spare. · You have a plan to get the damaged tire repaired promptly.