How To Change a Flat Tire

Make sure the car is parked on a flat, level surface far from any oncoming traffic, and engage the emergency brake. Turn on your hazard lights, and if you have roadside flares or a reflective triangle, use them to warn other drivers that you’re working on your vehicle.

Find heavy objects—like bricks or rocks—to block the wheels. Place them in front of and behind the tire that’s diagonally across from the one that went flat. If you have plenty of rocks, block both wheels on the opposite axle.

Lay out your spare tire, jack, and lug wrench. Many tires feature a locking lug nut to guard against theft. To remove, use the special key tool—the car’s manual will specify where it’s located.

Most lug nuts follow the righty-tighty/lefty-loosey rule. Attach the lug wrench to a nut, and turn the wrench counterclockwise. Repeat with each lug nut until all the nuts are loosened.

Refer to the owner’s manual for the best spot to place the jack—typically along the frame, very close to the flat tire. Jack the car up until the wheel is off the ground.

Remove the lug nuts one at a time, and keep them together in a spot where they won’t roll away or disappear. Then remove the flat.

Mount the spare tire onto the wheel lugs. You may need to jack the car up some more to slip on the spare tire.

Replace one lug nut at a time. Begin tightening each by hand, then continue with the lug wrench. Lower your car to the ground, and finish tightening the lugs in opposite pairs, to ensure uniform pressure. Once you’re done, replace the hubcap.

Remove the objects blocking the wheels, and place the tools and the flat tire in your trunk.

Your wheel is ready, but you won’t be able to drive as quickly on a spare. Check your owner’s manual or the tire itself to determine the spare’s top speed, and get yourself to the nearest garage so they can patch or replace your tire!