How to Change a Flat Tire: A Step-by-Step Guide

How to change a car tire

Knowing how to change a tire is an essential skill for every driver. No one wants to be stranded on the side of the road with a flat tire and no help in sight. While relying on a cell phone might seem like a solution, there’s always a chance of being out of range, forgetting to charge it, or simply not having it with you. That’s why it’s important to know how to change a flat tire yourself.

Changing a tire may seem daunting at first, but it’s actually a straightforward process. With a few simple steps, you can be prepared for any flat tire situation. Here’s a guide on how to change a flat tire:

Items You’ll Need to Fix a Flat Tire

Before we dive into the process, it’s important to gather the necessary tools and equipment. These items should have come with your vehicle:

  • Jack
  • Lug wrench
  • Fully inflated spare tire
  • Vehicle owner’s manual

If any of these items are missing or your car didn’t come with them, it’s crucial to purchase new ones as soon as possible. Additionally, make sure to regularly check the air pressure of your spare tire according to your vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations.

Here are some additional items that you should keep in your trunk or glove box:

  • Flashlight with working batteries
  • Rain poncho
  • Small cut of 2″x6″ wood to secure the jack
  • Gloves
  • Wheel wedges

Now that you have all the necessary tools, let’s move on to the step-by-step process of changing a flat tire.

How to Change a Flat Tire

1. Find a Safe Location

When you realize you have a flat tire, avoid abrupt braking or turning. Slowly reduce your speed and scan your surroundings for a level, straight stretch of road with a wide shoulder. An empty parking lot is an ideal place. Level ground will prevent your vehicle from rolling, and straight stretches are better because oncoming traffic is more likely to see you.

Remember to consult your owner’s manual for specific instructions on how to change a flat tire for your particular vehicle.

2. Turn On Your Hazard Lights

To ensure that other drivers see you on the side of the road, turn on your hazard lights or “flashers” as soon as you realize you need to pull over.

3. Apply the Parking Brake

When preparing to replace a flat tire, always engage the parking brake. This minimizes the possibility of your vehicle rolling.

4. Apply Wheel Wedges

Place wheel wedges in front of or behind the tires to further prevent your vehicle from rolling while you fix the flat tire. If you’re changing a rear tire, place the wheel wedges in front of the front tires. If the flat tire is at the front, put the wheel wedges behind the rear tires. Bricks or large stones can be used as alternatives to “real” wheel wedges.

5. Remove the Hubcap or Wheel Cover

If your vehicle has a hubcap covering the lug nuts, it’s easier to remove it before lifting the vehicle with the jack. Use the flat end of your lug wrench to remove the hubcap. Some hubcaps may require a different tool, so consult your owner’s manual for the proper removal procedure.

6. Loosen the Lug Nuts

Using the lug wrench, turn the lug nuts counterclockwise until you break their resistance. If necessary, use your foot or your body weight to provide extra force. Loosen the lug nuts about ¼ to ½ of a turn, but don’t remove them completely yet.

7. Place the Jack Under the Vehicle

Locate the proper placement for the jack, usually beneath the vehicle frame alongside the flat tire. Many vehicle frames have a cleared area of exposed metal specifically designed for the jack. Refer to your vehicle owner’s manual for the correct instructions to safely position the jack.

8. Raise the Vehicle with the Jack

To prevent the jack from settling or coming off balance, place a small cut of 2×6″ wood beneath it before raising your vehicle. With the jack properly positioned, raise the vehicle until the flat tire is about six inches off the ground. Never put any part of your body under the vehicle during or after raising it with the jack.

9. Unscrew the Lug Nuts

Now it’s time to remove the lug nuts completely. Since you’ve already loosened them, you should be able to unscrew them by hand.

10. Remove the Flat Tire

Grip the tire by the treads and gently pull it toward you until it’s completely free from the hub behind it. Set it on its side to prevent it from rolling away.

11. Mount the Spare Tire

Place the spare tire on the hub by aligning the rim with the lug bolts. Push gently until the lug bolts show through the rim.

12. Tighten the Lug Nuts by Hand

Put the lug nuts back on the lug bolts and tighten them all the way by hand. Once they’re all on, check each one again and tighten as much as possible. You will use the lug wrench to further tighten the lug nuts after lowering the vehicle.

13. Lower the Vehicle and Tighten the Lug Nuts Again

Use the jack to lower the vehicle until the spare tire is resting on the ground but not fully supporting the weight of the vehicle. Now, tighten the lug nuts with the lug wrench by turning them clockwise, using the full weight of your body if necessary.

14. Lower the Vehicle Completely

Bring the vehicle all the way to the ground and remove the jack. Give the lug nuts another pull with the wrench to ensure they’re as tight as possible.

15. Replace the Hubcap

If the hubcap you removed from the flat tire fits your spare tire, put it back in place the same way you initially removed it. Otherwise, stow it away with the tire when putting your equipment back in the vehicle.

16. Stow All Equipment

Make sure to put all the equipment back in your vehicle, including the jack, lug wrench, wheel wedges, and the flat tire itself.

17. Check the Spare Tire Pressure

Before driving off, check the pressure of the spare tire to ensure it is safe to drive on. Temporary spare tires, also known as “mini-spares” or “T-Type” spares, usually require 60 psi (420 kPa) of pressure. If the tire needs air, drive slowly to a service station immediately.

18. Take Your Flat Tire to a Technician

Temporary spare tires are not designed for long distances or high speeds. Drive cautiously until you have the chance to visit a tire technician. A professional can determine whether your tire needs repairs or if it’s time for a replacement.

FAQs

Q: How long does it take to fix a flat tire?

A: Changing a tire using the above procedure should generally take between 15 to 30 minutes. However, it’s important not to rush and ensure you follow each step carefully.

Conclusion

Knowing how to change a flat tire is an essential skill that can save you from being stranded on the side of the road. By following these step-by-step instructions, you’ll be prepared to handle any flat tire situation with confidence and ease. Remember to regularly check the air pressure of your spare tire and practice changing a tire in a safe environment to ensure you’re ready when the need arises.

Continue your journey without worry, and remember to always drive safely. Stay prepared and equipped with the necessary tools to handle any unexpected situations on the road.