Change a Flat Tire

Step-by-step

1. 1

   Find a safe spot

   Pull onto level, solid ground away from traffic. Engage the parking brake and turn on hazard lights.

2. 2

   Chock the wheels

   Place chocks (or rocks) in front of and behind the wheel diagonally opposite the flat.

3. 3

   Loosen lug nuts

   Pry off the hubcap if needed. With the tire still on the ground, break each lug nut loose about a half turn — do not remove them yet.

4. 4

   Jack up the car

   Position the jack under the vehicle's frame jack point near the flat tire. Raise until the tire is about 6 inches off the ground.

5. 5

   Remove lugs and tire

   Fully unscrew the lug nuts and pull the flat tire straight off. Set it flat so it can't roll away.

6. 6

   Mount the spare

   Line the spare up with the wheel studs and push it on. Hand-tighten each lug nut in a star pattern.

7. 7

   Lower and torque

   Lower the car until the tire just touches the ground, then fully tighten lug nuts in a star pattern. Lower completely and remove the jack.

8. 8

   Check pressure

   Most spares need 60 PSI. Drive gently and replace the spare with a full-size tire as soon as possible.