How to Change a Flat Tire
Created by Cheli
Step-by-step guide to safely replace a flat tire with a spare.
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Checklist Items (24)
Prepare and ensure safety
Select a safe location, activate hazards, apply parking brake, and use wheel wedges.
Find a safe, level location away from traffic
Choose a flat surface, avoid hills, and turn on hazard lights.
Turn on hazard lights and set parking brake
Activate hazard flasher switch, engage parking brake to prevent rolling.
Place wheel wedges or chocks behind opposite tires
Put wedges in front of front tires if the flat is rear, or behind rear tires if the flat is front.
Wear reflective vest and gloves if available
Increase visibility and protect hands from dirt and sharp edges.
Gather necessary tools and equipment
Retrieve spare tire, jack, lug wrench, wedges, gloves, and light.
Retrieve the spare tire from trunk or under-vehicle mount
Ensure it's inflated and in good condition.
Take out the jack and lug wrench
Usually stored with spare; check for damage.
Get wheel wedges/chocks
If not already placed, retrieve them for safety.
Grab a pair of work gloves
Protect hands from dirt and sharp edges.
Take a flashlight or headlamp if working in low light
Improve visibility during night or dim conditions.
Loosen lug nuts and position jack
Break loose lug nuts and locate jack point before lifting.
Locate the lug nuts on the flat wheel
Usually 4 or 6 nuts arranged in a circle.
Fit the lug wrench onto a nut and turn counterclockwise to break loose
Apply force; do not remove fully yet.
Loosen all lug nuts slightly in a star pattern
About 1/4 turn each to prevent warping the brake rotor.
Identify the recommended jack point from the owner's manual
Reinforced metal flange near the wheel; avoids damage.
Position the jack under the jack point and ensure it's level and stable
Avoid slippage; jack should be perpendicular to ground.
Remove flat tire and install spare
Take off the flat and mount the spare tire.
Remove the lug nuts completely and keep them in a safe place
Use a magnetic tray or clean surface to avoid losing them.
Pull the flat tire straight off the hub and set it aside
Roll it to prevent damage and keep it clear of the work area.
Lift the spare tire and align its holes with the wheel bolts
Ensure valve stem faces outward for easy access.
Push the spare onto the hub until it sits flush against the brake rotor
May need to wiggle slightly to seat properly.
Hand-tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern
Snug each nut equally before using the wrench for final torque.
Finalize and drive safely
Lower vehicle, torque lug nuts, check pressure, stow equipment, and drive cautiously.
Lower the jack slowly until the vehicle rests fully on the ground
Ensure tire touches ground and jack is fully retracted.
Tighten the lug nuts with the wrench in a star pattern to the manufacturer's torque
Usually 80-100 ft-lbs; refer to owner's manual for spec.
Give each nut an additional quarter turn for security
Double-check tightness to prevent loosening while driving.
Check the spare tire pressure with a gauge and inflate to recommended PSI if needed
Compact spares often require ~60 psi; adjust as needed.
Stow the flat tire, jack, wrench, and wedges back in the vehicle
Secure everything to avoid rattles and ensure nothing is left on the road.