How To Change a Tire

Safety first!

Find a safe location away from traffic to change a tire. If no safe space is available, call for a tow truck instead of attempting to change a tire yourself.

Never place any part of your body under the vehicle while it’s only supported by a jack.

If lug nuts are stuck, use your foot or body weight on the wrench carefully.

If the wheel won’t come off, a firm kick on the tire’s sidewall can help loosen corrosion.

Tools and supplies needed

Spare tire (properly inflated)

Jack (usually supplied with vehicle and located with spare tire)

Lug wrench (tire iron)

Vehicle owner’s manual

Wheel chocks if available (bricks/wood blocks will work)

Gloves (optional)

Flashlight or lantern (if it’s dark)

Steps to change a tire

1. Get to a safe location

Pull over to a flat, stable area away from traffic.

Turn on hazard lights.

Apply parking brake.

2. Secure the vehicle

Place wheel chocks in front of and behind the tire diagonally opposite the one you’re changing.

3. Loosen the lug nuts (but don’t remove yet)

Use the lug wrench to turn each lug nut counterclockwise.

Break them loose while the car is still on the ground (they may be tight).

½ to 1 turn is enough.

4. Raise the vehicle with the jack

Check owner’s manual for the correct jack point.

Raise the vehicle until the flat tire is 1–2 inches off the ground.

5. Remove the flat tire

Finish unscrewing the lug nuts.

Pull the tire straight toward you.

6. How to mount the spare tire

Align the holes with the lug bolts and slide it on.

Hand-tighten the lug nuts.

7. How to lower the vehicle

Lower the jack until the tire just touches the ground.

Tighten the lug nuts in a criss-cross (star) pattern for even tightening.

8. Fully lower the vehicle

Remove the jack.

Re-tighten the lug nuts firmly in the same criss-cross pattern. (if available, a torque wrench should be used to torque lug nuts to manufacturers' specifications)

9. Stow your tools and flat tire

Put everything back in your vehicle.

10. Check tire pressure

Your spare (if it’s a “donut” spare) should be driven no more than 80 km/h (50 mph) and usually only for ~100 km (60 miles).

If it’s a full-size spare, drive normally but still check pressure soon.

Drive safetly and have your original flat tire professionally repaired and balanced ASAP!