How to Change Flat Tire
Learn how to change flat tire with our detailed step-by-step guide. Follow our easy instructions to get it done right.
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0 of 6 steps completedStep-by-Step Instructions
1 Step 1: Pull Over Safely
Step 1: Pull Over Safely
Move to flat, stable surface away from traffic, apply parking brake, turn on hazards.
Road Safety Triangles
Warning triangles for alerting traffic (3-pack)
2 Step 2: Get Jack and Tools from Trunk
Step 2: Get Jack and Tools from Trunk
Locate spare tire, jack, and lug wrench in trunk or under vehicle.
Portable Floor Jack
Hydraulic jack safer than scissor jack (2-ton)
Breaker Bar
Long handle for loosening tight lug nuts
3 Step 3: Loosen Lug Nuts
Step 3: Loosen Lug Nuts
Before jacking, loosen lug nuts 1/2 turn (don't remove yet) while tire is on ground.
4 Step 4: Jack Up Vehicle
Step 4: Jack Up Vehicle
Place jack under jack point near flat tire, raise until tire is off ground.
5 Step 5: Remove Flat and Install Spare
Step 5: Remove Flat and Install Spare
Remove lug nuts completely, pull off flat tire, mount spare, hand-thread lug nuts.
Full-Size Spare Tire
Full spare tire (better than donut spare)
6 Step 6: Lower and Tighten
Step 6: Lower and Tighten
Lower vehicle to ground, tighten lug nuts in star pattern, check spare pressure.
Torque Wrench
For properly tightening lug nuts to spec