Change a Flat Tire

Step-by-Step

1. Pull Over Safely

   Find a flat, stable surface away from traffic. Turn on hazard lights immediately. If you're on a highway, pull as far onto the shoulder as possible and place warning triangles or flares if you have them.

2. Loosen the Lug Nuts

   Before jacking up the car, loosen each lug nut about a half turn while the tire is still on the ground. This prevents the wheel from spinning when you apply force.

3. Position and Raise the Jack

   Place the jack under the vehicle's jack point — check your owner's manual. Raise until the flat tire is about 6 inches off the ground. Never crawl under a car on a jack.

4. Remove the Flat and Mount the Spare

   Remove the lug nuts completely and set them somewhere safe. Pull off the flat. Lift the spare onto the hub and hand-tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern.

5. Lower and Torque

   Lower the vehicle until the tire touches the ground, then fully tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern with full force. Lower completely and stow the flat.

6. Get the Spare Checked

   Most spare tires are not rated for highway speeds or long distances. Get to a shop the same day to have the lug nuts torque-checked and your flat repaired or replaced.