Changing a tire is something every car owner should know and be well equipped for. It actually happens way more often than you think, there are 7 flat tires every second (220 million per year) just in the United States. Some experts say that every driver will experience an average of 5 flat tires in their life. When this happens, you don’t want to be on a road trip in the middle of nowhere trying to figure it out for the first time. It’s relatively simple, all you need are the proper tools and instructing. 

Step I: Pull Over

You shouldn’t just pull over anywhere, but you should make sure the ground is level so that your car doesn’t start rolling away. Also, be sure to avoid pulling over on the bends of any roads as it could be dangerous for both you and other drivers.

Step II: Parking Brake and Hazard Lights

You should put on your hazard lights so other drivers are aware of where you are and that you won’t be moving. If you have emergency flares, those are great too. Place them 100 feet behind and in front of your car to warn other drivers. The parking brake is very important so that your car doesn’t roll away and for general safety reasons.

Step III: Gather Your Tools

Essentially, you only really need three tools to change a tire: a jack, wrench, and a spare tire. These items should be in your car at all times. A flat can happen to anyone, at any time. Some items that would make changing a tire easier include:

     – Flashlight

     – Gloves

     – Tire Gauge

     – Owner’s Manual

Step IV: Loosen Those Lug Nuts

Start by removing the hubcap (if you have one) and placing your wrench on the lug nut. To loosen, turn counterclockwise so that each one is loose enough to turn by hand. Repeat this process for every lug nut.

Step V: Jack It Up

Place the jack underneath the metal portion of your car’s frame. Do not place it under the plastic. The plastic is not strong enough to support the weight of your car and will fall off the jack. Look for the noticeable notch in the metal where the jack will fit. Make sure the jack stay perpendicular to the ground at all times. You also shouldn’t put yourself in a situation where if the car were to fall off the jack, you wouldn’t be crushed underneath the car.

Step VI: Remove Nuts and Tire

As I mentioned, turn the lug nuts counterclockwise until they are all very loose and then remove them from the tire. Make sure you keep them in a safe space where you won’t lose them. You need the lug nuts to put on the spare tire. Finally, take off the flat tire.

Step VII: Use the Spare

Place the spare tire on the lug nut posts. Push it as far into the wheelbase as you can.  

Step VIII: Replace Lug Nuts

Don’t tighten them all the way, you have to make sure that the tire goes back on evenly. For now, just put them on so the spare tire stays put.

Step IX: Lower Car and Tighten

Start slowly lowering your car using the jack. Lower the car just enough so that the spare tire is barely touching the ground. This keeps your fastened tire on the wheelbase. Make sure to alternate tightening the lug nuts so that the tire stays on straight. For example, if you number the lug nuts it would go : 1,3,5,2,4,1, etc.

Step X: Finish

The last step is just lowering your car completely to the ground. This may allow you to tighten some lug nuts even further. If this is the case, use the same alternating pattern you used prior to this step. 

Bonus Advice

Check with your insurance provider to see if they offer Emergency Road Side Service. Our roadside assistance coverage covers the cost of changing the flat tire for you. Although you’ll have to file a claim when using roadside assistance, your premiums won’t increase. Ask us about all of our services here.