How to Change a Tire

Finding yourself with a flat tire is one of the most common on-road and off-road emergencies. Changing a flat tire takes a little elbow grease, but is a fairly straightforward job. The tools you need are an inflated spare tire, a jack and a lug wrench. You may get a little dirty, so you might want a pair of gloves — and if changing the tire at night, a flashlight.

1. First: Pick a level spot

   Make sure the vehicle is well off the road, on a level spot, and a safe distance from the flow of traffic. Put the car in park, with the emergency brake engaged, and turn on the car's hazard lights. If your car has hubcaps, remove them with the lug wrench and loosen the lug nuts. If they are especially tight, you may need to use your feet for greater power. Do not remove the lug nuts completely, just loosen them.

2. Second: Use a jack to lift the car

   Position the jack in the spot recommended in your owner's manual. Raise the car until the tire is about 6 inches off the ground, leaving extra room, because the inflated spare is bigger than the flat tire. Remove the lug nuts and then the flat tire by pulling it straight towards you. Put the spare tire onto the car by aligning the wheel with bolts on the car. Replace the lug nuts but do not tighten them completely while the car is still off the ground. Lower the jack and finish tightening the lug nuts, starting with one, then moving to the lug nut opposite it. When tightened, lower the car.

3. Third: Replace the flat tire

   Put your tools away and drive to the nearest service center as soon as possible to have the flat tire repaired or replaced.