CCM is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

How To Change a Flat Tire: Easy Step-by-Step Guide

How to change a flat tire
Share
Tweet
Share
Email
Share

Knowing how to change a flat tire is a valuable skill for any driver. With the spare tire and jack provided in your car, you can manage this simple process with ease. Before you know it, you’ll be back on the road! Gone are the days that you’re stuck until roadside assistance shows up. 

In this step-by-step guide, we’ll guide you through the process with easy, simple steps and get you on the road again in no time. There’s nothing to it, anyone can do it! 

If you prefer watching a video, we’ve got you covered too! Check out our YouTube video on this topic:

Right, let’s get crackin’:

How to change a flat tire in 10 easy steps:

Step 1: Park your car on solid, level ground

picture of a flat tire

First you need to make sure your car is on solid, level ground to prevent your jack sinking in the ground or your car sliding off your jack. If necessary, slowly drive your car to a safe, suitable spot and mind the passing traffic when exiting your car. Always make sure the emergency brake is engaged or your car is in park during the whole tire changing process.

Step 2:  Locate your spare tire, jack and wrench

spare tire in the trunk of a car

Next, you want to grab your spare tire, jack and wrench. Usually these items are located in a compartment under your trunk. Take them out of your car and put them next to your flat tire, within arm’s reach. Make sure the spare tire isn’t flat or cracked and has enough tire tread depth. Replacing one flat tire with another flat or unsafe tire is not going to help! Depending on the type of spare tire, speed and distance might be limited, so make sure to verify and respect possible limitations. 

Step 3: Break the lug nuts loosen while the car is still on the ground

breaking the lug nuts loose

If there’s a hubcap covering your lug nuts, you want to first remove it. It should come off without a fight; check your car’s owners’ manual for vehicle-specific instructions. 

Then take your wrench and break the lug nuts loose while the car is still on the ground. If you try this with the car jacked up, you won’t be able to put enough force on the lug nuts and you’ll just spin the wheel instead.

Step 4: Locate your cars’ jacking points

jacking locations in the owners' manual

Take your car owners’ manual or the jack’s instructions manual and then look for your cars’ jacking points. These are solid contact spots meant for jacking that can support the weight of your vehicle safely without damaging it. Do not jack your car up randomly.

Step 5: Jack up your car

3 different emergency jacks

Now it’s time to use your jack. There are 3 main types of car jacks: A scissor jack, which is the most common type, a mechanical bottle jack and a hydraulic bottle jack. These all work perfectly fine.

Both a scissor jack and a mechanical bottle jack work by hooking the handle to the jack and winding it clockwise. To lower it, just turn the other way. 

A mechanical bottle jack works a little differently: you first need to connect the jack handle to the extension rod, and then use your lug wrench as a handle to wind the jack up. You can lower the jack by winding it in reverse.

A hydraulic bottle jack works by inserting the handle and pumping it up and down. You want to make sure the relief valve is closed, otherwise it won’t hold pressure. 

To lower it, use the end of the handle to very carefully twist open the relief valve. Some relief valves may need some persuading. It’s crucial though to open it in a very slow, controlled manner, because if you open it too fast, your vehicle might lower too quickly. This can lead to dangerous situations or cause damage to your vehicle.

jacking up the car

Once you’ve identified the jacking points, place your jack in the correct position and jack your car up. In this guide, we’re using the mechanical bottle jack supplied with our Jeep. We have another guide with more ways to lift a car.

You want to only jack the car until the flat tire is about an inch or two from the ground. Make sure the opposite tire is still touching the ground for extra stability.

Step 6: Remove the lugnuts

loosening the bolts

Now remove the lugnuts, leaving the top one for last so the tire doesn’t tilt and fall off. Make sure you place the nuts somewhere safe so you don’t lose them. If your wheel is equipped with a safety or anti-theft lug nut, use its special key to remove it. This key is usually located in the spare tire compartment or in the glove box.

safety lug nut key

Before removing the last nut and taking the tire off, remember to never ever go under your car. Don’t put your legs underneath it while taking the tire off, don’t put your hands under the tire or car, and don’t crawl or even look under your car. If the jack gives out or the car slides off, you could get seriously injured, or worse. 

Step 7: Take the flat tire off

taking off the flat tire

The next step is to take off the flat tire. With older vehicles, the wheel might be a bit stuck so you’ll have to wiggle it in all directions or give it a few kicks before it comes off. When it’s off, place it underneath your car as a safety stop should the jack malfunction or slip.

Step 8: Put the spare tire in place

lining up the bolts on the new tire

Take your spare tire and place it in front of the wheel hub, lining up the bolts with the holes. Don’t put your feet under the tire to help lift heavier wheels when using an emergency jack! Keep all body parts from under the car at all times. Put the wheel in place and secure the top lug nut hand-tight. Then tread the other lug nuts while keeping the wheel in place. Hand-threading the lug nuts can be difficult with older wheels, but it is important to get the lug nuts started by hand so you don’t force them on incorrectly with a wrench, damaging the bolts in the process.

Step 9: Tighten the lug nuts lightly and lower the car

lightly tightening the lug nuts

Next, tighten the lug nuts lightly using a wrench while the car is still in the air. Then lower the car. 

Step 10: Tighten the lug nuts firmly in a star pattern

tightening the bolts in a star pattern

With the car back on the ground, tighten the lug nuts firmly in a star pattern. Go round twice to make sure all the nuts are properly tightened.

Finally, before driving off, you want to make sure no tools are left underneath the car. 

That’s all there is to it. Now you know how to change a flat tire!

Happy cruisin’!

 

FAQ

How Long Does It Take To Change A Flat Tire?

Changing a flat tire can take anywhere between 15 and 30 minutes, depending on your proficiency and whether the lug nuts want to cooperate. It’s better to take some extra time and be safe instead of trying to rush it. Always check every step you’ve done. Better safe than sorry!

Share
Tweet
Share
Email
Share

Subscribe To Our Newsletter. It's 100% Free!

* indicates required

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top