A flat tire can happen anywhere, and knowing what to do can save time, money, and stress.
This guide explains how to change a flat tire safely, with the tools, steps, and checks that matter most.
What you need before you start
Before lifting the vehicle, gather the equipment you will use and make sure it is accessible.
Most passenger vehicles include a spare tire, a jack, and a lug wrench, but some also have wheel wedges, a tire pressure gauge, or a temporary repair kit.
- Spare tire or compact temporary spare
- Jack designed for your vehicle
- Lug wrench or tire iron
- Vehicle owner’s manual
- Wheel wedges or heavy objects to block movement
- Reflective triangle or hazard lights for roadside visibility
If your car uses wheel locks, keep the lock key in the vehicle.
Without it, removing the wheel may be impossible.
Find a safe location first
Safety comes before speed.
Pull over on a level, firm surface away from traffic, and avoid soft shoulders, slopes, and curves whenever possible.
Turn on your hazard lights, set the parking brake, and place the transmission in Park for automatics or in first gear for manuals.
If you are on a highway or in poor visibility, stay inside the vehicle if it is safer than standing near traffic.
Call roadside assistance if the location is too dangerous to work in.
How to change a flat tire step by step
1. Secure the vehicle
Place wheel wedges behind the tires opposite the flat.
If the front tire is flat, wedge the rear wheels; if the rear tire is flat, wedge the front wheels.
This helps prevent the car from rolling while it is lifted.
2. Remove the hubcap or wheel cover
Some wheels have plastic covers that hide the lug nuts.
Pry the cover off carefully using the flat end of the lug wrench or by hand, depending on the design.
Set it aside where it will not roll away.
3. Loosen the lug nuts before lifting
Use the lug wrench to turn each lug nut counterclockwise.
Break them loose, but do not remove them yet.
If the wheel spins, keep the car on the ground and apply steady pressure rather than forcing it suddenly.
Most wheels have four or five lug nuts.
Loosen them in a star pattern if possible, which can help distribute pressure evenly.
4. Position the jack correctly
Check the owner’s manual for the exact jacking point.
Many vehicles have reinforced spots under the frame near each wheel.
Place the jack on solid ground and align it with the correct lift point before raising the vehicle.
Never place any part of your body under a car that is supported only by a jack.
A jack is a lifting tool, not a long-term support device.
5. Raise the vehicle
Crank or pump the jack until the flat tire is several inches off the ground.
You need enough clearance to remove the tire and install the spare.
Keep the vehicle stable and stop if the jack shifts or sinks into the surface.
6. Remove the lug nuts and tire
Finish unscrewing the loosened lug nuts and place them in a safe spot, such as a cap or pocket.
Grip the tire with both hands and pull it straight toward you.
If it sticks, give it a gentle wiggle to break it free.
Lay the flat tire on its side under the vehicle near the jack area if you want an extra layer of protection while working.
7. Mount the spare tire
Lift the spare onto the hub, lining up the holes with the wheel bolts.
Push it into place as far as it will go.
Reinstall the lug nuts by hand first to avoid cross-threading, which can damage the threads and prevent proper tightening.
8. Tighten the lug nuts partially
Use the wrench to snug the lug nuts in a star pattern, but do not fully tighten them while the wheel is still raised.
Even pressure helps seat the wheel correctly.
9. Lower the car and fully tighten
Lower the vehicle slowly until the spare touches the ground and does not spin.
Then tighten the lug nuts as firmly as possible in a star pattern.
If you have a torque wrench, use the manufacturer’s recommended torque specification from the owner’s manual.
10. Put everything away and check the spare
Stow the flat tire, jack, tools, and hubcap securely.
Before driving, inspect the spare tire’s pressure.
Temporary spares often require a specific maximum speed, commonly 50 mph, and are meant for short-term use only.
Important safety mistakes to avoid
- Do not work in moving traffic if you can avoid it.
- Do not use a jack on soft soil, gravel, or an unstable surface without extra support.
- Do not place blocks or body parts under a raised vehicle.
- Do not fully remove lug nuts before the wheel is off the ground unless the vehicle is securely supported.
- Do not ignore the spare tire’s speed and distance limits.
How to know if the spare tire is safe to drive on
Not all spares are the same.
A full-size spare is closest to a regular tire, but a compact spare, often called a “donut,” has limits.
Check the sidewall for pressure requirements and the owner’s manual for maximum speed, mileage, and any restrictions on driving in rain or on highways.
If the spare is underinflated, damaged, or older than recommended, replace it before driving long distances.
Tire rubber can degrade over time even if the tire has not been used often.
When to call roadside assistance instead
Sometimes changing a tire yourself is not the best choice.
Call for help if you are on a narrow shoulder, in extreme weather, on a steep incline, or if the lug nuts are seized and will not move.
The same applies if the spare is missing, flat, or incompatible with your vehicle.
Hybrid and electric vehicles may also have special jacking points or battery-related safety considerations, so consult the owner’s manual before attempting a tire change.
How to prevent future flat tires
You cannot prevent every puncture, but regular maintenance reduces risk.
Check tire pressure monthly, inspect tread depth, and look for nails, cracks, bulges, or uneven wear.
Rotate tires on schedule and replace worn valves when needed.
- Keep tires inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended PSI
- Avoid potholes and curb impacts when possible
- Replace tires that have low tread or sidewall damage
- Carry an emergency kit with gloves, flashlight, and reflective gear
- Know where your spare, jack, and wrench are stored before an emergency happens
After you learn how to change a flat tire, the process becomes much less intimidating.
The key is to stay safe, follow the correct order, and treat the spare as a temporary solution until you can have the damaged tire repaired or replaced.