How To: Change a Tire – Steps to Put on your Spare Tire

When you find out you have a leak in a tire, or one pops while you’re on the road, you should know how to address the matter. Sure, you could call Dad or that one friend who knows everything about cars, but changing a tire is something you should know how to do.

Here are the steps to follow when you need to pull out the spare.

Step 1: Make sure you have all the tools you need. A jack, lug wrench, your spare tire, and your owner’s manual. These should all have come with your vehicle.

Step 2: Move your car to a safe location away from any traffic.

Step 3: Turn on your flashers so people know you’re there.

Step 4: Apply the parking brake to make sure your car doesn’t roll. Your car may still roll if it’s just in “Park.”

Step 5: Remove the hubcap or wheel cover (if you have one) so you can get to the lug nuts.

Step 6: Loosen, but do NOT remove, the lug nuts.

Step 7: Jack your car up until the wheel is about 6″ off the ground.

Step 8: Fully remove the lugs.

Step 9: Pull off the flat tire and replace it with the spare.

Step 10: Replace, and hand-tighten the lug nuts enough to hold the spare tire on.

Step 11: Lower the car until the spare is touching the ground enough that it cannot spin. Do not fully lower the jack yet.

Step 12: Fully tighten the lugs to hold the spare tire on.

Step 13: Fully lower the car, remove the jack and put all your tools away.

Step 14: Find a garage or tire shop and have your original tire repaired or replaced as soon as possible. Spare tires are only made to last around 50 miles.

Once you’ve repaired or replaced your original tire, you’re good to get back on the road.

If you’ve never done it before, then we suggest you practice replacing your tire a few times in your driveway or a nearby parking lot.

Replacing a flat tire is something every driver should know how to do. What to do after an accident, however, isn’t something you should try to do on your own.

Our injury attorneys have the experience you need and can help you get the help and the recovery you deserve. Contact us today.