9 Simple Steps to Change a Tire
We’ve all been there…you walk out to your car, running late for a meeting and your tire is flat. So infuriating! While it’s unavoidable many times, knowing what to do in these situations can help you quickly deal with the problem and be on your way!
If you’re driving, stop your car, put on your parking break, + turn on your hazards.
Make sure you’re in a safe location, preferably in a parking lot or on a wide shoulder. Put on your parking break and make sure your hazard lights are on if you’re on the shoulder.
Gather your supplies
Gather your jack, wrench, your owner’s manual, and your spare tire.
Loosen the lugnuts
If your car has a hubcap, you’ll need to remove it first. Loosen the nuts, just to break the resistance, don’t take them all the way off. Make sure you’re turning them counterclockwise. You may need to use a lot of force to do this, you can use your foot or your body weight.
Place the jack + lift your car
Many cars have a specified spot to place your jack, so check your owner’s manual to ensure it’s in the right spot. Once placed, begin to crank your jack to lift the tire off the ground. If it is lifting at an angle or leaning, lower the jack to reposition and try again.
Remove lugnuts completely + remove your tire
Once your car is lifted, remove the lugnuts completely. Once the lugnuts are removed, remove your tire.
Put the spare tire on
Line it up and put your spare tire on. Make sure it is facing the correct way!
Tighten the lugnuts by hand
Tighten by hand until they are snug
Lower as much as possible, without putting the full weight on the tire + fully tighten lugnuts.
Using your wrench, fully tighten the lugnuts before lowering it fully to the ground
Fully lower your jack and return supplies + your old tire to your car
Once your tire has been changed, call your mechanic to discuss repair or replacement options.