Whether you’re stranded on the side of the road or just preparing for unexpected situations, knowing how to change a spare tire is an essential skill for any vehicle owner. This guide will walk you through the necessary steps to safely and efficiently change a flat tire and get back on the road.

1. Prepare for the Tire Change

Before starting, ensure you're in a safe location:



• Park your car on a flat, stable surface away from traffic.
• Engage the parking brake to prevent the car from moving.
• Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers.

2. Gather Your Tools

Ensure you have all the necessary tools to complete the tire change:

• Spare tire
• Car jack
• Lug wrench
• Wheel wedges
• Vehicle owner’s manual (for specific instructions)
• Gloves (optional but recommended for safety and cleanliness)

3. Loosen the Lug Nuts

Before jacking up the car, it's safer to loosen the lug nuts:

• Use the lug wrench to turn the nuts counterclockwise.
• Don’t remove the lug nuts completely yet—just break the initial tension.
• If the lug nuts are too tight, apply pressure using your body weight or use a piece of pipe for extra leverage.

4. Lift the Car with the Jack

Follow the steps in your vehicle’s owner’s manual to safely position the car jack.

• Place the jack under the car’s jacking point, usually located near the wheel that needs replacing.
• Pump the jack to lift the car off the ground. Ensure the car is high enough for the flat tire to clear the ground, allowing the spare to fit.

5. Remove the Flat Tire

Once the car is securely lifted:

• Finish unscrewing the loosened lug nuts and place them in a safe spot.
• Remove the flat tire and set it aside.

6. Install the Spare Tire

Take your spare tire and align it with the wheel bolts.

• Slide the tire onto the wheel hub, ensuring the holes line up with the bolts.
• Hand tighten the lug nuts onto the bolts.

7. Lower the Car

• Lower the jack slowly to bring the car back to the ground.
• Once the car is securely resting on the ground, remove the jack.

8. Tighten the Lug Nuts

Now that the car is back on the ground:

• Tighten the lug nuts in a crisscross pattern (tighten one, then the opposite one) to ensure even pressure.
• Use the lug wrench to tighten each nut as much as possible. If necessary, use your body weight to ensure the lug nuts are properly secured.

9. Check the Tire Pressure

Once the spare tire is on:

• Check the tire pressure to ensure it's at the correct level.
• If necessary, inflate the spare tire using an air compressor.

10. Store the Tools and Flat Tire

Once everything is securely tightened:

• Store your tools and the flat tire back in the trunk.
• Don’t forget to properly dispose of your old tire if it's damaged beyond repair.

11. Get the Flat Tire Fixed

Remember, a spare tire is typically a temporary solution, especially if it’s a compact or "donut" spare. Get your flat tire repaired or replaced as soon as possible.

Dealerhop Tip: Always keep your spare tire, tools, and a safety kit in your vehicle. If you’re unsure about any step, don’t hesitate to call a professional for help!

Changing a spare tire is a valuable skill that can save you time, money, and stress when you need it most. Safe travels, and remember that Dealerhop.com is here for all your car-buying needs—whether you're shopping for a new vehicle or seeking expert advice.