How to change a flat tire

What you'll learn

• Picking a safe spot, and when to skip the DIY swap
• The gear you’ll need, plus the manufacturer jack point and torque spec
• Every step in order: chock, loosen, lift, snug in a star pattern, torque, check spare pressure
• If the spare is missing, a lug is keyed, the wheel is damaged, or the shoulder isn’t safe, call (858) 925-5546

Step by step

1. Once a tire blows out, leave your hazards on and slowly steer to firm, level ground well clear of traffic. Can’t find a safe place to work? Keep your seatbelt on unless there’s fire or smoke, and call for a tow.
2. Before anything gets lifted, gather the owner manual, the right spare or inflation kit, a jack, a lug wrench, a keyed lug adapter if your wheel needs one, a wheel chock or wedge, a pressure gauge, and the manufacturer torque specification.
3. Engage the parking brake first. Automatics go in park, manuals in first gear. Then chock the wheel sitting diagonally opposite the flat.
4. While the tire’s still on the ground, turn each lug about half a turn to loosen it, working in a star pattern.
5. Use only the manufacturer jack point shown in the manual for the jack. Raise the vehicle until the tire just clears the ground.
6. While the wheel is still off the ground, take off the lugs, put the spare on, and snug the lugs by hand, working in a star pattern.
7. Bring the vehicle down just far enough that the tire can’t turn. Then tighten the lugs to the torque listed in the owner manual, again in a star pattern. Compare the spare’s pressure with the label on the tire or vehicle.
8. A compact temporary spare comes with speed and distance limits, shown on the tire and in the owner manual. Stick to them. If the manufacturer advises it, check the lugs again after a short drive.