Changing a flat tire is a skill every driver should have in their toolkit. Whether you're parked in a lot or stuck on the side of the road, knowing how to change a car tire can save you time and money, as well as a call to roadside assistance. And with the right tools and a little preparation, it can be a straightforward DIY job.
Here, we'll take you through the simple steps to go through to change a car tire yourself.
How to Change a Tire on Your Car
- Gather the Necessary Tools
- Find a Safe Place to Stop and Turn On Hazard Lights
- Secure the Parking Brake
- Loosen the Lug Nuts Before Lifting the Car
- Jack Up the Car
- Take Off the Flat Tire
- Mount the Spare Tire
- Partially Lower the Car and Tighten the Lug Nuts
- Drive Carefully to a Tire Shop
- How to Change a Car Tire FAQs
Gather the Necessary Tools
Before starting, make sure you have the proper tools:
- A spare tire
- A lug wrench
- A jack
- The owner's manual
- Wheel wedges, if available
Make sure you have tire-changing tools, like a jack or lug wrench, stored in your car. Some vehicles might have wheel locks, which will require a special key to unlock and remove. Also, if you've upgraded your rims or tires, confirm that your spare still fits properly.
Find a Safe Place to Stop and Turn On Hazard Lights
When you realize you have a flat, slow down and find a stable, level area away from traffic. If you are on a busy road, it is often safer to drive slowly for a short distance on the flat to reach a shoulder, exit, or parking lot. As you find your parking spot (and after you've brought the car to a stop), turn on your hazard lights to warn other drivers.
Secure the Parking Brake
Engage your car’s parking brake firmly. If you have wheel wedges, place them against the tires opposite the flat. The wheel wedges should go behind the rear tires if the flat is in the front. If one of your rear tires is flat, put the wedges in front of the front tires. This helps keep the vehicle from moving, especially for taller vehicles like SUVs.
Loosen the Lug Nuts Before Lifting the Car
If your car has a hubcap, remove it carefully with the flat end of the lug wrench or a screwdriver, if you have one. Then loosen each lug nut slightly by turning it counterclockwise with your lug wrench, but don't remove them completely just yet. Loosening them while the tire is still on the ground prevents the wheel from spinning.
Jack Up the Car
Consult your owner's manual to find the correct jacking point near the flat tire. Raise the vehicle until the flat is off the ground. Since a flat tire will be shorter than a fully inflated spare, lift the car a little higher to make room for the new tire. Never crawl under a car supported only by a jack.
Take Off the Flat Tire
Remove the loosened lug nuts and place them somewhere safe. Pull the flat tire's entire wheel straight off the studs holding it in place, and lay it flat to prevent it from rolling.
Mount the Spare Tire
Slide the spare tire onto the wheel studs and hand-tighten the lug nuts as much as possible. (If your vehicle uses lug bolts instead of studs, hold the tire in place and thread the bolts through the wheel into the hub.) This keeps the tire properly seated before final tightening.
Partially Lower the Car and Tighten the Lug Nuts
Lower the car slowly until the spare tire touches the ground without bearing full weight. Tighten the lug nuts in a crisscross (star) pattern to ensure even pressure. Start by tightening the top lug nut, then the bottom one, then move to one side, then the other. Once completely tightened, lower the car completely and remove the jack.
Drive Carefully to a Tire Shop
Spare tires, especially compact ones (sometimes referred to as donuts), are not meant to be used for long distances or at high speeds. Drive carefully and head to a tire shop or auto repair center as soon as possible for a tire replacement or the installation of new tires if needed.
How to Change a Car Tire FAQs
How long does it take to change a tire?
The time depends on your experience, but most tire changes take between 15 and 30 minutes. If it’s your first time changing a tire, expect it to take a little longer.
What if my car doesn’t have a spare tire?
Toyota, Honda, Ford, and many other manufacturers often no longer include spare tires in new vehicles. Instead, they provide tire repair kits or equip vehicles with run-flat tires. Tire repair kits can seal small punctures, but they won’t work for major blowouts or sidewall damage. In those cases, call roadside assistance or arrange transport to a shop.
How long do tires last?
Most tires last about 50,000 to 70,000 miles or between six and ten years, depending on driving habits and maintenance. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), most manufacturers recommend replacing tires every six years, regardless of use, and never keeping them longer than ten years.
Good tire maintenance help a set of tires last longer. Regularly checking your tire pressure, keeping up with tire rotation, keeping wheels aligned, and inspecting the tread for wear can all extend tire life.
