How to Change a Tire: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners

Getting a flat tire is one of those frustrating yet inevitable experiences for most drivers. While it can feel overwhelming at first, knowing how to change a tire can save you time, money, and stress. Here’s a beginner-friendly guide to help you confidently handle the situation.

What You’ll Need

Before starting, ensure you have these essential tools in your car:

• Spare tire (fully inflated)

• Car jack

• Lug wrench

• Vehicle owner’s manual

• Wheel wedges (optional but helpful)

• Flashlight (for nighttime emergencies)

Step 1: Find a Safe Location

If you notice a flat tire while driving, slowly reduce your speed and find a safe, flat spot to pull over. Ideally, move to a location with minimal traffic, such as a parking lot or the shoulder of a road. Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers.

Step 2: Secure the Car

• Engage the parking brake to prevent your car from rolling.

• If you have wheel wedges, place them in front of or behind the tires opposite the flat one.

Step 3: Loosen the Lug Nuts

• Use your lug wrench to slightly loosen (but not remove) the lug nuts on the flat tire.

• Turn the wrench counterclockwise. You may need to apply significant force, so use your body weight if necessary.

Step 4: Position the Jack and Lift the Car

• Refer to your owner’s manual to locate the designated jack points under your car.

• Place the jack securely and begin lifting the car until the flat tire is about 6 inches off the ground.

Step 5: Remove the Flat Tire

• Fully unscrew the loosened lug nuts and keep them in a secure spot.

• Carefully pull the flat tire straight off the wheel bolts and set it aside.

Step 6: Mount the Spare Tire

• Align the holes in the spare tire with the wheel bolts and slide it onto the car.

• Hand-tighten the lug nuts onto the wheel bolts as much as possible.

Step 7: Lower the Car

• Use the jack to slowly lower the car until the spare tire touches the ground.

• Remove the jack completely, allowing the car’s weight to rest on the spare tire.

Step 8: Tighten the Lug Nuts

• Use the lug wrench to tighten the lug nuts in a crisscross pattern. This ensures even pressure on the wheel. Tighten them as much as possible.

Step 9: Double-Check Everything

• Ensure all lug nuts are secure.

• Gather your tools, place the flat tire in your trunk, and remove any wheel wedges.

Step 10: Drive Carefully

• Spare tires, especially compact “donut” spares, are temporary solutions.

• Drive cautiously and head to a tire repair shop as soon as possible to repair or replace the damaged tire.

Final Tips

• Regularly check that your spare tire is inflated and in good condition.

• Practice changing a tire at home so you’ll feel confident in an actual situation.

• Consider keeping gloves and a towel in your car to make the process cleaner.

Changing a tire might seem intimidating at first, but it’s a manageable skill that every driver can learn. With this guide, you’ll be prepared to tackle the unexpected with ease!