A Friendly Guide to Changing a Flat Tire

Let’s face it, getting a flat tire is one of those frustrating moments that always seems to happen at the worst possible time. Whether you’re in your own driveway or on a quiet neighborhood street, the sinking feeling is the same. But here’s the good news: changing a tire is a very manageable DIY skill. With a little know-how and some basic tools, you can swap that flat for your spare and be back on your way with a real sense of accomplishment. Think of it as a fundamental home repair, just for your car.

First things first, safety is absolutely paramount. If you get a flat while driving, gently steer your car to a level, solid spot as far away from traffic as possible. A flat parking lot or a wide residential street shoulder is ideal. Once you’re safely stopped, turn on your hazard lights—those blinking lights are your universal signal for “I’m dealing with something here.” Next, firmly apply your parking brake. This prevents the car from rolling at all. If you have them, place wheel wedges, or even a sturdy rock or piece of wood, against the tire diagonally opposite the flat. For instance, if your front left tire is flat, wedge the back right tire. This is a simple but critical step for stability.

Now, it’s time to gather your tools. You’ll find everything you need in your car, usually tucked away in the trunk under the floor mat. You’re looking for a spare tire (donut spares are smaller and are meant for temporary, slow-speed driving), a jack, and a lug wrench. It’s a smart idea to familiarize yourself with these items before you ever have a flat. Before you even lift the car, you’ll want to loosen the lug nuts on the flat tire. Use the lug wrench to turn them counterclockwise, but just break their resistance; don’t remove them completely yet. They can be tight, so you might need to use your foot or your full body weight on the wrench. If they’re stubborn, make sure you’re turning the right way—remember, “lefty loosey, righty tighty.”

With the lug nuts cracked loose, you can now position the jack. Your car’s owner’s manual will show the exact jacking point, which is a reinforced section of the frame near the flat tire. Placing the jack in the wrong spot, like on the plastic bumper or a piece of the floorboard, can cause serious damage. Once the jack is securely in place, begin pumping the handle to raise the car. Lift it until the flat tire is about six inches clear of the ground. You don’t need it sky-high, just enough room to remove the flat and put on the spare.

Now you can fully unscrew and remove the lug nuts, setting them somewhere safe where they won’t roll away. Grip the flat tire by the tread and pull it straight toward you, off the wheel studs. It might be a bit heavy and dirty, so be ready. Roll it out of the way. Take your spare tire and carefully line up the holes with the wheel studs, then slide it on. Hand-tighten the lug nuts back onto the studs until they are snug. Then, using the wrench, tighten them in a star or crisscross pattern. This isn’t just a neat trick; it ensures the tire goes on evenly and sits flush against the wheel hub.

You’re almost done! Carefully lower the car back to the ground by slowly releasing the jack. Once the car is fully resting on the spare, give the lug nuts one final, firm tightening with the wrench in your star pattern. Stow your flat tire, jack, and wrench back in the trunk. Remember, that donut spare is not meant for the long haul. It has strict speed and distance limits, so your final step is to drive directly to a tire shop to have your flat repaired or replaced properly. You did the hard part—now let the pros finish the job.