What you need before you start

Changing a flat tire takes about 15 to 30 minutes if you have the right tools and a safe place to work. You will need a jack (usually in your trunk), a lug wrench (the cross-shaped tool that fits your wheel bolts), a spare tire, and wheel wedges or heavy objects to block the wheels. A flashlight helps if you are on the side of a road at dusk. Most cars come with these items; check your owner's manual or trunk to confirm what you have.

Before you touch anything, pull completely off the road if possible — at least 10 feet from traffic. Turn on your hazard lights. If you are on a highway and do not feel safe, stay in the car with your seatbelt on and call roadside assistance instead. Your safety matters more than the tire.

Do not attempt this on a steep hill or in heavy rain. Wait for conditions to improve or call for help. If your spare tire is flat or missing, you will need a tow truck; do not drive on the rim.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a jack, lug wrench, spare tire, and wheel wedges — all usually stored in your car's trunk.
  • Loosen the lug nuts while the car is still on the ground, then raise the car with the jack before removing the wheel.
  • Remove the flat tire, mount the spare, hand-tighten the lug nuts, lower the car, and then tighten the lug nuts fully with the wrench.
  • A spare tire is temporary — drive slowly to a tire shop and have the flat repaired or replaced within a few days.
  • If you feel unsafe on the roadside or your spare is flat, call roadside assistance rather than attempting the change yourself.

Loosen the lug nuts before lifting the car

With the car still on the ground, use the lug wrench to loosen (but do not remove) each lug nut by turning it counterclockwise. You are breaking the seal; the nuts should turn but stay on the bolt. This step is critical because once the wheel is in the air, you cannot apply enough force to break a tight nut loose.

If a nut will not budge, do not force it — you may strip it or hurt yourself. Spray it with penetrating oil (like WD-40) and wait 10 minutes, then try again. If it still will not move, call for roadside assistance. A stuck lug nut is not worth injury or damage.

Position the jack and raise the car

Locate the jacking point on your car — a reinforced notch or groove along the frame near the flat tire. Your owner's manual shows exactly where it is; do not guess. Place the jack directly under this point, not under the bumper or body panel, or you will damage the car.

Raise the car slowly until the flat tire is about six inches off the ground. The car should be stable and level. If it feels wobbly or the jack is slipping, lower it immediately and reposition. Once the car is up, place wheel wedges or heavy rocks behind the wheels that are still on the ground to prevent the car from rolling.

Remove the flat tire and install the spare

Now finish unscrewing the lug nuts by hand and set them somewhere you will not lose them — a cup or small container works well. Pull the flat tire straight toward you with both hands. It is heavier than it looks; brace yourself.

Lift the spare tire and align the holes with the bolts on the hub. Push it straight onto the bolts until it sits flush against the wheel. Hand-tighten each lug nut clockwise as far as you can without tools. They should be snug but not tight — you will tighten them fully once the car is back on the ground.

Lower the car and tighten the lug nuts fully

Slowly lower the car by turning the jack handle counterclockwise. Lower it until the spare tire is fully supporting the weight and the jack is loose but still touching the car. Remove the jack completely.

Now use the lug wrench to tighten each lug nut fully, turning clockwise. Tighten them in a star or cross pattern — if the nuts are at 12, 3, 6, and 9 o'clock, tighten 12, then 6, then 3, then 9. This keeps pressure even and prevents the wheel from warping. The nuts should be tight enough that you cannot turn them further by hand, but do not use all your strength; over-tightening can damage the bolts.

Drive to a tire shop and have the flat repaired

Most spare tires are temporary — they are smaller, thinner, and designed only to get you to a repair shop. Drive slowly (under 50 mph) and avoid highways if possible. Do not drive more than 70 miles on a temporary spare. If your spare is full-size (the same size as your regular tires), you have more time, but still get the flat repaired within a few days.

A tire shop can patch a puncture for $10 to $25 if the damage is in the tread and the tire is otherwise sound. If the sidewall is damaged, the tire cannot be repaired and must be replaced. Keep the receipt — you may need it for your insurance or warranty claim.

What to do if something goes wrong

If the lug nuts are stuck and will not loosen, spray them with penetrating oil and wait. Do not force them; you risk stripping the bolt or injuring yourself. If the jack slips or feels unstable, lower the car immediately and reposition the jack on solid, level ground. Never work under a car supported only by a jack.

If the spare tire is flat or missing, you cannot change the tire yourself. Call roadside assistance, a towing service, or your car's roadside assistance program (if you have one). Driving on a flat tire damages the rim and can cause a crash; a tow is the safest option.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change a tire in the rain or on a slope?

No. Rain makes the ground slippery and the jack unstable. A slope makes the car want to roll. Wait for dry conditions or call for roadside assistance. Your safety is more important than changing the tire yourself.

How tight should the lug nuts be?

Tight enough that you cannot turn them further by hand with the wrench, but not so tight that you are using all your strength. Over-tightening can strip the bolts or make them impossible to remove next time. Most shops use a torque wrench set to the car's specification (usually 80 to 120 foot-pounds); check your manual for your car's exact number.

What if I lose a lug nut while changing the tire?

Do not drive on the tire with a missing lug nut. Go directly to a tire shop or auto parts store and buy a replacement — they cost $2 to $5. A tire with fewer than four lug nuts is unsafe and can come loose while driving.

Is a temporary spare tire safe to drive on?

Yes, but only for short distances at moderate speeds. Temporary spares are thinner and smaller than regular tires and are not designed for long-term use. Drive under 50 mph and get to a tire shop within a few days. Do not take it on a highway or drive more than 70 miles.

What should I do with the flat tire after I get it repaired?

If the tire shop repairs it, ask them to put it back on your car and move the spare back to your trunk. If the tire cannot be repaired, buy a replacement and have the shop install it. Keep your spare in the trunk for the next emergency.