You can change a tire yourself with basic tools and about 15 to 20 minutes

Changing a tire is a skill every driver should have. You'll need a jack, a lug wrench, and a spare tire — all of which come with most vehicles. The process involves lifting the car safely, removing the old tire, and installing the spare. Most people complete it in under 20 minutes once they've done it once.

The hardest part is usually breaking the lug nuts loose while the tire is still on the ground — they're tight by design. After that, the steps are straightforward and don't require special strength or tools beyond what you already have.

Key Takeaways

  • Loosen the lug nuts while the tire is still on the ground, then jack up the car and remove them completely.
  • Pull the flat tire straight toward you, mount the spare, and hand-tighten the lug nuts before lowering the car.
  • Once the car is back on the ground, tighten the lug nuts in a star or cross pattern to ensure even pressure.
  • A spare tire is temporary — drive to a tire shop within a few days to have the flat repaired or replaced.
  • If the lug nuts won't budge or the jack won't lift the car, call roadside assistance rather than forcing it.

Gather your tools and find a safe location

Before you start, pull over to a flat, stable surface away from traffic. A parking lot or wide shoulder is better than the roadside of a busy highway. Turn on your hazard lights and engage the parking brake.

Locate your spare tire, jack, and lug wrench. On most cars, the spare is under the trunk floor or mounted on the back. The jack and wrench are usually in a kit in the trunk or under the rear seat. Check your owner's manual if you can't find them — the location varies by make and model.

Loosen the lug nuts before lifting the car

This step is critical and often skipped by mistake. While the tire is still on the ground and the car's weight is holding it in place, use the lug wrench to loosen each lug nut by turning it counterclockwise. You don't need to remove them yet — just break them loose enough that you can turn them by hand.

If a lug nut won't budge, try putting the wrench on and stepping on it to use your body weight. Spray penetrating oil (like WD-40) around the nut and wait a minute if you have it. Never force it so hard that you risk breaking the wrench or stripping the nut.

Jack up the car and remove the tire

Locate the jacking point on your car — it's usually a reinforced notch or groove along the frame just behind the front wheel or just in front of the rear wheel. Your owner's manual shows the exact spot. Position the jack under this point, not under the plastic trim or bumper.

Pump or crank the jack until the tire is about six inches off the ground. Now finish unscrewing the lug nuts by hand and set them in a safe place where you won't lose them — a cup holder or small container works well. Grip the tire with both hands and pull it straight toward you to remove it from the hub.

Install the spare and hand-tighten the lug nuts

Align the holes on the spare tire with the bolts on the hub and push it straight on. It should slide into place without forcing. Once it's seated, thread the lug nuts back on by hand and tighten them as much as you can without the wrench. They should be snug but not tight — you'll finish tightening them after the car is back on the ground.

Lower the car slowly by releasing the jack. Once the spare is fully supporting the car's weight, remove the jack completely.

Tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern

Use the lug wrench to tighten the lug nuts in a star or cross pattern — if you imagine the lug nuts as points on a clock, tighten 12, then 6, then 3, then 9, then any remaining ones. This distributes pressure evenly and prevents the tire from sitting crooked on the hub.

Tighten each nut firmly, but don't over-tighten. You want them snug enough that they won't loosen while you drive, but not so tight that you can't remove them later. If you have a torque wrench, your owner's manual lists the correct tightness in foot-pounds — usually between 80 and 100 for most cars.

Drive to a tire shop and have the flat repaired

A spare tire is not a permanent fix. Most spares are rated for speeds up to 50 mph and distances of 50 to 70 miles. Drive carefully to a tire shop within a few days and have the flat tire repaired or replaced.

When you arrive, tell the technician that you're using a spare. They'll remove the spare, repair or replace the flat, and reinstall it on your car. Keep the spare in your trunk for the next emergency.

What to do if something goes wrong

If the lug nuts are stuck and won't loosen even with your full weight on the wrench, stop. Forcing them risks breaking the wrench or damaging the lug nut permanently. Spray penetrating oil, wait 10 to 15 minutes, and try again. If they still won't move, call roadside assistance.

If the jack won't lift the car or feels unstable, do not proceed. The jack may be damaged or you may be using the wrong jacking point. Call for roadside assistance rather than risk the car falling. If you're on a highway, move to a safer location first if possible, or stay in your car with the hazards on until help arrives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change a tire in the rain or at night?

Yes, but take extra precautions. Wear a reflective vest or turn on your phone's flashlight. Work slowly on wet pavement — the jack may slip if the ground is muddy. If visibility is very poor or traffic is heavy, consider calling roadside assistance instead.

What if my car doesn't have a spare tire?

Some newer cars come with a tire repair kit or run-flat tires instead of a spare. Check your trunk or owner's manual. If you have a repair kit, follow its instructions. If you have run-flats, you can drive to a shop even with a flat, but do so slowly and carefully.

Do I need to tighten the lug nuts again after driving?

Yes. After driving 50 miles on a newly installed tire, pull over safely and re-tighten the lug nuts using the star pattern. Lug nuts can loosen slightly as the tire settles into place.

How do I know if my spare tire is good?

Check the spare's air pressure with a tire gauge — it should match the pressure listed on the driver's door jamb or in your owner's manual. If the spare is flat or very low, inflate it at a gas station before you need it. Inspect it visually for cracks or damage.

What if I have a run-flat tire and it goes flat?

Run-flat tires are designed to be driven on even when flat, but only at reduced speeds (usually 50 mph or less) and for limited distances (usually 50 miles). Drive directly to a tire shop without stopping. Do not attempt to change a run-flat yourself — have it replaced by a professional.