Flat Tire Replacement

Ensure your vehicle is parked on a level, stable surface away from traffic. Turn on hazard lights and apply the parking brake.

Place wheel wedges behind or in front of the tires to prevent the vehicle from rolling.

If your vehicle has a hubcap covering the lug nuts, remove it. Use the flat end of your lug wrench to pry it off.

Using the lug wrench, turn the lug nuts counterclockwise until you break their resistance. Do not remove them completely yet.

Place the jack under the vehicle at the designated jacking points. Raise the vehicle until the flat tire is about six inches off the ground.

Now that the car is lifted, remove the lug nuts all the way. Keep them all together and in a safe place.

Grip the tire by the treads and pull it gently toward you until it's completely free from the hub.

Place the spare on the hub by lining up the rim with the lug bolts. Push gently until the lug bolts show through the rim.

Put the lug nuts back on the lug bolts and tighten them by hand as much as you can.

Carefully lower the vehicle back to the ground and remove the jack.

Using the lug wrench, tighten the nuts even further. Follow a star pattern to ensure even tightening.

If you have a hubcap, put it back in place or store it in the vehicle if it doesn't fit on the spare.

Put away all tools and equipment including the jack and lug wrench. Make sure the flat tire is stored in your vehicle if it's not left behind.

Ensure the spare tire is inflated to the vehicle manufacturer's recommended pressure.

Verify you have a lug wrench, jack, wheel wedges, and spare tire before beginning the process.

Never get underneath a vehicle that is only supported by a jack. Always use jack stands if you need to go under the vehicle.

Be aware that spare tires are often 'donut' spares and not meant for long-term use or high speeds. Check your vehicle's manual for specifics.