How to Change a Flat Tire: Step-by-Step for Any Vehicle

Before You Start: Safety and Preparation

A flat tire can happen anywhere, at any time. Your first priority is to move to a safe, level location away from traffic. Turn on your hazard lights, park on a firm surface, set the parking brake, and shift into Park (or first gear in a manual transmission). If you have wheel wedges, place them in front of and behind the wheel diagonally opposite the flat. Gather the spare tire, jack, lug wrench, and any other tools from your vehicle's kit. Consult the owner's manual for the exact jacking points, the location of the spare, and the recommended lug nut torque.

Understanding the type of spare tire your vehicle carries is part of being prepared. Many vehicles come with a temporary spare, often called a "donut," which is lighter and smaller than the full-size tire. Federal standards (49 CFR 571.110) define how spare tire assemblies are selected, and 49 CFR 571.109 covers T-type spare tires. Check your owner's manual for the exact speed and distance limits for your spare; most are meant for short trips and moderate speeds only.

You should also know your vehicle's tire pressure monitoring system, or TPMS. Under Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 138, the system must illuminate a warning telltale within 20 minutes if a tire's pressure drops to 25 percent below the recommended cold inflation pressure. After changing a wheel, the TPMS may need a few minutes to reset. For more on how TPMS works, see our guide on tire pressure monitoring systems.

• Spare tire (full-size or temporary)
• Jack and lug wrench
• Wheel wedges and work gloves
• Flashlight and a warning triangle or flares

Gather Your Tools and Know Your Jack

Most vehicles include a scissor jack or a hydraulic bottle jack. Scissor jacks are compact and operated by a crank, while bottle jacks are taller and lift with a lever. Both work fine on level ground, but the vehicle must be supported on a stable base. If the ground is soft, place a wide, flat board under the jack to prevent it from sinking. Never use a cinder block or an uneven stack of objects.

You will also need a lug wrench, which may be a cross-shaped wrench or an L-shaped telescopic handle. Some wheels use locking lug nuts that require a special key adapter; if your vehicle has them, locate that key before you need it. Keep it in the glove box or tool kit.

If you have a torque wrench, bring it with you for the final tightening. Torque specs for lug nuts are listed in your owner's manual and often range from about 80 to 120 foot-pounds for passenger cars, but the exact value depends on the vehicle and wheel design. The Tire Industry Association (TIA) provides training for technicians on proper tightening procedures, emphasizing that over-tightening or under-tightening can lead to wheel damage or lug nut failure. Always follow the manufacturer's spec.

Loosen the Lug Nuts Before Jacking

With the flat tire still on the ground, break the lug nuts loose by turning them counterclockwise. Use the lug wrench and push down or step on it if needed. Do not remove them yet; just loosen each one about a quarter turn. This is much easier before the wheel is off the ground because the vehicle's weight keeps the wheel from spinning.

If the lug nuts are rusted or stuck, apply penetrating oil and wait a few minutes. Avoid using so much force that you bend the wrench. If you cannot break them free, you may need to call for roadside assistance, especially if you have no way to add extra leverage.

Jack the Vehicle Safely

Position the jack at the designated lift point for the wheel you are changing. The owner's manual will show the exact location, usually along the frame near the wheel. Never place the jack under a suspension arm, axle, or the floor pan. The jack's saddle should contact the reinforced metal point, and you should confirm that the jack is perpendicular to the ground.

Pump the jack slowly until the flat tire clears the ground by an inch or two. If you have jack stands, place them under the vehicle for added support, but never crawl under a vehicle supported only by a jack. Once the wheel is off the ground, you can pull the flat tire straight off the wheel studs. Set it aside, but keep it nearby; you can slide it under the vehicle as an extra safety barrier in case the jack fails.

Remove the Flat and Mount the Spare

Finish removing the lug nuts and keep them in a small container so they do not get lost. Pull the flat tire straight off the hub. If it is stuck, gently tap the tire sidewall with the palm of your hand or your foot, but never use the lug wrench as a pry bar.

Align the spare tire's bolt holes with the wheel studs and slide it onto the hub. If the spare is a full-size matching wheel, it will sit flush. Temporary spares are smaller and may require more care, but the mounting process is identical. Start all lug nuts by hand and thread them a few turns to ensure the wheel seats correctly. Do not use a power tool to install them; hand-tightening avoids cross-threading.

Once all lug nuts are started, snug them in a star pattern with the lug wrench. Lower the vehicle gently until the tire touches the ground, then continue to lower it enough to let the vehicle's weight hold the wheel steady. Finish tightening the lug nuts in the same star pattern, applying firm, even pressure. If you have a torque wrench, tighten each lug nut to the specification in your owner's manual. For more on the importance of proper torque, see our article on tire torque specs.

After the Change: Verify Pressure and Get the Flat Repaired

Before driving, check the spare tire's inflation pressure. The recommended pressure for a temporary spare may be different from your standard tires; consult your owner's manual or the placard on the driver's side door jamb. The U.S. Department of Energy's fueleconomy.gov website notes that properly inflated tires improve fuel economy and are safer, so do not rely on a visual check alone.

After the change, the TPMS warning light may stay on for a few minutes until the system resets. If it does not go off after you have driven a short distance, check the spare's pressure again and consult your owner's manual. Drive to the nearest service center at a moderate speed to have the flat repaired or replaced. Temporary spares are not intended for high speeds or long distances; they are a temporary solution to get you to a shop.

If the flat tire is repairable, a professional technician can patch it from the inside. Learn the difference between a proper repair and a replacement in our article on tire repair vs replace. If you have a tire pressure gauge, you can verify the spare and the other tires using the steps in our how to check tire pressure guide.

When to Call for Professional Help

Not every flat tire should be changed on the side of the road. If you are on a narrow shoulder, in poor weather, or on a steep grade, your safety is more important than the repair. Call roadside assistance or a tow truck. Also, if the lug nuts are seized, the jack cannot be positioned correctly, or you do not have the correct tools, it is wise to get professional help.

Professional tire technicians follow training from organizations like the Tire Industry Association, which emphasizes proper mounting and demounting procedures to avoid injuries. If you are unsure about any step, do not risk it. After any tire service, including a spare change, have the wheel torque checked by a qualified shop as soon as possible, ideally within 25 to 50 miles of driving.

What to pick for your vehicle after a flat

Questions

How do I know where to place the jack?

Check the owner's manual for the factory-designated jacking points, typically along the frame near each wheel. Never place a jack under the floor pan, suspension arms, or the differential.

Should I loosen lug nuts before jacking the vehicle?

Yes. With the wheel on the ground, the tire's friction prevents the wheel from spinning, making it much easier to break the lug nuts free. Loosen each nut about a quarter turn before raising the vehicle.

Can I drive on a temporary spare for a long distance?

Temporary spares are designed for limited use and reduced speeds. Check the sidewall or owner's manual for the exact limits. Generally, drive only to a repair shop and keep speeds below 50 mph (80 km/h).

What torque should I use for my lug nuts?

The correct torque specification is listed in your owner's manual. If you use a torque wrench, tighten to that value in a star pattern. If you do not have a torque wrench, use firm, even pressure and have a shop verify the torque soon after.

Why does my TPMS light stay on after changing a flat?

The TPMS system may need time to reset after the wheel is changed. Under federal regulations, the low-pressure telltale should illuminate within 20 minutes when a tire is significantly under-inflated. It may go off once the spare is properly inflated. Consult your owner's manual for reset procedures.

Can I repair a flat tire myself?

Some punctures can be repaired with a plug kit, but a professional patch is more reliable and safer for long-term use. If the puncture is in the sidewall or the tire has been driven underinflated, replacement may be required. See our guide on tire repair vs replace for details.