How to Change a Flat Tire

Changing a flat tire in five easy steps.

• Tire Iron
• Spare Tire
• Jack

To start, locate the vehicle’s jack. In most vehicles, it is located in the trunk. For others, it could be under the vehicle’s back seat. The tire iron should also be near the jack. Once the jack and the tire iron have been located, the next piece of equipment to locate is the spare tire. The spare tire, also known as a “donut”, can be found in the trunk, or under the vehicle. The “donut” is much smaller than a factory tire. Be sure the “donut” is fully inflated. Drivers should be aware most donuts have a speed rating of 45 mph.

With the equipment now located, start by removing the hub cap, if applicable. Next, loosen the lug nuts with the tire iron. To do this, make sure to turn the tire iron counter-clockwise “left”. Do not take the lug nuts off.

Place your jack in a stable, secure spot. If unsure, look in the vehicle’s manual. Using the jack, lift the vehicle off the ground and remove the loosened lug nuts.

It is now time to remove the tire from the vehicle. After removing the tire, place the “donut” onto the vehicle. Be sure the holes, in the rim of the donut, match up with the studs on the vehicle. Tighten the lug nuts until snug.

Lower the jack by until the vehicle is back on the ground. Most jacks are different, look in the Vehicle manual for specific instructions. Once the vehicle is placed on the ground, retighten the lug nuts as tight as possible. Put all the equipment back into the vehicle.