Can I change my tires myself?
Yes, you can change a flat tire yourself, provided you have the right tools, a safe location, and you follow proper steps. This guide explains what you'll need, how to do it, safety considerations, and what to do afterward to stay safe on the road.
Tools and preparations
Having the right gear and planning ahead makes the job safer and faster. Gather the items below and review your owner's manual for any car-specific instructions.
- Spare tire (donut or full-size) and inflation status
- Lug wrench (tire iron)
- Car jack and wheel chocks
- Owner's manual or jack-point diagram
- Flashlight or headlamp
- Work gloves or rags
- Tire pressure gauge and a portable air pump if available
- Reflective triangle or roadside safety warning lights
With the proper tools and planning, you’re ready to tackle a tire change or reach a repair shop quickly.
Step-by-step tire change
Follow these steps in order to change the tire safely. If anything feels unsafe, stop and seek help.
- Pull over to a flat, stable surface as far from traffic as possible. Turn on your hazards and apply the parking brake. Place wheel chocks on the wheels opposite the flat to prevent rolling.
- Locate the correct jacking point near the flat tire, per your owner's manual, and position the jack on a solid, level surface. Loosen the lug nuts about a half-turn while the wheel is still touching the ground.
- Raise the vehicle with the jack until the flat tire is clear of the ground.
- Remove the lug nuts completely and take off the wheel. If the lug nuts are tight, keep them in a visible place to avoid losing them.
- Place the spare tire on the hub, align the wheel studs, and hand-tighten the lug nuts.
- Lower the vehicle to the ground and then tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern to the manufacturer’s specified torque using a torque wrench if you have one, otherwise as tight as you can by hand, then recheck with a wrench.
- Replace the hubcap or wheel cover if applicable and store the lug nuts and flat tire securely in the trunk.
- Check the spare tire pressure and ensure it is within the recommended range. If you installed a donut, note any speed or distance restrictions and plan to visit a tire shop as soon as possible.
After completing these steps, you’ve completed a standard tire change. Drive cautiously and return to a service center to repair or replace the original tire when feasible.
Safety reminders
Changing a tire can be dangerous if done improperly. Never crawl under a vehicle that is only supported by a jack. If the ground is soft, uneven, or you cannot safely reach the vehicle’s jacking points, stop and call for assistance. Use wheel chocks and reflective warning devices, and work as a team if possible so someone can watch for traffic.
When to call roadside assistance
There are moments when changing a tire yourself is not recommended or not possible. Consider contacting roadside assistance in these scenarios:
- Trailers or heavy traffic, rough or steep roadside conditions, or a lack of space to work safely
- Damage to the wheel or tire beyond repair (e.g., sidewall blowout, bent rim)
- Difficulty removing a stubborn lug nut or using the jack
- You're unsure about the correct torque or jack point for your vehicle
- Flat tires that occur on unsafe surfaces like the shoulder of a highway or on a slope
In these cases, professional help can prevent injury and further damage to your vehicle.
Summary
Changing a tire yourself is a practical skill that can save time and keep you moving, but it requires the right tools, careful adherence to safety steps, and awareness of vehicle-specific instructions. If you’re ever uncertain or the conditions are unsafe, call for roadside assistance and proceed with professional help.
