What is the procedure for changing a tire step by step?
Changing a tire is a straightforward mechanical task you can perform safely with the right tools and steps. In short, you pull over to a safe spot, gather your gear, loosen the lug nuts, lift the car, swap in the spare, and tighten everything back up before you head out again. This guide lays out the process in clear, up-to-date steps to help you handle a roadside flat with confidence.
What you’ll need
Having the right tools and supplies on hand makes the tire change faster and safer. Gather these items before you begin.
- Spare tire in good condition (proper size for your vehicle) or a run-flat if equipped
- Jack (scissor jack or similar) and a jack stand if available
- Lug wrench or impact wrench
- Wheel chocks or heavy objects to block the wheels
- Reflective triangle or road flares and a flashlight
- Work gloves and a sturdy jacket
- Owner’s manual for vehicle-specific lifting points and torque specs
- Portable tire pressure gauge or air compressor
With these tools on hand, you’re prepared to perform the swap and handle common contingencies. Check the spare’s pressure before you begin and replace any worn or damaged components as soon as possible.
Step-by-step tire change
Follow these steps in order to safely and effectively replace a flat tire. If conditions are unsafe—heavy traffic, poor lighting, or the wheel is hard to access—seek roadside assistance.
- Pull over to a safe, level location away from traffic. Turn on your hazards; if you have them, place reflective triangles or flares.
- Engage the parking brake. For automatics, leave the transmission in Park; for manuals, leave in first gear or reverse as appropriate.
- Place wheel chocks in front of and behind the wheel diagonally opposite the flat to prevent rolling.
- Retrieve the spare, jack, lug wrench, and any needed tools. If your car has a hubcap covering the lug nuts, remove it first (usually with the lug wrench).
- Loosen the lug nuts a little while the tire is still on the ground by turning counterclockwise. Do not remove them yet.
- Position the jack under the recommended jacking point near the flat tire. Consult your owner’s manual for the exact point and ensure the ground is firm.
- Raise the vehicle with the jack until the flat tire is off the ground.
- Remove all lug nuts completely and set them in a safe place. Remove the flat tire from the hub.
- Mount the spare tire on the lug bolts and hand-tighten the lug nuts to secure the wheel.
- Lower the car so the spare tire touches the ground. Remove the jack and tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern to snug the wheel in place.
- Lower the vehicle fully and remove the jack. Sparingly re-tighten the lug nuts in the star pattern to the vehicle’s recommended torque.
- Reinstall the hubcap if applicable and ensure all tools are stowed away.
- Check the spare tire’s air pressure and set it to the recommended level if possible. Don’t drive far on a donut-style spare; follow your manual’s distance and speed recommendations.
- Stow the removed tire and tools and note the date of the change for maintenance reminders.
These steps, when followed carefully, reduce the risk of injury and damage to the vehicle. If you encounter a problem (frozen lug nuts, damaged jack, or an unsafe surface), stop and seek professional help.
Safety and aftercare
After changing the tire, verify lug nut torque and plan a prompt repair. Donuts and temporary spares are not designed for long-term use and should be replaced with a proper tire as soon as possible. If you have a run-flat tire, you may be able to continue driving within the manufacturer’s guidelines, but consult your vehicle manual for specifics.
Summary
Changing a tire is a practical skill that pays off in real-world safety. Key takeaways: pull over safely, loosen lug nuts before lifting, use the correct jacking points, swap in the spare, tighten in a star pattern, and check tire pressure. Always refer to your vehicle’s manual for torque specs and spare limitations, and consider contacting roadside assistance if conditions or equipment are unsafe.
