How to Change a Flat Tire

Introduction

• Average American will experience 5 flat tires in their motoring lifetime.
• 1 in 5 American drivers don't know how to change a tire.
• Essential tools: jack, lug wrench, spare tire.
• Consult the owner's manual for specific vehicle instructions.

Steps to Change a Flat Tire

1. Detecting and Preparing

• Turn on emergency flashers when you detect a flat tire.
• Slow down and find a safe, level place to stop.
• Engage the parking brake to prevent a roll away.
• Ensure passengers exit the vehicle.

2. Removing Hubcaps and Loosening Lug Nuts

• Use a flat-headed tool to remove hubcaps (consult manual for special tools if needed).
• Loosen the lug nuts/bolts before jacking the car up:
  • Break the lugs loose but do not fully loosen them.

3. Using the Jack

• Different types of jacks are stored differently based on the car type.
• Familiarize yourself with your manual for jack storage and usage.
• Place the jack on the recommended jack point (usually a flat metal area).
• Ensure the jack is not placed on the body of the car.

4. Removing and Replacing the Tire

• Jack up the car just enough to remove the tire.
• Keep body parts away from under the car while it is jacked up.
• Finish loosening the lugs and keep them safe.
• Remove the flat tire and replace it with the spare.
  • Spare is often a smaller, temporary tire or "donut".

5. Tightening the Lugs

• Hand tighten the lugs, then give them a quarter turn with the wrench.
• Lower the car slowly until the jack can be removed easily.
• Finish tightening the lugs in a star pattern.
  • Tighten until they feel equally snug, but do not overtighten.

Important Considerations

• A temporary spare is not a permanent solution.
• Most "donuts" are not meant to be driven at more than 50 mph or beyond a 100-mile distance.
• Get the flat tire patched or replaced as soon as possible.