Check Spare Tire Pressure: Ensure the spare tire is inflated to the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended PSI.
Regular Pressure Checks: Check spare tire pressure every month, before long trips, and when carrying extra load.
Steps to Change a Flat Tire
1. Find a Safe Location
Slowly Reduce Speed: Avoid abrupt braking or turning.
Look for a Wide Shoulder or Parking Lot: Do not change tire on a narrow shoulder near traffic.
2. Turn on Hazard Lights
Alert Other Drivers: Turn on hazard lights to be visible to other drivers immediately when needing to pull over.
3. Apply the Parking Brake
Prevent Vehicle Movement: Engage parking brake to prevent the vehicle from rolling during the tire change.
4. Apply Wheel Wedges and Remove Hub Cap
Wheel Wedges: Place in front of or behind tires (front tires if rear tire is flat, rear tires if front tire is flat).
Remove Hub Cap: Do this before lifting the vehicle if it covers the lug nuts.
5. Place the Jack and Loosen Lug Nuts
Position the Jack: Under the vehicle frame beside the flat tire as per the owner’s manual.
Loosen Lug Nuts: Use a lug wrench, turn counterclockwise until resistance is broken, do not remove completely.
6. Raise Vehicle and Remove Lug Nuts
Jack Placement: Use a 2x6 wood piece under the jack on asphalt.
Raise Vehicle: Lift until tire is about six inches off the ground.
Remove Lug Nuts: Unscrew them completely by hand.
7. Remove Flat Tire & Mount Spare
Remove Flat Tire: Pull it towards you until free, then set aside.
Mount Spare Tire: Align the rim with lug bolts, push until bolts show through.
8. Tighten Lug Nuts by Hand
Hand Tightening: Place lug nuts back on bolts and tighten by hand.
9. Lower Vehicle & Tighten Lug Nuts Again
Partially Lower Vehicle: Ensure tire is on the ground but not bearing full weight.
Tighten with Wrench: Turn lug nuts clockwise using your body weight.
10. Lower Vehicle Completely & Replace Hub Cap
Complete Lowering: Remove jack, ensure lug nuts are fully tightened.
Replace Hub Cap: Reattach or store if it doesn’t fit the spare.
11. Track Equipment & Store Safely
Gather Tools: Include jack, lug wrench, wheel wedges, flat tire, and hub cap.
Store in Vehicle: Ensure all tools are stored before departing.
12. Check Spare Tire Pressure
Ensure Safe Pressure: Check that the spare tire is safe to drive on. For T-Type spares, 60 psi is required.
13. Visit a Mechanic
Professional Evaluation: Temporary spares are not for long distances/high speeds. A professional should assess if the flat tire needs repair or replacement.