Flat tires can happen anytime anywhere. They could leave you stuck in the middle of nowhere if you don’t know how to handle them yourself. Of course, you can contact road assistance, but that might not be an option if you’re somewhere without service.
As such, it’s imperative to learn how to properly change flats on your own.
How to Change a Flat Tire
You can’t change a flat tire without the following tools and equipment:
- Car jack
- Lug wrench
- Spare tire
- The owner’s manual
Additionally, there are items you can use to make the process easier:
- Reflective triangles to alert other motorists of your situation
- Tire blocks to prevent your vehicle from rolling
- A mat or towel to kneel on as you work
- Flashlight for low-visibility situations
- Tire pressure gauge to ensure you have the correct tire pressure
- Wipes to clean up after
- Rain jacket in case you need to do it during adverse weather conditions
Once you have everything on hand, follow the steps below to properly change your flat tire.
Park and Secure Your Vehicle
Once you’ve determined that you have a flat tire, find a safe location to change it. If you’re driving, slow down and find a spacious, level place to park your ride.
Don’t settle on a narrow shoulder because you’ll be at risk of getting hit by oncoming vehicles as you work. It’ll also have you blocking an entire lane, which can impede traffic.
Turn your hazard lights on to alert the other drivers of your predicament.
Then, apply the parking brake to prevent your vehicle from rolling. Don’t skip this step even if you’ve parked on a level road, as it pays to take extra measures to keep your vehicle in place as you work.
You can also use wheel wedges for support. Place them behind the rear tires if you’re changing front tires, and in front of the front tires if you’re changing rear tires.
If you don’t have wheel wedges, you can find substitutes in your surroundings, like bricks and large stones.
Remove the Flat Tire
Once your vehicle is secure, it’s time to get started. Bring out your spare tire, car jack, lug wrench, and owner’s manual so that they’re within reach.
Use the lug wrench built into the car jack to remove the hubcaps covering the lug nuts (if they have them). Consult your manual if the lug nuts won’t come off using the wrench, as you might need a different tool.
Place the jack underneath the vehicle frame alongside the flat tire. Turn it clockwise until it meets the vehicle, then turn the handle clockwise until you lift the flat tire off the ground.
Use the lug wrench and turn the lug nuts counterclockwise to remove them. Then, grip the tire by the treads and pull it out from the hub.
Install the New Tire
Once you’ve set the flat tire aside, mount the spare tire on the hub. Screw the lug nuts on the bolts, but don’t screw them in all the way just yet.
Slightly lower the vehicle and tighten the lug nuts using the wrench.
Use the star pattern to ensure the lug nuts stay intact because going around the wheel in a circle could flex the wheel in a way that the first nut you tighten becomes loose.
After that, lower the vehicle completely and return the hubcaps you removed (if applicable). Store the hubcaps somewhere safe if they don’t fit the spare tire.
Test the Tire
Use a tire pressure gauge to check the spare tire’s pressure or pounds per square inch (psi). Tires typically require around 35 to 60 psi.
Stow away all the tools and equipment you used before driving. After driving for a couple of miles, check if the lug nuts are still tight.
You should only drive with your spare tire for 50 to 100 miles or less, depending on its type. It’s not meant for prolonged use, and driving too long with it can cause excessive wear on various parts.
How to Prevent Flat Tires
Constantly checking the tire pressure, rotating your tires, avoiding hazards and overloading, having the tires balanced, and investing in high-quality tires are ways to prevent or limit flat tires.
Constantly Check the Tire Pressure
Underinflation is one of the most common causes of tires going flat. That’s why the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) suggests checking the pressure of your tires at least once a month.
Your car’s manual should have the recommended tire pressure for your reference. You can also find this information on the tire itself.
Rotate the Tires
Tire rotation is when each tire is removed and transferred to another position. This ensures wear is evenly spread to prolong and maximize their lifespan.
The owner’s manual has information on how often tires should be rotated, but it’s usually every 5,000 and 10,000 miles.
Get Your Tires Balanced
You can also have your tires balanced while you’re getting them rotated. Tire balancing is a type of maintenance that balances the weight of a tire and wheel to prevent uneven tire wear.
Avoid Hazards
Steer clear or drive slowly over hazards on the road that could puncture or damage your tires, such as potholes and debris.
Don’t Overload Your Vehicle
Going over the maximum weight limit your vehicle can carry can damage or wear out your tires faster. If you really have to, you can increase the tire’s psi to help support the added weight.
Invest in High-Quality Tires
Investing in OE-grade tires is worth the money because they provide better ride quality and a longer lifespan than low-end, cheaper options. The tires also pay for themselves in the long run, as you won’t have to constantly replace or repair them.
How Long Does It Take to Change a Tire?
Changing a flat tire takes around 15 to 30 minutes per tire. It might take more if it’s your first time changing a flat. On the other hand, a professional can change a flat tire in 10 minutes or less.
Who Can You Call to Change a Flat Tire?
You can call roadside assistance providers to get an expert to change your flat tire. They also cover battery jump-starts, towing, and more.
The American Automobile Association is another option. It’s a not-for-profit private organization that offers 24/7 assistance. You can also contact a local towing service to take your vehicle to a nearby repair shop.
Similarly, some insurance policies cover flat tires. You can also contact them to take your car to a repair shop.
Get Wheel and Tire Parts and Tools Delivered To Your Home
Automotive parts like the wheels and tires aren’t the only things that eventually need replacement. Tools like the floor jack and lug wrench will also wear out. Fortunately, you can order floor jacks, lug wrenches, and wheel and tire packages from CarParts.com and have them delivered to your doorstep.
CarParts.com delivers the automotive parts, accessories, and tools you need to where you need them. When you purchase a floor jack, lug wrench, or wheel and tire package from our online store, our nearest distribution warehouse ships your new part. If you live anywhere in the continental US and order by noon ET, you can expect your order to reach you in several business days. You’re also assured of the performance and dependability that you deserve because we only source our parts and tools from reputable brands. Got any questions about our products? Our helpful customer service team is always available.
Get great discounts on high-grade wheel and tire parts and tools at CarParts.com. Browse our selection of floor jacks, lug wrenches, and wheel and tire packages.
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Any information provided on this Website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace consultation with a professional mechanic. The accuracy and timeliness of the information may change from the time of publication.
