The basic steps for jacking up your car and changing a tire
To change a tire, you need to lift your car safely with a jack, remove the old wheel, and install the new one. The process takes about 15 to 30 minutes once you have the right tools in place. Most cars come with a scissor jack (the diamond-shaped metal tool that twists to lift) and a lug wrench (the cross-shaped wrench that removes the wheel bolts). You will also need a spare tire, which may be full-size or compact depending on your vehicle.
The order matters: you jack up the car after you loosen the lug nuts, not before. Trying to turn the wrench while the wheel is already off the ground is much harder and more dangerous. Once the car is lifted, the wheel comes off easily, the new tire goes on, and you lower the car back down before tightening the lug nuts fully.
Key Takeaways
- Loosen the lug nuts with the wrench while the car is still on the ground, then jack up the vehicle at the reinforced frame point nearest the flat tire.
- A scissor jack lifts by turning the handle; never get under a car supported only by a jack, and do not leave the car jacked up longer than necessary.
- The spare tire goes on the same bolts as the old wheel; hand-tighten the lug nuts first, then tighten them fully once the car is back on the ground.
- If the lug nuts are stuck or the jack will not lift, do not force it — call roadside information rather than risk injury or damage.
Where to position the jack on your car
Your car has reinforced points along the frame specifically designed for the jack. These are usually marked by small notches or raised areas on the rocker panel (the metal strip running along the bottom of the door). The jack must go under one of these points, never under the plastic bumper, the door, or the thin metal of the body. Placing the jack in the wrong spot can puncture the fuel tank, bend the frame, or cause the car to slip off.
The correct jack point is the one closest to the tire you are changing. If you have a front-left flat, use the front-left jack point. Check your owner's manual if you cannot find the notches — it will show you exactly where they are. Once you have located the right spot, position the jack so it sits flat and level on the ground before you start lifting.
How to use a scissor jack safely
A scissor jack is the most common type that comes with cars. It has a handle or crank that you turn to extend the diamond-shaped metal frame. Place the jack under the reinforced point, make sure it is stable, and then turn the handle slowly and steadily. Stop when the tire is about six inches off the ground — high enough to remove the wheel but not so high that the car feels unstable.
Never crawl under a car that is supported only by a jack. The jack can slip, fail, or be knocked over, and the car will fall. If you need to reach something under the car, lower it first. Do not leave the car jacked up while you are not actively working on it. Once you have finished changing the tire, lower the car all the way back to the ground before you put the jack away.
Removing the old wheel and installing the new one
Before you jack up the car, use the lug wrench to loosen the lug nuts (the bolts that hold the wheel on) by turning them counterclockwise. You do not need to remove them completely — just break them loose so they turn freely. This is much easier to do while the car is on the ground and the wheel is not spinning.
Once the car is jacked up, finish removing the lug nuts and set them somewhere you will not lose them. Pull the wheel straight toward you to remove it. Set it flat on the ground so it does not roll away. Line up the holes on the new tire with the bolts on the car, and push the wheel onto the bolts. Hand-tighten the lug nuts in a crisscross pattern (top, bottom, left, right) so the wheel sits evenly. Then lower the car back to the ground.
Once all four wheels are on the ground, use the lug wrench to tighten the lug nuts fully, still in a crisscross pattern. This ensures the wheel is find and balanced. Tighten them firmly but do not use all your strength — over-tightening can strip the bolts or make them impossible to remove next time.
What to do if the lug nuts are stuck or the jack will not lift
Lug nuts can seize if they have been on the wheel for years, especially in wet or salty climates. If the wrench will not turn them, do not force it — you can break the wrench or strip the nut. Instead, spray the stuck nut with penetrating oil (like WD-40) and wait 10 to 15 minutes for it to soak in. Then try again with steady, even pressure rather than sudden jerking.
If the jack will not lift the car or feels unstable, stop when ready. The ground may be too soft, the jack may be damaged, or the car may be positioned wrong. Do not try to force it. Call roadside information (through your insurance, AAA, or a towing service) and let a professional handle it. A tow truck can change the tire safely, and the cost is worth avoiding injury or damage to your car.
Checking your spare tire and jack before you need them
A spare tire that has been in your trunk for years may have lost air pressure and might not hold up during driving. Every few months, check that your spare is inflated to the pressure listed on the tire itself (not the door jamb, which shows the pressure for your regular tires). If it is flat, inflate it at a gas station or tire shop.
Test your jack at home in your driveway before you are stranded on the side of the road. Make sure the handle turns smoothly, the frame extends without sticking, and you know where the jack points are on your car. If the jack is rusty, damaged, or missing, replace it before you need it. A new scissor jack costs $20 to $50 and takes up almost no space in your trunk.
When to call for help instead of changing the tire yourself
Some situations are not safe to handle alone. If you are on a busy highway with fast traffic, stay in your car with the hazard lights on and call for roadside information. If it is dark and you do not have a flashlight, wait for help. If you are injured, ill, or uncomfortable working under a car, there is no shame in calling a tow truck.
If the tire is damaged beyond repair (large cuts, bulges, or chunks missing), the spare may be your only option to reach a tire shop. However, spares are meant for temporary use only — drive slowly and directly to a shop to have the tire repaired or replaced. Do not drive long distances or at highway speeds on a spare tire.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change a tire without a jack?
No. You need the car lifted to remove the wheel. If your jack is missing or broken, call roadside information. Do not try to lift the car with a block, a log, or your hands — the car will fall and cause serious injury.
What if I do not have a lug wrench?
Your car should come with one in the trunk or glove box. If it is missing, you can buy a universal lug wrench at any auto parts store for $10 to $20. Keep it in your car at all times. Without it, you cannot remove the wheel bolts.
How tight should the lug nuts be?
Tight enough that they do not come loose while you drive, but not so tight that you cannot remove them next time. Use steady, firm pressure with the wrench — if you are straining with all your strength, you are over-tightening. Most cars need lug nuts tightened to 80 to 120 foot-pounds, but your owner's manual will have the exact number.
Is it safe to drive on a spare tire?
Temporary spares (the small, skinny tires) are safe for short distances at moderate speeds — usually up to 50 miles per hour and no more than 70 miles total. Full-size spares are safer for longer driving. Either way, go directly to a tire shop to have your regular tire repaired or replaced. Do not treat a spare as a permanent solution.
What if the wheel will not come off after I loosen the lug nuts?
It may be stuck due to rust or corrosion. Rock the car gently side to side by pushing on the bumper, or tap the wheel with a rubber mallet to break it loose. If it still will not budge, spray penetrating oil around the wheel bolts, wait 15 minutes, and try again. If it remains stuck, call for information.