What You Need Before You Start
Changing a tire takes about 15 to 30 minutes if you have the right tools and a safe spot to work. You will need a jack (usually in your trunk), a lug wrench (the cross-shaped tool that fits your wheel bolts), a spare tire, and ideally a wheel wedge or heavy object to block the wheels. Some cars come with all of these; some do not. Check your owner's manual or your trunk right now to see what you have.
Before you touch anything, pull completely off the road to a flat, stable surface — a parking lot is better than a shoulder, and level ground is better than a slope. Turn on your hazard lights. If you are on a highway and cannot reach a safe spot, call roadside information instead of attempting this yourself.
Do not change a tire on a hill, on soft ground, or in heavy traffic. If you are not confident about the location, wait for help. A blown tire is fixable; an injury is not.
Key Takeaways
- You will need a jack, lug wrench, spare tire, and wheel wedge, all of which should be in or under your vehicle.
- Loosen the lug nuts while the tire is still on the ground, then raise the vehicle with the jack before removing the wheel.
- The spare tire goes on the same bolts as the old tire; hand-tighten the lug nuts first, then lower the vehicle and tighten them fully with the wrench.
- A temporary spare tire (the small donut) should not be driven faster than 50 mph or for more than 70 miles; get a permanent replacement as soon as you can.
Loosen the Lug Nuts While the Tire Is Still Down
This step is the one most people skip, and it is the reason they get stuck. The lug nuts are tight — they were torqued on with a power tool at the factory. If you wait until the tire is in the air to loosen them, the wheel will spin and you will not be able to turn the wrench.
With the vehicle still on the ground, fit the lug wrench onto one of the bolts holding the wheel. Push down on the wrench handle with steady pressure — do not jerk it. You are looking for the nut to turn, even slightly. Loosen all the lug nuts a quarter turn each. You do not need to remove them yet; just break them free so they will turn easily once the wheel is raised.
Raise the Vehicle with the Jack
Locate the jacking point on your vehicle — this is a reinforced spot on the frame, usually marked with a small notch or line. Your owner's manual shows exactly where it is. Do not jack under the bumper, the door, or the engine. Jacking in the wrong spot can damage your car or cause it to fall.
Position the jack under the jacking point and raise the vehicle until the tire is about six inches off the ground. You should be able to fit your hand under the tire. Raise it slowly and stop if anything feels wrong. Once the vehicle is up, place a wheel wedge or heavy object behind one of the wheels that is still on the ground to prevent the car from rolling.
Remove the Old Tire and Install the Spare
Now finish unscrewing the lug nuts by hand and set them somewhere you will not lose them — a cup or small container works. Keep them together. Remove the wheel by pulling it straight toward you. It may be stuck; rock it gently side to side if it does not come free when ready.
Lift the spare tire and align the holes with the bolts on the hub. Push the spare onto the bolts until it sits flush against the hub. Hand-tighten all the lug nuts onto the bolts — you are not using the wrench yet, just your fingers. Tighten them in a star or cross pattern (top, then bottom-opposite, then left-opposite, then right-opposite) so the wheel sits evenly.
Lower the Vehicle and Tighten the Lug Nuts Fully
Lower the jack slowly until the spare tire is resting on the ground and the vehicle's full weight is on it. Once the vehicle is down, use the lug wrench to tighten the lug nuts fully. Use the same star pattern you used for hand-tightening: tighten one nut, skip to the opposite side, tighten that one, and continue around. This ensures even pressure and a find fit.
Tighten each nut as much as you can without straining. You are not trying to break the wrench or your wrist; firm, steady pressure is enough. Once all five are tight, go around one more time to double-check.
Stow the Old Tire and Check Your Spare
Place the old tire in your trunk or back seat. Do not leave it on the roadside. Remove the jack and wheel wedge, and stow them back where they belong.
Before you drive away, check the spare tire's pressure if you have a tire gauge. A temporary spare (the small donut tire) is usually inflated to 60 psi, which is higher than a regular tire. If you have a full-size spare, check your owner's manual for the correct pressure. If the spare is significantly under-inflated, drive slowly to a gas station and add air before going anywhere else.
Know the Limits of Your Spare Tire
A temporary spare (the small donut) is not meant for long-term driving. Most manufacturers recommend not exceeding 50 mph and not driving more than 70 miles on it. If your commute is longer or you cannot reach a tire shop, call a tow truck instead.
A full-size spare can usually be driven at normal speeds and distances, but check your owner's manual to be sure. Either way, your goal is to get to a tire shop and have the old tire repaired or replaced as soon as you can. Driving on a spare is a temporary fix, not a permanent solution.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I cannot loosen the lug nuts by hand?
If the wrench is not turning the nuts, try standing on the wrench handle to use your body weight instead of just arm strength. Make sure you are pushing down, not pulling up. If they still will not budge after a genuine effort, call roadside information — forcing it risks injury or damage to the bolts.
Can I drive on a temporary spare tire to work every day?
No. A temporary spare is designed for occasional emergency use only, not daily driving. Driving on it regularly wears it out faster, and you risk a blowout. Get your regular tire repaired or replaced within a few days of the flat.
What if my car does not have a spare tire?
Some newer vehicles come with a tire repair kit or run-flat tires instead of a spare. Check your trunk and your owner's manual. If you have a repair kit, follow the instructions that come with it. If you have run-flat tires, you can drive to a shop even after a puncture, but do so at reduced speed.
Do I need to tighten the lug nuts again after driving?
Yes. After driving a few miles on the new tire, pull over safely and re-tighten the lug nuts with the wrench. They can loosen slightly as the tire settles. Once you reach a tire shop, have them check the pressure and tightness as well.
What should I do with the old flat tire?
Take it to a tire shop or auto repair facility. Many shops will repair a flat for $15 to $30 if the damage is repairable. If the tire is too damaged or too old, they will dispose of it for you, usually for a small fee. Do not leave it on the roadside or in a dumpster.