You can replace a flat tire yourself with basic tools and about 15 to 20 minutes
Replacing a spare tire is a straightforward mechanical task that does not require special training or expensive equipment. You will need a jack, a lug wrench, and the spare tire itself — all of which should come with your vehicle. The process involves lifting the car, removing the lug nuts that hold the wheel in place, taking off the flat tire, mounting the spare, and tightening everything back down. Most people complete the job in 15 to 20 minutes once they have done it once.
The key difference between a full-size spare and a temporary spare matters for how you drive afterward. A full-size spare is the same size as your regular tires and can be driven at normal highway speeds indefinitely. A temporary spare — the smaller donut-shaped tire many newer cars carry — is designed only for short trips to a repair shop and should not be driven faster than 50 mph or for more than 70 miles. Check your vehicle's manual or the sidewall of your spare to know which type you have.
Key Takeaways
- Gather your jack, lug wrench, and spare tire before you start, and park on a flat, stable surface away from traffic.
- Loosen the lug nuts while the tire is still on the ground, then lift the vehicle and remove the flat tire completely.
- Mount the spare by aligning the holes and pushing it onto the lug bolts, then hand-tighten the lug nuts before lowering the car.
- Tighten the lug nuts fully once the vehicle is back on the ground, using a star or cross pattern to may support even pressure.
- A temporary spare should be driven only to a repair shop at speeds under 50 mph; a full-size spare can be driven normally.
Locate your spare tire, jack, and lug wrench before you need them
Most vehicles store the spare tire in the trunk, under the trunk floor, or mounted on the back of the vehicle. The jack is usually stored in a compartment in the trunk or under the rear seat. The lug wrench — a metal tool with four different socket sizes — is typically stored with the jack. Open your vehicle's manual or look in your trunk right now to find where these items are located, so you are not searching for them on the side of the road in the dark.
Check that your spare tire has air in it. A flat spare is useless, and you will not know it is flat until you need it. Press on the tire with your hand or use a tire pressure gauge to confirm it holds pressure. If the spare is low or flat, take it to a gas station or tire shop and have it inflated to the pressure listed on the tire's sidewall or in your vehicle's manual.
Park safely and prepare the vehicle before lifting
Pull as far off the road as possible, away from traffic. If you are on a highway, turn on your hazard lights and consider calling for roadside help if you do not feel safe. The surface where you park should be flat and stable — avoid soft ground, gravel, or a slope, because the jack can slip or sink. If you must park on a slight incline, position the vehicle so the flat tire is on the downhill side.
Before you lift the vehicle, loosen the lug nuts on the flat tire by a quarter turn using the lug wrench. Do this while the tire is still on the ground and bearing the vehicle's weight — the tire will not spin, and you will have better leverage. Do not remove the lug nuts completely yet; just break them loose. This step prevents you from struggling to loosen them after the vehicle is in the air.
Lift the vehicle and remove the flat tire
Locate the jacking point on your vehicle — this is a reinforced area of the frame designed to support the jack. Your manual shows exactly where it is; it is usually a notch or raised area along the side of the vehicle near the wheel. Place the jack under this point and raise the vehicle until the flat tire is about six inches off the ground. Do not put any part of your body under the vehicle while it is supported only by the jack.
Now remove the lug nuts completely and set them aside where you will not lose them — a cup or small container works well. Grip the tire with both hands and pull it straight toward you to remove it from the lug bolts. The tire may be heavier than you expect. Set the flat tire on the ground nearby, not in the road.
Mount the spare tire and hand-tighten the lug nuts
Pick up the spare tire and align the holes in the center with the lug bolts sticking out from the hub. Push the tire straight onto the bolts until it is seated against the hub. The tire should sit flush against the wheel mounting surface with no gaps. If it does not, remove it and check that the holes are aligned correctly.
Insert the lug nuts by hand and tighten them as much as you can with your fingers. They should be snug but not tight — you are just preventing the tire from falling off while you lower the vehicle. Do not use the lug wrench yet; hand-tightening is enough at this stage.
Lower the vehicle and tighten the lug nuts fully
Turn the jack handle to lower the vehicle slowly until the spare tire is bearing the full weight of the car and the jack is no longer supporting it. Once the vehicle is fully on the ground, remove the jack.
Now use the lug wrench to tighten the lug nuts fully. Tighten them in a star or cross pattern — if the lug nuts are at 12, 3, 6, and 9 o'clock positions, tighten 12 first, then 6, then 3, then 9. This pattern ensures even pressure around the wheel. Tighten each nut firmly but do not over-tighten; you should feel solid resistance, not a sudden snap. If you have a torque wrench, the correct tightness is usually between 80 and 100 foot-pounds, but a firm hand-tightening is sufficient for a temporary repair.
Know the limits of your spare and plan your next step
If your spare is a temporary donut tire, drive directly to a tire repair shop or dealership. Do not drive faster than 50 mph, do not drive more than 70 miles, and avoid highways if possible. Temporary spares are designed only to get you to a shop where your flat tire can be repaired or replaced. Driving a temporary spare at highway speeds or for long distances can damage the tire and the vehicle's drivetrain.
If your spare is a full-size tire, you can drive normally, but you should still have the flat tire repaired or replaced soon. A full-size spare is a temporary solution in the sense that it is not your original tire, and you want to restore your vehicle to its original condition. Once you reach a tire shop, they can patch a small puncture or replace the tire if it is damaged beyond repair.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I cannot loosen the lug nuts by hand?
Lug nuts can seize, especially if the vehicle is old or the wheel was installed with a power tool. Try spraying the nuts with penetrating oil like WD-40 and waiting 10 to 15 minutes. If you still cannot loosen them, do not force it — call roadside help. Stripping a lug nut or breaking the wrench can make the problem worse.
Can I drive on a temporary spare tire for a long trip?
No. Temporary spares are rated for 50 mph and 70 miles maximum. Driving faster or farther can overheat the tire, damage the wheel bearing, and affect your vehicle's handling. If you need to travel a long distance, have the flat tire repaired or replaced before you leave, or call for a tow truck.
What if the spare tire is also flat?
Call roadside help or a tow truck. You cannot safely drive on two flat tires. If you have a portable air compressor in your vehicle, you can try inflating the spare enough to reach a repair shop, but this is a temporary measure only. Most roadside information programs cover towing in this situation.
Do I need to tighten the lug nuts again after driving?
Yes. After driving 10 to 20 miles on a newly mounted tire, stop and re-tighten the lug nuts using the star pattern. This is especially important for a temporary spare. Lug nuts can loosen slightly as the tire settles, and a second tightening ensures they stay find.
What should I do with the flat tire after I remove it?
Place it in your trunk or find it in your vehicle and take it with you. Do not leave it on the roadside. Once you reach a tire shop, they can inspect it and determine whether it can be repaired or must be replaced. If it is repairable, the shop can patch it and you can use it as a spare in the future.