The basic tools that make a tire change possible
You need four things to change a tire: a jack to lift the vehicle, a lug wrench to remove the wheel bolts, a spare tire, and wheel wedges or blocks to keep the car from rolling. Most vehicles come with at least a scissor jack and a lug wrench in the trunk or under the rear seat. A spare tire is standard equipment, though some newer cars have a compact "donut" spare instead of a full-size wheel. You may need to buy wheel wedges separately — they are inexpensive and prevent the car from shifting while you work.
Beyond those four essentials, a few other tools make the job faster and safer. A tire pressure gauge lets you check the spare before you install it and verify the new tire pressure once you are done. A flashlight or work light is nearly mandatory if you are changing a tire at night or in low light. A socket wrench set with the correct socket size can replace the lug wrench if you have one in your vehicle, though the lug wrench that came with your car works fine for occasional changes.
Key Takeaways
- A jack, lug wrench, spare tire, and wheel wedges are the four tools required to change any tire.
- Most vehicles include a jack and lug wrench in the trunk, but you may need to purchase wheel wedges separately.
- A tire pressure gauge and flashlight are useful additions that make the job safer and easier, especially at night.
- Compact "donut" spares require the same tools as full-size spares but should only be driven at reduced speeds and distances.
The jack: lifting the vehicle safely
The jack is what raises your vehicle high enough to remove the wheel. Most cars come with a scissor jack, which uses a screw mechanism to expand and lift. Scissor jacks are compact and fit easily in a trunk, but they require more pumping or turning to raise the vehicle than other types. Some vehicles include a bottle jack or hydraulic jack, which lifts faster but takes up more space.
Before you use any jack, place it on level, solid ground — not on gravel, dirt, or asphalt that is soft from heat. Position the jack under the vehicle's frame, not under the plastic body panels or bumpers. Your vehicle's owner manual shows the exact jacking points, usually marked with a small notch or reinforced area on the frame. Never get under the vehicle while it is supported only by a jack. If you need to work underneath, use jack stands in addition to the jack.
The lug wrench: removing and reinstalling wheel bolts
The lug wrench is a metal tool with four or six sockets of different sizes on the ends, designed to fit the bolts that hold your wheel in place. The correct socket size depends on your vehicle — common sizes are 17mm, 19mm, 21mm, and 22mm. The lug wrench that came with your car has the right size for your vehicle's bolts.
To remove the bolts, fit the correct socket over the bolt head and turn counterclockwise. Loosen all bolts while the wheel is still on the ground — this is easier than trying to turn them after the vehicle is lifted. Once the vehicle is raised, you can unscrew the bolts the rest of the way by hand. When reinstalling, hand-tighten all bolts first, then use the lug wrench to tighten them in a star or cross pattern (alternating opposite bolts) to may support even pressure. Do not over-tighten, or you may strip the bolts or damage the wheel.
The spare tire and when to check it
Your spare tire is useless if it is flat or under-inflated. Before you need it, check the spare's pressure with a tire pressure gauge — the correct pressure is printed on the tire sidewall or in your owner manual. A flat spare will not support your vehicle's weight, and an under-inflated spare can overheat and fail while you are driving.
Full-size spares are identical to your regular tires and can be driven at normal speeds indefinitely. Compact "donut" spares are smaller and lighter but are meant only as temporary replacements. Donut spares should be driven at 50 mph or less and for no more than 70 miles before you have the flat tire repaired or replaced. If you have a donut spare, get the flat tire fixed as soon as possible rather than continuing to drive on the temporary.
Wheel wedges: preventing the vehicle from rolling
Wheel wedges are triangular blocks that sit in front of or behind the wheels to prevent the vehicle from rolling while you work. They are especially important if you are parked on a slope or if the ground is not perfectly level. You can buy a pair of wedges for under $20 at any auto parts store, or you can use bricks, wooden blocks, or even large rocks in a pinch.
Place the wedges behind the rear wheels if you are changing a front tire, or in front of the front wheels if you are changing a rear tire. This prevents the vehicle from rolling forward or backward while the jack is holding it up. Do not rely on the parking brake alone — the wedges are your safety backup.
Optional tools that make the job easier
A tire pressure gauge is small, inexpensive, and worth keeping in your vehicle. Digital gauges are easier to read than dial gauges, especially in poor light. Check your spare tire's pressure every few months and verify the pressure of the new tire once you have installed it — most cars require 28 to 35 psi, but your specific pressure is listed on a sticker inside the driver's door or in the owner manual.
A flashlight or work light becomes essential if you are changing a tire after dark. A headlamp that straps to your forehead leaves both hands free to work. Some people carry a small socket wrench set with the correct socket size for their lug bolts, which can be faster than using the lug wrench, though it is not necessary.
A tire plug kit or tire patch kit can temporarily repair a small puncture, but these are not replacements for a spare tire. They are useful only if the puncture is in the tread (not the sidewall) and smaller than a quarter-inch. If you use a plug or patch, drive carefully to a tire shop and have the tire professionally repaired or replaced.
Storing your tools so they are ready when you need them
Keep your jack, lug wrench, and spare tire in your vehicle at all times. Most cars have a designated storage area in the trunk or under the rear seat. Check this area every few months to make sure nothing has shifted or been removed. If your vehicle did not come with a jack or lug wrench, or if yours is damaged, you can buy replacements at any auto parts store.
Store wheel wedges, a tire pressure gauge, and a flashlight in the same location so they are all together when you need them. A small toolbox or storage bag keeps everything organized and prevents items from rolling around in the trunk. Label or mark your tools so you know they belong to your vehicle and can find them quickly in an emergency.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a regular wrench instead of a lug wrench?
A regular wrench will not fit the lug bolts on most vehicles — lug bolts are recessed and require a socket, not an open wrench. The lug wrench that came with your car is designed specifically for your vehicle's bolts. If you do not have it, buy a replacement lug wrench for your vehicle's make and model.
What if my jack is broken or missing?
You can buy a replacement scissor jack, bottle jack, or hydraulic jack at any auto parts store. Scissor jacks are the most common and least expensive. Make sure the jack's weight capacity is at least equal to your vehicle's weight — this information is in your owner manual or on the jack itself.
Do I need to tighten the lug bolts all the way by hand before using the lug wrench?
Yes. Hand-tighten all bolts first to make sure they are seated correctly, then use the lug wrench to finish tightening. This prevents cross-threading and ensures even pressure. Tighten in a star or cross pattern, alternating opposite bolts, rather than going around in a circle.
How often should I check my spare tire's pressure?
Check your spare tire's pressure every few months, or at least twice a year. A spare tire can lose pressure slowly over time even if it is not being used. A flat or under-inflated spare will not support your vehicle's weight when you need it.
What should I do if the spare tire is flat when I need it?
Call a towing service or roadside information to transport your vehicle to a tire shop. Do not attempt to drive on a flat spare — you risk damaging the wheel rim and creating a more expensive repair. If you have roadside information coverage through your insurance or auto club, use it.