A flat tire can ruin your day, but you can get back on the road quickly with these five simple steps:
1. Find a Safe Spot
As soon as you notice a flat, pull over to a safe, flat location away from traffic. Turn on your hazard lights and apply the parking brake for extra safety.
2. Gather Your Tools
You’ll need a spare tire, jack, and lug wrench. If your car has a wheel lock key, locate it before you begin. Keeping gloves and a flashlight in your car will make the job easier, especially at night.
3. Loosen Lug Nuts
Before lifting your car, slightly loosen the lug nuts while the tire is still on the ground. This prevents the wheel from spinning when you try to loosen them later.
4. Jack Up the Car and Remove the Tire
Position the jack under the recommended lifting point of your vehicle and raise it until the flat tire is off the ground. Remove the lug nuts and pull the flat tire off the hub carefully.
5. Install the Spare Tire
Align the spare with the lug bolts and slide it onto the hub. Hand-tighten the lug nuts first, then lower the car slowly. Once the car is back on the ground, tighten the lug nuts in a crisscross pattern to ensure even pressure.
