How to Change a Flat Tire PDF Print this Guide Email this Guide
Written by the CollegeCodex.com Staff   
It may be a good idea to print out this guide and keep it in your car.  We’ll show you exactly how to change a flat tire; AAA not needed.  Our advice:  if you’re not comfortable changing your own tire, don’t try.  Call 911 or a friend who knows how to correctly change a tire.
What You’ll Need
1  Jack.
1  18 Inch 2x4 board for jack support in soft soil.
1  Lug Wrench.
1  Spare Tire.

Step 1: Find a good spot
  • Avoid stopping on curved roads.
  • Pull off the road as far as you can.
  • Find a level part of the road.
  • Turn on your Hazard lights.
  • Exit the car away from traffic.

Step 2: Preparing
  • Get everyone out of the car (they’re your assistants now).
  • Remove the spare tire from your car (consult your owner’s manual for removal).
  • Check for air in spare tire by feeling the tire for firmness, otherwise call for help.
  • For automatic transmissions, place the car in park.
  • For stick shift transmissions, place the car in reverse.

Step 3: Loosen the lug nuts
  • If you have a hubcap, remove it.
  • Use the lug wrench to unscrew the lug nuts.
  • If the lug nuts aren’t coming out, try stepping on the lug wrench to turn them.

Step 4:  Raise the Jack
  • Place the jack under your car’s jacking point (please consult your owner’s manual).
  • Pump the jack to raise the tire at least three inches above the ground.
  • If the jack sinks into the soil, use your 18 inch 2x4 for support under the jack.

Step 4:  Remove the Flat Tire
  • Completely loosen all the lug nuts, and place them in your pocket.
  • Pull the tire straight toward you.

Step 5.  Insert the Spare Tire.
  • Align the holes in the tire with the bolts on your car.
  • Push in the tire until it won’t slide in any further.
  • Replace the lug nuts and tighten them slightly (not all the way).

Step 6:  Finally
  • Lower the jack.
  • Tighten all the lug nuts (tighten lug nuts that are opposite of each other until all nuts are secured as tight as possible).

That’s all there is to it.  Let the bragging begin.    Be considerate; take the old tire with you.  Now remember, you’re riding on a spare, so you’ll still need to buy a new tire.  If you’re using a mini-spare, you’ll be able to drive 75 to 100 miles safely.
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