Table of Contents
Mount the Spare Tire
Align the spare tire with the lug bolts and slide it onto the hub. Hand-tighten the lug nuts onto the bolts to secure the tire.
Lower the Vehicle and Tighten Lug Nuts
Slowly lower the vehicle until the spare tire touches the ground. Use the lug wrench to tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern to ensure even tightening. Recheck the tightness after lowering completely.
Final Safety Checks
Once the tire is securely in place, double-check all lug nuts. Store the flat tire and tools properly. Drive cautiously and have your flat tire repaired or replaced as soon as possible.
Remove the Flat Tire
Unscrew the lug nuts completely and keep them in a safe place. Carefully pull the flat tire straight off and set it aside.
Mount the Spare Tire
Align the spare tire with the lug bolts and slide it onto the hub. Hand-tighten the lug nuts onto the bolts to secure the tire.
Lower the Vehicle and Tighten Lug Nuts
Slowly lower the vehicle until the spare tire touches the ground. Use the lug wrench to tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern to ensure even tightening. Recheck the tightness after lowering completely.
Final Safety Checks
Once the tire is securely in place, double-check all lug nuts. Store the flat tire and tools properly. Drive cautiously and have your flat tire repaired or replaced as soon as possible.
Changing a flat tire on the highway can be dangerous if not done properly. Safety should always be your top priority. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you change a flat tire safely and efficiently.
Preparation Before You Start
- Pull over to a safe location away from traffic, ideally onto the shoulder or a flat, stable surface.
- Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers.
- Apply the parking brake to prevent your vehicle from moving.
- Gather your tools: spare tire, jack, lug wrench, and reflective warning triangles or flares.
Steps to Change the Tire
Loosen the Lug Nuts
Using the lug wrench, turn the lug nuts counterclockwise to loosen them. Do not remove them completely at this stage; just break the resistance.
Lift the Vehicle
Place the jack under the vehicle’s frame near the tire that needs changing. Consult your owner’s manual for the correct jacking point. Raise the vehicle until the flat tire is about 6 inches off the ground.
Remove the Flat Tire
Unscrew the lug nuts completely and keep them in a safe place. Carefully pull the flat tire straight off and set it aside.
Mount the Spare Tire
Align the spare tire with the lug bolts and slide it onto the hub. Hand-tighten the lug nuts onto the bolts to secure the tire.
Lower the Vehicle and Tighten Lug Nuts
Slowly lower the vehicle until the spare tire touches the ground. Use the lug wrench to tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern to ensure even tightening. Recheck the tightness after lowering completely.
Final Safety Checks
Once the tire is securely in place, double-check all lug nuts. Store the flat tire and tools properly. Drive cautiously and have your flat tire repaired or replaced as soon as possible.