How to Change a Tire: A Step-by-Step Guide— Cars.com
Generated guide based on video: Watch on YouTube
Materials Needed
- jack
- lug wrench
- spare tire
- owner's manual
Outcome: Successfully replace a flat tire with a spare tire
Steps
Step 1: Prepare for Tire Change
Turn on emergency flashers, slow down, and find a safe, level place to stop. Engage the parking brake and have passengers exit the vehicle.
Driver activates emergency flashers and parks the car safely.
Step 2: Remove Hubcaps
Remove hubcaps using a flat-headed tool, consulting the owner's manual for any special tools needed.
Demonstration of removing hubcaps with a flat-headed tool.
Step 3: Loosen Lug Nuts
Loosen the lug nuts or bolts slightly before jacking up the car.
Loosening lug nuts with a wrench.
Step 4: Position the Jack
Place the jack on the recommended jackpoint as specified in the owner's manual.
Positioning the jack at the correct jackpoint.
Step 5: Jack Up the Car
Jack up the car just enough to remove the flat tire, ensuring no body parts are under the car.
Car being jacked up safely.
Step 6: Remove Flat Tire
Finish loosening the lug nuts, remove them, and take off the flat tire.
Removing the flat tire after loosening lug nuts.
Step 7: Install Spare Tire
Place the spare tire onto the car and hand tighten the lug nuts.
Installing the spare tire and hand tightening the lug nuts.
Step 8: Lower the Car
Lower the car slowly until the jack can be removed easily.
Lowering the car and removing the jack.
Step 9: Tighten Lug Nuts
Finish tightening the lug nuts in a star pattern until they are snug.
Tightening lug nuts in a star pattern.
Step 10: Check Spare Tire Limitations
Be aware that the spare tire is temporary and should not be driven over 50 miles per hour or 100 miles in distance.
Information on spare tire limitations.