If you’ve never changed a tire and you’re hoping the day never comes when you have to, this is for you. Here’s a simple, safe walkthrough — the kind of thing worth reading before you need it.
Before anything else: if you don’t feel safe doing this (busy road, bad weather, unsure how), don’t. Call roadside assistance or someone you trust. Or call us — we’re at (619) 425-5151 and we’d rather you get back to us safely than try something you’re not comfortable with.
What you’ll need
- The spare tire (under the trunk floor on most cars, or under the rear of trucks/SUVs)
- The jack
- The lug wrench
- Something to chock the other wheels (a rock works)
- Gloves, if you have them
These all came with the car. Check your trunk before you ever need them.
Step 1 — Get to a safe spot
If you can move the car, get it as far off the road as possible. Flat, level ground is ideal. Turn on your hazard lights. Set the parking brake. Put the car in Park (or in gear if it’s a manual).
If you can’t safely move the car off the road, stay in the car with your seatbelt on and call for help.
Step 2 — Block the opposite wheel
Put something heavy behind and in front of the wheel diagonally opposite from the flat. This keeps the car from rolling once it’s off the jack.
Step 3 — Loosen the lug nuts (but don’t take them off)
Use the lug wrench to crack each lug nut loose. Turn counter-clockwise. Do this while the wheel is still on the ground — it’s much easier when the tire isn’t spinning.
Step 4 — Jack the car up
Your owner’s manual will show the exact jack point for your car. It’s usually a reinforced spot under the frame near each wheel. Position the jack there and raise the car until the flat tire is a couple inches off the ground.
Step 5 — Remove the lug nuts and pull the wheel off
Now you can finish unscrewing the lug nuts. Keep them somewhere safe — a cup, your pocket, anywhere they won’t roll away. Pull the flat tire straight off and set it aside.
Step 6 — Put the spare on
Line up the spare with the studs and push it onto the hub. Thread the lug nuts on by hand, snug.
Step 7 — Lower the car
Let the jack down carefully until the wheel is on the ground but the car’s weight is mostly back on the wheel. Now tighten the lug nuts firmly with the wrench, going in a star pattern (across, not around) so the wheel seats evenly.
Step 8 — Finish lowering and double-check
Lower the car the rest of the way. Take the jack out. Give each lug nut one more firm tighten.
After the swap
Most spare tires are “donut” spares — they’re smaller, and they’re not meant for long distances or high speeds. Drive carefully and get the regular tire repaired or replaced as soon as you can.
What to do next
Bring the car by 3645 Main Street in Chula Vista and we’ll take a look at the flat — see if it can be repaired, or replace it if it needs it. We’ll also check the spare and make sure your lug nuts are torqued correctly.