by AngelaWhite

Created on: July 23, 2010   Last Updated: July 24, 2010

How to change a flat tire

Thanks to Dave at Automotive Solutions for the great details!

Step 1

Chop the wheels. This means block the tires so the car can not start rolling once you jack it up. Use something heavy, like bricks. For a front tire flat, put the blocks behind the REAR tires. For a back flat, put the blocks behind the FRONT tires.

Step 2

Remove the hub cap. This may involve some prying. For more expensive and newer cars, the hubcaps lock. The key can often be found in the glove box.

Step 3

Break the lugnuts loose. Using a lug-wrench, 4 way, or other tire changing tool, apply pressure in a counter clockwise direction just until the nut begins to turn and then move on to the next one.

Step 4

   Secure the jack under the car and raise it until the flat tire is off the ground. Check the tag where the jack is stored to find the lift point, or where to place the jack. Must be sturdy and centered, otherwise the car will slip off and crush you.

Step 5

Finish removing the lug nuts. Put the 4 way over the nut and spin it for easy removal. Remove the flat tire and replace with your spare. Replace the lugnuts. Tighten them by hand as much as you can.

Step 6

Lower the car and put the jack away. Tighten all the lugnuts with the 4-way, getting them as tight as you can.

Step 7

Replace hubcap. Do not forget to place the key back in the glovebox. Put away your tools. Put the flat tire in your trunk and take it to a repair shop to be fixed or replaced.

Step 8

Drive immediately to a repair shop and have your lugnuts tightened with a power tool, which will get them much tighter than you can do by hand. Get your tire fixed while you are there.

Tips:

Buy an extra 4-way with your new or used car. The one from the dealer is cheap and will not stand up to much pressure despite that being what it is for. Be sure the jack and car stay level. Have someone watching if possible to make sure that neither tilt. If they do, get people away from it and then, lower the jack, and re-secure it.

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