1. Remove the hub cap. Just grab on one side and pull, or use a small crow bar to pry it off.

2. Using a lug nut wrench, crank each nut counterclockwise, just until it starts to move. It will be easier to remove the lug nuts now that they are slightly loose.

3. Find the jack point on your car. This is usually on a protruding metal strip at the edge of the car near the wheel. The appropriate jack point should be marked with arrows or notches in the metal. Consult your car's owner's manual if you cannot find the jack point.

4. At the wheel diagonally opposite the problem wheel, place hard objects in front of and behind the tire. This will keep the car steady when you are using the jack.

5. Using the scissor jack, lift the car from the proper jack point. This usually involves turning the crank on the scissor jack using a long metal hook.

6. Using the lug nut wrench, remove all of the lug nuts from the wheel.

7. Remove the wheel.

8. Replace the wheel with the spare.

9. Replace the lug nuts. Remember that the small end of the lug nut goes towards the wheel. Crank down the lug nuts in a "star" pattern- always alternating between opposite lug nuts to keep the wheel flat. Crank the lug nuts as tight as you can get them.

10. Turn the scissor jack the opposite way to lower the car.

11. With the car on the ground, use the lug nut wrench to get the lug nuts as tight as possible. Stomping on the wrench might help.

12. Pack all the tools, your wheel, and the wheel-blocking objects back into your car, and remember to drive less than 50mph when you're using the spare.

Learn more about this author, James Apple.
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