Only change a flat on flat, solid ground away from traffic. Turn on your hazards, set the parking brake, loosen the lug nuts before jacking, lift the car at the jack point, swap the tire and tighten the nuts in a star pattern. On a highway shoulder or at night, call for help instead.
Changing a tire is simple in a quiet parking lot. On a busy road it can be dangerous. Here is how to do it right, and when to let someone else do it.
When should I not change the tire myself?
Call for roadside help if:
- You are on a highway shoulder with traffic passing close.
- The ground is soft, sloped or wet.
- It is dark and you can’t see well.
- A lug nut won’t come off or you don’t have the jack and wrench.
- Your spare is also flat or damaged.
What do I need?
Your spare tire, the jack, the lug wrench and your owner’s manual. A flashlight and gloves help.
How do I change it, step by step?
- Park on flat, firm ground, turn on your hazard lights and set the parking brake.
- Loosen the lug nuts about half a turn while the tire is still on the ground. Turn counterclockwise.
- Place the jack at the jack point shown in your manual and raise the car until the flat tire is a few inches off the ground.
- Remove the lug nuts and the flat tire.
- Mount the spare, lining up the holes with the bolts.
- Hand-tighten the nuts, then lower the car.
- Tighten the nuts fully in a star pattern, not in a circle, so the wheel sits evenly.
Never put any part of your body under the car while it is on the jack.
What do I do after?
Check the spare’s pressure as soon as you can. Many spares are small temporary tires with speed and distance limits printed on them. Drive to a tire shop to repair or replace the flat.
If you are stuck with a flat anywhere in Tampa, Dala Multiservices can mount your spare or tow your car to a tire shop, 24/7. Call (813) 293-3415.