How to Change a Flat Tire

Flat tires often happen at inconvenient times, but with the proper knowledge and tools, you can get your tire replaced and back on the road in no time. We want to ensure you're equipped to handle these situations, so we've created this guide to help you change your tire. 

Tools Needed to Change a Tire

Before you start, you'll need to gather the proper tools to replace your tire. Most vehicles have these tools with the spare tire, but it's essential to always have the following tools in your vehicle for changing your tire:

  • Jack

  • Spare tire

  • Lug wrench

  • Owner's manual

Find a Safe Location

Now that you know the necessary tools, the best place to start when replacing your tire is finding a safe location to work. If your tire has become flat on the road, turn on your hazards to let surrounding drivers know you're experiencing an issue and navigate to a safe working area. Once you find the safest areas possible, apply the parking brake so your vehicle doesn't roll while you're replacing your flat tire.

Removing the Flat Tire

Now that you're in a safe working area, you can start the tire replacement process. To remove your flat tire, follow these steps:


  1. Loosen Lug Nuts. While your vehicle is still on the ground, begin loosening the lug nuts of the flat tire so you can remove it once it's off the ground. If you don't loosen the lug nuts on the ground, you may have difficulty getting them removed.

  2. Position Your Car Jack. Using your owners manual, find the designated jack spot for your vehicle.

  3. Raise the Vehicle with Jack. Once you find the proper jack placement, begin raising your vehicle off the ground with the jack.

  4. Remove Lug Nuts and Flat Tire. Continue to unscrew the loosened lug nuts and remove the flat tire once all are removed.

Installing Spare or New Tire

Now that the lug nuts and flat tire have been removed, you'll want to install your new or spare tire. For this step, following these instructions:


  1. Place Spare Tire on Car. Align the spare tire to your vehicle and push it onto the wheel base. 

  2. Tighten Lug Nuts. Start tightening the lug nuts by hand to ensure you've aligned the spare tire properly.

  3. Lower Vehicle. Now that your lug nuts and spare tire are in place, you can begin lowering your vehicle using the jack.

  4. Fully Tighten Lug Nuts. Now that your vehicle is back in the ground, use your lug wrench to tighten the lug nuts further. Be sure to tighten lug nuts in a criss-cross pattern to ensure the right pressure in the new or spare tire.

  5. Check Tire Pressure. Check the pressure of the newly installed tire. If it has a low pressure, drive slowly to a nearby service station to have it reinflated to the correct pressure level.


Having Trouble Replacing Your Own Tire?

If you're having trouble replacing your tire or have been driving a spare tire for an extended period of time, visit Bob Moore Collision Center in Oklahoma City for any tire services, including inspections, replacements, and repairs.