How to Change Car Tires

Getting a flat tire can be discouraging, but knowing how to change your own car tires is a huge plus. You'll no longer have to wait for help to appear, but instead will be able to change the tire yourself with ease.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Car jack
• Tire iron
• Lug nuts
• Spare tire

1. Pull over to the side of the road in a safe area where you can avoid being struck by other moving vehicles. Make sure the engine is off and in "Park." Turn on the emergency brake.
2. Locate your car jack, spare tire and tire iron. Use the jack to lift your car up in order to provide adequate working space.
3. Remove the flat tire using the tire iron, and turn the lug nuts on your tire counterclockwise. They should eventually come completely off. Be sure to place the lug nuts in a safe place, as you'll need to use them later on.
4. Match up the holes in your spare tire with the wheel studs. Once the spare has been securely placed, reattach the lug nuts tightly using the tire iron.
5. Slowly and carefully lower the jack until your car is placed gently on the ground.
6. Place the flat tire, jack and tire iron in the trunk and carefully pull back onto the road. Drive slowly and carefully until you can get to a service center where a new, permanent tire can be put in the spare tire's place.

Tips & Warnings

• Always try to pull over to the safest point in the road possible, and use flares if you have them so you're visible to other drivers.
• Don't drive too fast on a spare tire. They are not meant to go at high speeds, so you'll want to get your car to a mechanic as soon as possible.