Change a flat tire safely
Fit a compatible spare using your vehicle’s lifting points, tightening specification, and spare-tire limits.
Automotive · 30–45 min · Intermediate
Before you start
Call roadside assistance if you cannot work completely clear of traffic on firm, level pavement. Do not work on a soft shoulder or slope. Keep occupants in a protected place, set the parking brake and never put any part of your body beneath a jack-supported vehicle. Stop for damaged lifting points, jack, wheel or fasteners, or an incompatible spare.
Tools and materials
- Approved spare tire
- Vehicle-approved jack and handle
- Correct wheel wrench and locking key if fitted
- Wheel chocks
- Tire-pressure gauge
Check the problem
Decide whether the location is safe
Use hazard lights and get clear of traffic if possible without creating more danger. Poor visibility, passing traffic, a slope or soft ground means assistance—not an improvised jack base.
Check the spare and instructions
Confirm the spare is approved for this vehicle and wheel position, serviceable and inflated to its specified cold pressure. Find the correct jack, wrench, locking key if needed, chock placement and torque specification.
Inspect the wheel and support point
Look for a damaged jack, corroded or bent lift point, damaged fasteners or wheel, and hot brake parts. Stop if the equipment is damaged or the vehicle’s procedure cannot be followed.
Steps
Secure the vehicle and position the chocks
Apply the parking brake, switch off the engine and use the transmission setting specified in the manual. Place chocks as directed for the flat wheel’s position. Keep everyone clear of the vehicle.
Set out the compatible spare and tools
Retrieve the approved jack, handle, wheel wrench and any locking key. Check spare pressure against its instructions, not the pressure shown in an illustration. Lay loose wheels flat.
Loosen the wheel fasteners while grounded
Remove a wheel cover only as directed. Seat the correct wrench fully and break each fastener loose by the amount in the manual. Leave all fasteners installed; do not stand on the wrench.
Place the jack at the designated lifting point
Match the jack saddle and vehicle lifting point to the manual. Set the base flat on firm level pavement. Do not select a nearby body seam or suspension part by appearance.
Lift only as far as needed
Operate the approved jack as directed until there is enough clearance to remove the flat and fit the spare. Keep your body out from under the vehicle; never start its engine while raised.
Remove the fasteners and flat wheel
Keep removed nuts or bolts clean and together. Support the wheel as you pull it off, then lay it flat. Do not strike a stuck wheel or touch hot brake parts; stop if it will not release safely.
Seat the spare and hand-start the fasteners
Remove loose dirt from the mating faces. Fit the approved spare flush and hand-start the correct nuts or bolts in their specified orientation. Do not force threads or add lubricant unless the vehicle explicitly requires it.
Seat the fasteners and lower as directed
Snug the fasteners in the manual’s sequence before lowering as directed. Keep hands and feet clear. Remove the jack once the vehicle is fully supported by the tire.
Tighten in the specified sequence and torque
Use the vehicle’s cross-pattern or specified sequence and torque value; neither the number of fasteners nor torque is universal. Use an appropriate torque wrench. If following an allowed roadside wrench procedure, obtain a prompt measured torque check.
Check the spare limits and secure the equipment
Verify pressure, seating and fastener tightness. Secure the flat wheel and tools. Observe the spare’s specified speed, distance and position limits, arrange tire repair promptly, and follow the manual’s warning-light guidance rather than resetting blindly.
The spare is compatible, correctly inflated and seated; fasteners follow the specified tightening procedure; tools are secured and spare restrictions understood.
Tips
Not every spare can go on every corner
Some vehicles restrict temporary-spare placement. Check before lifting; do not improvise a wheel swap.
Do not borrow another car’s numbers
Pressure, torque, jack points and chock placement vary. Keep your vehicle’s values available during the job.
A spare is a route to repair
Follow its actual restrictions and have the damaged tire inspected. Stop if vibration, looseness or handling problems appear.