Flat tire? How to install a spare in nine steps!
Statistically, there’s a good chance you’ll have to deal with a flat tire at least once in your life. Good news if you belong to a roadside assistance service! But if you travel a lot, live in a remote area, or occasionally forget to take your cell phone or charger with you, you just might have to change a tire yourself at some point down the road. Here’s how to get the job done right in nine steps.
Step 1 – Make sure you have a spare tire and all the tools you need to install it.
It’s best to do this right away, especially if you’re driving a used car. Consult your car manufacturer’s website or driver’s manual to find out where the spare, jack and lug wrench (or wheel brace) are located, or take a quick peek under the floor of the trunk where they’re usually stored. This is a good time to verify if your car comes equipped with run-flat tires. If it does, you won’t have to perform a tire change since this technology allows you to drive with a flat at reduced speeds and for limited distances until you can make it to a garage. Run-flats vary, so it’s a good idea to check with the tire manufacturer or your car dealership to determine the maximum distance and speed allowed. Another essential piece of equipment is a headlamp or other source of light (keep in mind that using your cell phone as a flashlight drains the battery quickly).
Step 2 – Pull over in an area that’s hard, flat, and free of traffic
Avoid trying to change a tire on the shoulder of a highway unless it’s wide enough and designed for that purpose. The ideal place for installing a spare is a parking lot with an asphalt or concrete surface, level ground and no traffic. If your car is an automatic, put it in “Park” and apply the parking brake. If it’s a standard transmission, put it in first gear and apply the parking brake. It’s important that your car not move at all during the tire change, so place a heavy object in front of and behind all four tires to stabilize them.
Step 3 – Take out your spare tire and tools, and get started
Before removing the hubcap with the help of a flat screwdriver or similar tool, make sure all the items you need – spare, jack and lug wrench – are within easy reach.
Step 4 – Loosen the tire’s lug nuts WITHOUT REMOVING THEM
Use the wrench to loosen the lug nuts so that you can remove them by hand once you’ve jacked up your car. Put the wrench firmly in place and turn counterclockwise (i.e., from the left toward the bottom). For maximum efficiency and to avoid using unnecessary force, place the arm of the wrench in the 10 o’clock position, push down using the weight of your body, and then begin again once the arm has reached the 6 o’clock position. It can take quite a lot of force to break your lug nuts free, so there’s no advantage in trying to turn the wrench around fully in one shot. Remember: loosen them, but don’t remove them yet!
Step 5: Installing the jack
If your car is a recent model, it can sometimes be tricky to figure out where to position the jack. If you don't place it in the right spot under the frame, it will crack the molded plastic along the bottom of the car when you start lifting. Consult your owner’s manual to find the right spot. It’s helpful to know that on many cars there’s a small mark located just behind the front wheel or just in front of the rear wheel (in both cases, closer to the middle of the car) that tells you where to position the jack. Lift the car approximately 15 centimeters (six inches) off the ground. If you notice the jack leaning forward, lower the car right away and reposition the jack. It’s better to try a few times rather than risk getting hurt if the jack gives way under the weight of the vehicle.
Step 6 – Remove the lug nuts and take off the tire
Remove the lug nuts and make sure to keep them together. A good place to store them is the hubcap or your pocket. Remove the flat tire and lay it under the car. This way if the jack gives out, your car will have a shorter distance to fall! Rust or dust can sometimes make it tricky to get the tire off the car, so you may have to work a little to pry it off.
Step 7 – Install the spare tire and replace the lug nuts (without tightening them)
Position the spare tire so that you can put the lug nuts in place and turn them by hand, but don’t use the wrench yet to tighten them!
Step 8 – Lower your car and tighten the lug nuts
Lower the jack until the spare tire touches the ground. Once your car is back on the ground, use the wrench to tighten the lug nuts. It’s important they be tightened securely, so you may need to use your body weight again for additional force.
Step 9 – Pack up your things and be on your way!
Gather up your things, including the flat tire, and drive away carefully. Spare tires are often smaller than standard tires and aren’t suitable for high speeds. Check your owner’s manual to determine the maximum allowable speed, or don’t exceed 80 km per hour. If you’re driving on the highway or country roads where the speed limit is 90, turn on your hazard lights to make sure you’re readily visible to other cars.
That’s it. Now you know how to put on a spare tire in an emergency. Drive safe!
This article is part of our car information hub
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