FLAT TIRE? DON'T STRESS! YOU CAN TAKE CARE OF IT!
Having a flat tire on the road may seem like a nightmare, but IT DOESN'T HAVE TO BE. With this simple guide, you'll discover that changing a tire is easier than you think.
In less than 30 minutes, you'll be back on the road!
STEP 1: GATHER YOUR TOOLS
What you'll need:
Jack (usually stored with the spare tire)
Lug wrench
Spare tire
Warning triangle
Gloves (optional, but recommended)
GOLDEN TIP: Locate these tools in your car BEFORE you need them! They're typically in the trunk, under the carpet.
STEP 2: LOOSEN THE LUG NUTS
Remove the hubcap (if applicable).
Use the lug wrench and turn counterclockwise.
Apply force, but don’t remove the nuts completely—just loosen them with 1 or 2 turns.
EXPERT TRICK: If the nuts are too tight, use your weight! Position the wrench and carefully press down with your foot.
STEP 3: POSITION THE JACK CORRECTLY
Incorrect positioning can damage your car or cause accidents!
- Locate the jack point (check your owner’s manual)
- It’s usually a notch or protrusion near each wheel
- Position the jack directly under this point
- Make sure the jack is in firm contact with both the ground and the lifting point
IMPORTANT WARNING:NEVER place any part of your body under the car while it's supported only by the jack!
STEP 4: LIFT THE CAR
- Turn the jack mechanism to raise the car
- Continue until the wheel with the flat tire is completely off the ground (about 6 inches)
- The movement should be smooth and stable
SAFETY TIP: If you feel the car is unstable, lower it immediately and reposition the jack.
STEP 5: REMOVE THE NUTS AND THE WHEEL
- Finish unscrewing the nuts by hand
- Store the nuts in a safe place (inside the hubcap is a good spot) completely off the ground (about 6 inches)
- Hold the wheel with both hands and pull it toward you
- Remove the wheel completely and place it flat on the ground
REMEMBER:The wheel may be heavier than it looks! Use both hands and maintain proper posture to avoid back injuries.
STEP 6: INSTALL THE SPARE TIRE
- Align the holes of the spare tire with the wheel studs
- Push the spare tire until it’s fully seated on the hub
- Replace the nuts by hand, tightening CLOCKWISE
- Tighten them with your fingers only at this point
PROFESSIONAL TIP Align one of the holes and place one nut first to help align the remaining holes.
STEP 7: LOWER THE CAR AND FINALIZE
- Slowly lower the car with the jack until the tire touches the ground
- Remove the jack completely
- Use the lug wrench to FIRMLY tighten the nuts
- Tighten in a star pattern (not in a circular sequence)
- Replace the hubcap (if there is one)
FINAL SECRET: The star pattern for tightening the nuts ensures the wheel is perfectly aligned. For example, tighten one nut, then the opposite one, and so on.
DONE! YOU DID IT!
That wasn't so difficult, was it? Now you have a valuable skill that can save you in critical moments!
REMEMBER:
- The spare tire usually has a speed limit (50 mph in most cases)
- Drive to a tire shop as soon as possible to repair the flat tire
- Check the