How to change a flat tire
Super Tire & Muffler · Updated June 20, 2026
Knowing how to swap on your spare can get you off the shoulder and back on the road. Work on firm, level ground and away from traffic.
- 1
Get to a safe spot
Pull onto firm, level ground away from traffic, set the parking brake, and turn on your hazard lights.
- 2
Loosen the lug nuts
With the tire still on the ground, break each lug nut loose about a half turn. Do not remove them yet.
- 3
Jack up the vehicle
Place the jack at the reinforced jacking point nearest the flat (see your owner's manual) and raise the tire just off the ground.
- 4
Remove the nuts and the wheel
Fully unscrew the lug nuts, keep them together, and pull the flat tire straight off.
- 5
Mount the spare
Line up the spare on the studs, push it on, and thread the lug nuts on by hand.
- 6
Lower and tighten
Lower the vehicle until the tire touches, then tighten the lug nuts firmly in a star (criss-cross) pattern. Lower fully and snug them once more.
- 7
Stow your flat and go
Put the flat, jack, and tools away, and head straight to a shop to get the flat repaired or replaced.
Rather we handle it? Most tread punctures can be repaired safely instead of replaced. Bring the flat to us and we will tell you honestly whether it can be fixed.