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How To Change A Tire

an image of a man changing a tire with a spare next to him on the ground

Flat or damaged tires can happen to anyone, anytime, anywhere. This means you may need to change your tire on your own. Be prepared using our simple, easy guide on how to change your tire.

Remember: don’t panic. Find a safe place to pull over. You may need to briefly drive on a flat or low tire.

SHOP SPARE TIRES

WHAT YOU’LL NEED

Make sure you have all the tools you need handy stored in your vehicle. Some vehicles include a tire change kit. Here’s what you’ll need:

  • Spare tire

  • Jack

  • Lug wrench

  • Wheel chocks or blocks (if available)

STEP-BY-STEP: HOW TO CHANGE A FLAT TIRE

Below are the eight steps to change your tire:

  1. Find a safe spot

    • Turn on your hazard lights.

    • Find flat ground as far from traffic as possible

  2. Secure your vehicle

    • Engage your emergency brake (put in gear for manual transmission).

    • Use wheel chocks or heavy rocks (if available) behind opposite tire that you are changing

  3. Remove your hubcap

    • Skip if your vehicle doesn’t have these.

    • Pry the hubcap in a few places carefully, like removing a paint can lid

    • Use a pry tool, wrench, screwdriver, or flat end of the jack handle

  4. Loosen lug nuts

    • Turn each lug nut counterclockwise to loosen, but don’t remove them yet.

    • Loosen in a star pattern

  5. Raise the vehicle

    • Use the jack to lift the vehicle from the proper lift point (check your user’s manual).

    • Lift until the flat tire clears the ground

  6. Remove the lug nuts and flat tire

    • Finish removing the lug nuts and keep them safe.

    • Pull the tire straight off the wheel hub

    • Be careful — the tire may be hot or there may be dangerous tire damage

    • Lay the tire near the tire jack so it can possibly catch the vehicle if it drops

  7. Mount the spare

    • Align the spare or new tire with the wheel studs and push into place.

    • Hand-tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern (not completely)

  8. Lower the vehicle & tighten lugs

    • Lower the vehicle on the jack until it touches the ground and can’t spin freely.

    • Fully tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern

AFTER CARE AND MAINTENANCE

Once you’ve installed your spare or new tire, go to a tire service station to get your flat tire addressed and get a tire inspection.

Here’s some safety tips:

  • Never change a tire on a slope or too close to traffic

  • If you’re uncomfortable or feel unsafe, call for roadside assistance

  • Regularly check your spare tire’s air pressure and tool condition

We may be able to repair your tire if there is minimal damage and the repair is within our repair guidelines. Otherwise, we are happy to help you find the right tire for the right price.

Don’t forget to replace your spare tire!

SHOP SPARE TIRES

TIRE CHANGE FAQ

Here are a few of the most frequently asked questions about changing your tire. You can also check out our spare tire buyer’s guide for a more in-depth look.

True temporary “donut” spare tires should not exceed more than 50 miles at more than 50mph.

For full-size spare tires, you can drive on them like an ordinary tire. After mounting it on your vehicle, we recommend bringing it in for an inspection and to ensure it is properly balanced.

Common places to find a spare tire include under your trunk floorboard (sedans and coupes), beneath the rear of your truck or SUV, or mounted on the exterior rear door (Jeeps, Broncos).

Many modern vehicles no longer include a spare tire to increase fuel or range efficiency. Check your owner’s manual to see if your vehicle includes one.

It depends.

Temporary “donut” spare tires are generally cheaper than regular tires but vary due to size, performance, and brand, typically between $50 to $200 plus.

A full-sized spare tire can cost as much as whatever tire you have already purchased. Check out our tire price guide for more information.

Yes, you can but you must consider storage. Smaller vehicles probably cannot accommodate a full-size tire.

Check out our spare tire mount guide for some ideas.

WANT HELP WITH THE FLAT?

Bring your flat tire to any Discount Tire store and we’ll inspect and, if it can be safely repaired, patch it up. If not, we can help you find the right tire for you at the right price.

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If you have any questions or are unsure what tires work best for you, drop in or give us a ring. We’ll get you taken care of. Buy and book online and save time in-store!

For more information on this and other tire and wheel services, check out our YouTube Channel or reach out to us on X, Facebook and Instagram.

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