There are some things that you must know to successfully and safely change a flat tire.
SUGGESTION: Regularly check the condition of the spare tire, including the inflation pressure.
First find the most level area possible that is away from vehicle traffic. If on the freeway or busy highway try to exit onto a surface street.
Once you are in a safe area, locate the spare tire, the jack and lug wrench. If there are locks on the wheels, locate the key for the locks and remove them. Once you have removed them, place them near the flat tire, leaving yourself room to work. Next, set the parking brake and place something in front of and behind the front tire.
NOTE: If it is a front tire that is flat, place the items in front of and behind the opposite tire.
Now you will use the lug wrench and loosen the lug nuts 1/4 turn only. This is done while the flat tire is still on the ground. This will prevent the wheel from turning while you loosen the lug nuts.
You will now locate the approved lifting point to place the jack. If you are unsure of the location, refer to the owners manual. After lifting the vehicle, only enough to have the wheel clear the ground, remove all of the lug nuts. Place the lug nuts face up or down to prevent the chance of them from rolling away.
Now that the lug nuts have been removed, remove the flat tire. Use caution when removing the tire in the event that whatever caused the flat may still be in the tire. These objects can injure your hand(s) if you come in contact with them. Also, be careful that the steel belt of the tire, if exposed, does not contact your hand(s).
Now that the flat tire is off, place it out of the way and place the spare tire onto the lugs. Install the lug nuts on the lugs and give then several turns to insure they are not cross-threaded. Tighten the lug nuts, with your hand, as far as you can. At this point the lug nuts can be tightened with the lug wrench. While tightening the lug nuts, tighten them in a star pattern so the wheel is installed straight. At this time lower the jack so that the wheel you just installed has the tire touching the ground with some of the weight of the vehicle, but not all of the weight. At this point, the lug nuts can be tightened further to ensure they are tight.
It is time to let the vehicle all the way down and remove the jack. Place the flat tire, jack, lug wrench and wheel lock key back in vehicle. With the parking brake still on, remove the items you placed in the front and rear of the front tire.
As soon as possible have a tire shop repair or replace the flat tire. In most cases, they will place your spare tire back in the location where it belongs along with the jack and lug wrench.
NOTE: It is a good idea to check all of your tires including their pressure before going on long trips. Incorrect tire pressure can cause tire failure that is definitely avoidable. A significant percentage of tire failures can be attributed to improper tire pressure. Underinflated or overinflated tires can lead to uneven wear and increase risk of blowouts. Also, correct tire pressure can extend the lifespan of the tires.
