Change it yourself using the standard safe procedure
5
Park on a firm, level surface away from traffic, engage the parking brake, turn on hazard lights, and place wheel chocks behind the wheel diagonally opposite the flat. Loosen the lug nuts while the car is still on the ground, then jack up and swap the tire.
Steps
- Retrieve the spare tire, jack, and lug wrench from the trunk. Consult the owner's manual for the correct jack point.
- With the car still on the ground, loosen each lug nut counterclockwise about half a turn. Do not remove them yet.
- Position the jack under the designated jack point and raise the vehicle until the flat tire clears the ground.
- Remove the lug nuts fully, pull the flat tire off, and slide it under the vehicle frame near the jack as a safety backup.
- Mount the spare tire onto the wheel studs and hand-tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern.
- Lower the vehicle until the spare contacts the ground, then fully tighten the lug nuts in the same star pattern with the wrench.
- Remove the jack and chocks. Check the spare's pressure as soon as possible and drive to a shop for a permanent repair.
Tips
- Always loosen lug nuts before jacking -- the car's weight holds the wheel steady and prevents it from spinning
- Tighten lug nuts in a star pattern to distribute pressure evenly and prevent warping
- Spare tires are typically speed-limited to 50 mph; check the sidewall for your spare's rating
Created: 4/23/2025, 10:42:43 PM diy
Spare tire, jack, lug wrench, wheel chocks, owner's manual