How to Change a Tire Safely & Quickly

A flat tire never happens when it's convenient. Even if you already know how, here's a refresher with some helpful tips to make it less of an ordeal.

A flat tire never happens when it's convenient. You'll be all dressed up and on the way to an important event when you run over that errant nail. Changing a tire by the side of the road was a regular event for motorists in the first half of the last century, but with modern tires you may never have had the pleasure of this adventurous experience. Even if you already know how, here's a refresher with some helpful tips to make it less of an ordeal.

STEP 1: BE PREPARED

Planning ahead will save a lot of frustration. It's not a bad idea to keep an emergency kit in your trunk and disposable, but sturdy Tyvek overalls will help keep your dry cleaning bills down. Throw in some mechanics gloves, a good waterproof flashlight, hand cleaner, and paper towels. Believe it or not, all that, plus wheels chocks, flares, tire gauge and tire sealant all fit into this shallow Rubbermaid bin. The lid can double as something to kneel on. Since flat tires happen year round, you can even fit in a collapsible snow shovel.

STEP 2: LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION

You want to choose your tire changing place very carefully. Once on the shoulder, slowly driving to the next exit ramp may give you enough space needed to stay away from the main flow of traffic.

STEP 3: NOT ENOUGH ROOM

The line separating traffic from you on the shoulder is not an invisible force field. This example is not enough room, the car is leaning and the ramp is going uphill. You will a need level, solid surface to jack up a car safely.

STEP 4: BE AWARE OF TRAFFIC

Turn on your four-way flashers. Using flares or reflective triangles will help give a long range warning that a disabled car is ahead. This is especially important at night or in the rain. Always be aware of on rushing traffic, especially heavy trucks that create a suction in their wake that can pull you off your feet.

STEP 5: GIVE YOURSELF ROOM

Be sure you have enough room around the flat rear tire to work safely. Keep the doors closed. A truck's wake can blow them suddenly wide open and damage the hinges.

STEP 6: SET YOUR PARKING BRAKE

Set your parking brake. Blocking the diagonally opposite wheel will help keep the car from rolling once the flat tire is up in the air. If you don't have a wheel chock, you can improvise with some suitable object found by the side of the road.

STEP 7: CHECK THE SPARE

Check the spare tire and tools. If your spare is flat or essential tools are missing, there's no sense in continuing. You were prepared so your flat kit is fully stocked and ready to go. Remove jack and lug wrench.

STEP 8: USE YOUR OWNER'S MANUAL

Your owners manual has all the vehicle specific instructions and pictures of where everything is located. It's not a bad idea to copy the tire change page instructions (double sided) and laminate them. A plastic kitchen magnet can hold them in a place easily viewed while working.

STEP 9: PRY OFF THE HUB CAP

Use the sharp end of the lug wrench to pry off hub cap. Some cars have hub caps with false lugs that secure the hub cap or are just for decoration. It's a good idea to become familiar with your type of wheel fasteners before you are in an emergency situation.

STEP 10: REMOVE THE HUB CAP

Remove the hub cap and set it on the ground upside-down to use as a tray for the lug nuts.

STEP 11: LOOSEN LUGS

Lugs will need to be loosened prior to lifting vehicle.