Do You Really Know How to Change Your Car’s Tire?

Flat tires never happen at a good time. Whether you’re in your driveway or stuck on the shoulder during rush hour, knowing how to change a tire is one of the most underrated life skills for any driver.

The problem? Most people don’t actually know how to do it properly—or safely.

Here’s the real step-by-step guide to changing your car’s tire the right way, with product recommendations to make the job easier.

What You’ll Need

Before you even think about loosening a lug nut, make sure you’ve got the right tools:

Essential Tools:

• Spare tire (check that it’s properly inflated)
• Jack (your car might have a small scissor jack, but if you’re at home, upgrade to something safer like the Jack Boss Floor Jack)
• Lug wrench or breaker bar
• Torque wrench – Don’t guess when tightening lugs. Use something accurate like the Lexivon Torque Wrench.
• Impact wrench (optional, but a huge help) – Save your back and break stubborn lugs loose with the Seesii Impact Wrench.
• Wheel chocks (or large rocks if you're stuck roadside)
• Jack stands (for safety, especially if you’re working at home)
• Gloves & flashlight (in case you’re working at night or in bad weather)

Step 1: Find a Safe Spot to Stop

If you get a flat while driving, pull over to a flat, stable surface—far away from traffic. Turn on your hazard lights and avoid hills or soft ground.

Step 2: Secure the Car

• Engage the parking brake.
• Put the car in Park (automatic) or 1st gear (manual).
• Use wheel chocks behind the wheels to prevent the car from rolling.

Step 3: Loosen the Lug Nuts (But Don’t Remove Them Yet)

Before jacking the car up, loosen the lug nuts while the tire is still on the ground. This prevents the wheel from spinning.

• Use your lug wrench, breaker bar, or the Seesii Impact Wrench for stubborn bolts.
• Turn counter-clockwise with steady pressure—don’t jump on the tool or you risk damage.

Step 4: Jack the Car Up Properly

Locate the correct jack point (your owner’s manual will show you). Never jack the car from random spots on the frame.

• Use your jack to lift the car just enough so the flat tire is off the ground.
• If you’re at home, use something stable like the Jack Boss Floor Jack.
• Place jack stands under the car for safety—this step is non-negotiable.

Step 5: Remove the Flat Tire

Now that the car is secure:

• Fully remove the lug nuts and keep them in a safe spot.
• Pull the flat tire straight off. If it’s stuck due to rust, gently tap the back of the tire to break it free.

Step 6: Mount the Spare Tire

• Line up the spare with the wheel studs.
• Hand-tighten the lug nuts in a criss-cross pattern to seat the wheel evenly.

Step 7: Lower the Car and Torque the Lug Nuts

Once the spare is mounted:

• Lower the car back to the ground.
• Use the Lexivon Torque Wrench to tighten the lug nuts to your vehicle’s specific torque spec (usually between 80–100 ft-lbs, but check your manual).

Why Torque Matters:

• Too loose? The wheel could come off while driving.
• Too tight? You risk stripping threads or damaging the brake system.

Step 8: Clean Up and Drive Safely

• Pack up your tools and stow the flat tire in your trunk.
• Check the spare tire pressure before driving away.
• Remember: most spares are temporary. Keep your speed under 50 mph and head to a tire shop ASAP.

Bonus Tips

• Inspect your spare tire monthly. A flat spare won’t help when you need it.
• Practice at home before you’re stranded.
• Keep tools like the Seesii Impact Wrench and Lexivon Torque Wrench in your trunk if you have the space—they’ll make roadside fixes way easier.

Final Thoughts

Changing a tire doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right tools, the right steps, and a little confidence, you can get back on the road quickly and safely.