Replace a wheel

Get as far from moving traffic as possible, turn on hazard lights, apply the parking brake, and put the car in Park or in first gear. Ask passengers to exit on the side away from traffic. Check your owner manual for the jacking points, spare-wheel limits, and wheel-bolt torque. Some cars have locking nuts or a tire-pressure monitor that needs a reset. Never work on the traffic side if you can avoid it. Use a warning triangle only when it is safe and legal to do so. A temporary spare is for reaching a safe destination or tire shop, not normal long-distance driving. Follow its speed limit.

The spare wheel or temporary spare, inflated and compatible with your vehicle. The vehicle jack, wheel wrench, and locking-wheel-nut key if fitted. A reflective vest, warning triangle, gloves, and a flashlight when available. A flat, firm surface away from traffic. Never rely on the jack alone to support the vehicle.

Secure the car Stop on firm, level ground if possible. Turn off the engine, select Park or first gear, apply the parking brake, and chock a wheel on the opposite side from the flat. Prepare the spare and tools Take out the spare, jack, wrench, and locking-nut key. Keep the removed wheel and tools where they cannot roll into traffic. Loosen the wheel nuts Before lifting the car, remove any hubcap if needed and turn each wheel nut counterclockwise about one turn. Do not remove them yet. Lift at the marked point Place the jack only at the vehicle’s marked jacking point on firm ground. Raise the car until the flat tire is just clear of the ground. Never put any part of your body underneath. Remove the flat wheel Unscrew the nuts by hand, keeping them together, and pull the wheel straight toward you. Place it under the sill as a temporary backup only if your manual permits. Fit the spare Line up the spare with the studs or bolt holes and push it fully home. Hand-tighten the nuts in a diagonal, star-like sequence. Lower and tighten Lower the car until the tire touches the ground, then remove the jack. Tighten the nuts firmly in a diagonal sequence. Use a torque wrench to the manual’s specification as soon as possible. Check before moving Stow the flat wheel and tools, check the spare’s pressure, and confirm the car is stable. Drive slowly to a tire shop and replace or repair the flat promptly.

Trying to loosen tight nuts after the car is already on the jack. Placing the jack on soft ground, a slope, or a point that is not marked by the manufacturer. Crawling under the car or putting hands and feet under a raised wheel. Tightening nuts in a circle instead of alternating across the wheel. Driving normally on a temporary spare or ignoring its speed and distance limits.

You cannot get fully clear of traffic or create a stable, level work area. A wheel nut will not loosen, a stud is damaged, or the jack or spare is missing or faulty. The tire has blown apart, the wheel is damaged, or the car is leaning or unstable. You are not confident using the jack, or the spare is flat or the wrong size.