Safety Glasses
Gloves
Jack
Lug Wrench
Wheel Chocks
Roadside Emergency Kit
Reflector Triangles
Torque Wrench
Spare Tire
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Step 1: Prepare the area
If you're changing your tire in a roadside area, make sure your hazard lights or “flashers” are on and set out reflective triangles if you have them.
If your vehicle is an automatic, put it in park. If it’s standard, put it in first gear. Then set your parking brake, and chock the wheels that will remain on the ground. If you don't have chocks with you, a rock or a log will work. This will keep the car from moving while you’re jacking it up.
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Do It Right: The first reflective triangle should be place on the traffic side 10 feet from the vehicle. The second device should be placed 100 feet from the vehicle. |
Step 2: Remove hubcap or wheel cover & loosen lug nuts
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Pro Tip: Some vehicles will have a locking lug nut that’s specially designed to require a key to get off. If your wheels require a lug nut key, be sure to locate it BEFORE you get into the job. You won't be able to remove the wheel without it. |
Remove the hubcap or wheel cover before raising the vehicle. Use the flat end of your lug wrench to gently pry it off. In some cases, you might need a different tool, so check your owner’s manual for specifics. Some wheel covers require you to remove plastic nuts from the actual lug nuts. Loosen your lug nuts, but only a quarter to half a turn. You may have to really crank hard or use your foot or body weight to loosen these, and that’s fine. Just don’t remove them completely until the vehicle is raised.
Step 3: Jack up your vehicle
Your vehicle’s manufacturer will specify where you should place your jack. If it’s an emergency, you may not have an alternative to the crank jack that came with your vehicle, but use a floor jack whenever possible.
Once you’re sure any rocks and debris are clear from the areas your jack will sit, it’s safe to raise the vehicle. Make sure the jack is level and stable.
Step 4: Remove the tire
Once your vehicle is raised, unscrew the lug nuts, remove them completely, and put them somewhere safe. Take the tire by the tread and pull it out gently until it’s free from the hub behind it. Watch out for sharp tire belts or anything that could harm your hands when grasping the tire.
Step 5: Put your spare on
Inspect your spare or donut and make sure there's no visible damage, and then gently push it onto the lug bolts. Replace your lug nuts and finger tighten each one as much as possible.
It’s important to make sure all lug nuts are threaded in tight enough that the wheel is seated firmly, flat against the hub. Then use your jack to lower your vehicle until the spare is in contact with the ground.
Step 6: Tighten the lug nuts to torque specifications
Use a torque wrench to tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern to the torque specifications recommended by the manufacturer. Then, lower your vehicle the rest of the way.
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The automotive repair work depicted in this series is performed under the direction of the manufacturer of the product featured. Prior to undertaking any of the demonstrated repairs on your vehicle, we suggest you consult with a certified mechanic or another professional who can adequately advise you of the proper repair or remedy required. O’Reilly Automotive Stores, Inc. and its affiliates (“O’Reilly”) disclaims any responsibility for injury or damage resulting from a viewer’s attempt to recreate the repairs shown in this series.