How to Change a Flat Tire

Use this step-by-step guide if the need for a tire change arises:

1. First, it’s important to make sure your vehicle is parked both away from traffic and on a flat surface.
   TIP: You will want to use your hazard lights, or flares if there is heavy traffic.
2. Then, place bracing material (such as pieces of wood or bricks) behind and in front of a tire that will not be lifted to prevent rolling and increase stability.
3. Next, you can use your vehicle’s owner’s manual to locate your spare tire and jack.
4. Refer to your vehicle’s owner’s manual to ensure that the jack is placed properly to prevent damage to your car.
5. Remove any hubcaps or centre covers so you can access the lug nuts.
6. Start jacking the car up while keeping pressure on the ground (without lifting the car completely).
7. Use the lug wrench to turn the lug nuts counter clockwise to loosen them.
8. After making sure the jack is stable, jack up the car enough for you to slip the tire off with ease.
9. Fit the spare tire on the hub and place the lug nuts in the correct positions.
10. Tighten the lug nuts with your wrench, this time turning clockwise.
    TIP: Make sure the lug nuts are tight but don’t use too much force. This may dislodge the vehicle from the jack.
11. Lower the jack.
12. After driving for a few kilometres, it’s a good idea to stop and make sure the lug nuts are still tight.