For many, it can feel like there are always places to go and people to see—which can make it frustrating when a sudden flat tire disrupts your plans. However, anticipating this possibility will help you make sure you have the right tools on hand—as well as a spare tire in your trunk—to keep your car driveable until new tires can be purchased. The guide below explains what to do under these circumstances.

6 Steps for Replacing a Flat Tire

1. Safety First

Pull over to the side of the road and turn the car’s hazard lights on. Apply the parking brake once you've come to a full stop and insert wheel wedges under if you have them to prevent the vehicle from rolling while you work.

2. Consult the Manual

The owner’s manual will give you specific instructions for fixing a flat tire on your car. Once you’ve read over them, bring out the equipment you'll need to change the tire—like gloves, a torque wrench, jack, and an impact gun.

3. Prepare

Before you put the jack under the car, remove the hubcaps or wheel covers first. Then loosen the lug nuts. You will need a lug wrench to do this. Loosen the lug nuts ¼ to ½ of a turn, but don't remove the tire entirely yet.

4. Remove the Tire

Raise the vehicle with the jack and place a plank of wood beneath it to keep the car balanced. Don't go underneath the car. Remove the flat tire by unscrewing the lug nuts and install the new tire while the car is jacked. Put on the lug bolts and tighten them loosely with your hands.

5. Lower the Vehicle

Lower the vehicle halfway and tighten the lug nuts with a wrench, then lower the car entirely once the lug nuts are fastened. Replace hubcaps or wheel covers and stow your equipment away, except your tire gauge. Check the pressure before driving off. 

6. See a Specialist

While a spare tire can help you get back on the road quickly, visit an auto shop soon for new tires. Not only are most spares not very durable when faced with extreme weather conditions, long distances, or high speeds, but they will also have less wear than your other tires, resulting in an imbalance. This can affect handling and put your other tires at risk of blowing out.

Interested in purchasing a spare tire for your car? Or need new tires altogether? Visit the mechanics at Hillis 66 in Lincoln, NE. For over 40 years, they have offered tire rotations, brake repairs, new parts or tire installation, regular maintenance, and oil changes. Call (402) 474-2891 to get a free estimate or visit their website for more information on their services.