How to Change a Flat Tire

If you travel very often it will eventually happen--the dreaded flat tire. Depending upon how far away from home you are, what time of the day or night and the location of the flat you may have to wait hours for help or even be forced to walk long distances for assistance.

Changing the tire yourself can get you back on the road in minutes instead of waiting and wondering if help will ever arrive. Not only will the skill save you time when you are stranded but it will help to build your self-esteem as well.

Things You'll Need:
Inflated Spare tire (regular or donut spare)
Vehicle Jack
Lug Wrench
Flashlight (at night)
Cheater Bar (optional for added leverage)

Step One:
Allow the vehicle to slow to a stop if possible. Sudden stops on a flattened tire may cause you to lose control of the vehicle. Pull over to the side of the road in a clear flat area with room to work out of traffic.

Step Two:
Engage your emergency brake, place the transmission in park and turn off the engine.

Step Three:
Place your tools in a convenient area next to the flat.

Step Four:
Position your jack a couple of inches to the front (on a rear flat) or to the rear (on a front flat). Follow the instructions that come with your individual vehicle.

Step Five:
Use the jack to raise the car approximately 1 inch. This takes pressure off of the rim but does not allow the tire to move.

Step Six:
Pry the hubcap off of the wheel of the affected tire. Most standard lug wrenches have a pry device upon one end.

Step Seven:
Place the lug wrench upon one of the lug nuts. If you have a cheater bar, place it around the handle of the lug wrench to increase your leverage. Twist the lug wrench counter-clockwise to loosen the nut. You may have to brace yourself using your foot to get the nuts to loosen that first bit. Just don't give up; they will work loose! Do not totally remove the nuts; you need to leave them on the bolts for safety at this point.

Step Eight:
Loosen the other lug nuts in a star pattern to keep the tension even.

Step Nine:
Use the jack to raise the car to the point where the tire will move freely.

Step Ten:
Remove all of the lug nuts from the bolts.

Step Eleven:
Remove the blown tire from the vehicle.

Step Twelve:
Place the spare in place on the vehicle, matching the bolts to the holes on the spare.

Step Thirteen:
Replace the lug nuts on the bolts, turning in a clockwise motion until hand-tightened.

Step Fourteen:
Lower the jack until the spare is touching the ground and supporting some of the vehicle's weight.

Step Fifteen:
Tighten the nuts down by working your way around the circle of bolts, skipping a bolt with each round. You will have to go around more than once as you tighten them as snug as possible. Make sure you tighten each nut as you skip around; the skipping allows the nuts to seat evenly around the hub.

Step Sixteen:
Lower the jack completely and remove it from underneath the vehicle.

Step Seventeen:
Place the blown tire and your tools back in your vehicle.

Step Seventeen:
Start your vehicle, release the emergency brake, and carefully merge back into the flow of traffic.

Step Eighteen:
Keep your flashers lit and keep your speed at or beneath the speed recommended on your donut spare (if you used a donut spare). If you are using a full-size spare tire disregard this step.

Step Nineteen:
Stop and check your lug nuts after travelling approximately 2 miles and for the next few times that you stop the vehicle. Retighten as needed. I have personally ruined lug bolts by skipping this step, because hand-tightened nuts can occasionally work loose.

Step Twenty:
Proceed to the nearest tire shop to have your blown tire replaced (or continue on your journey if you are using a full-size spare).

Tips:
Spraying a lubricant like WD-40 onto stuck bolts will help loosen the really tough ones.
Carry a flashlight to help with nighttime tire changes.
Keeping a tire pump in your trunk can be a lifesaver if your tires (or spare) is low.

Source:
Personal Experience