With every great car comes a few skills that every good driver should know. One of which is knowing how to change a tire. Whether you’re commuting to work, embarking on a road trip adventure or running errands, a flat tire is a delay that no one wants to deal with. Understanding how to change a tire will get you back on the road and having fun while also increasing your confidence as a driver and your safety on the road.

How to change a tire:

1. The Set Up

When driving and you notice a flat tire, immediately pull over to a flat and even part of the shoulder and turn on your hazard lights. Engage your E-brake and turn the wheel in the opposite corner of the tire that is being changed. Head to the back of the car and look for the spare tire, which is most often found in the cargo, trunk, or under the rear of your vehicle. Depending on the make and model of your vehicle, check the owner’s manual to find the spare’s exact location. Upon removing the spare tire, make sure the jack and tire iron are also pulled out.

2. Remove the Hubcap or Wheel Cover

Car jacks often have a built-in lug wrench. Remove the lug wrench from the jack and use it to loosen the hubcap on the damaged tire. Remove the hubcap and place it to the side. Use the lug wrench again to loosen the lug nuts (turn counterclockwise) with only one turn. Do not loosen them completely.

3. Lift the Wheel Off the Ground 

Locate the jack points on your vehicle (these are found in the owner’s manual or marked on the vehicle itself). Place the jack in the appropriate spot to support the vehicle. Crank the jack until the tire you are replacing is lifted enough for removal. With enough room between the wheel and the ground, place the jack handle under the vehicle to hold it there.

4. Remove the Bolts and Tire

Once your vehicle is lifted, remove the lug nuts that were loosened prior to with the lug wrench. Remove the lug nuts and place them in a safe spot to the side. Carefully remove the flat tire and lay it on its side so it doesn’t roll away.

5. Replace the Wheel with the spare

Align the spare tire onto the wheel by lining up the holes with the bolts. Place the lug nuts back onto the bolts and turn them clockwise. Make sure they are tight with the lug wrench until the tire sits flush and the lug nuts are snug. Using the jack, slowly lower your vehicle to the ground. Once grounded, remove the jack and if you can tighten your lug nuts further, do so until they no longer budge.

Now that you know how to change a tire, continue to go places feeling confident. Toyota certified technicians are available at your local Toyota dealer to change or replace your tires, we’ll help you stay in the fast lane when it comes to your vehicle.