1. **Find a Safe Location**: If possible, move your vehicle to a flat, level surface away from traffic. Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers.
2. **Gather Tools and Materials**: You will need:
- Spare tire
- Jack
- Lug wrench or tire iron
- Wheel chocks or bricks (optional, but recommended)
- Gloves (optional)
3. **Secure the Vehicle**: If you're on a slope, place wheel chocks or bricks behind the wheels (both front and back) to prevent the vehicle from rolling. Engage the parking brake.
4. **Remove the Hubcap (if applicable)**: Use the flat end of the lug wrench or a flathead screwdriver to pry off the hubcap, exposing the lug nuts.
5. **Loosen the Lug Nuts**: Use the lug wrench to loosen the lug nuts by turning them counterclockwise. Do not remove them completely at this stage, just loosen them enough that they can be easily turned by hand later.
6. **Position the Jack**: Consult your vehicle's owner's manual to locate the appropriate jack points. Place the jack securely under the frame near the flat tire. Avoid placing the jack under plastic bodywork or near the suspension components.
7. **Lift the Vehicle**: Use the jack handle to raise the vehicle until the flat tire is about 6 inches off the ground. Make sure the vehicle is stable before continuing.
8. **Remove the Lug Nuts**: Finish removing the lug nuts by hand and set them aside in a safe place. Keep track of them so they don't get lost.
9. **Remove the Flat Tire**: Grasp the tire firmly with both hands and pull it toward you until it comes free from the hub. Set the flat tire aside.
10. **Install the Spare Tire**: Lift the spare tire onto the hub and align the lug nut holes with the studs. Push the tire onto the hub until it's fully seated.
11. **Replace the Lug Nuts**: Thread the lug nuts onto the studs by hand in a star pattern to ensure even tightening. Once all the lug nuts are snug, use the lug wrench to tighten them further, but do not fully tighten them yet.
12. **Lower the Vehicle**: Carefully lower the vehicle using the jack until the spare tire touches the ground but is not supporting the full weight of the vehicle.
13. **Tighten the Lug Nuts**: Finish tightening the lug nuts in a star pattern with the lug wrench. Make sure they are tightened securely.
14. **Replace the Hubcap (if applicable)**: Place the hubcap back onto the wheel and tap it into place with your hand or a rubber mallet.
15. **Stow the Tools**: Put the jack, lug wrench, and other tools back in your vehicle.
16. **Check the Tire Pressure**: Once you're finished, check the air pressure in the spare tire to ensure it's inflated to the correct pressure.
17. **Drive Carefully**: Drive cautiously and avoid high speeds with the spare tire, as it's typically not designed for long-term use.
That's it! You've successfully changed a tire. It's a good idea to practice this procedure in a safe environment before you need to do it on the side of the road in an emergency.