Change a Tire In 7 Steps

1) Remove the wheel covers (when necessary) and depending on the type of car you posses, you may need to unlock them, while others are simply popped off or unscrewed.

2) In regards to the lug nuts, they should be loosened, but not removed. Most lug nuts respond with a simple half turn counterclockwise.

3) Using your owner's manual, you should decide on the proper positioning of the jack, which will raise your car to the point that the tire barely touches the ground. The point is to take the weight off of the tire, but not make it completely lift off of the ground.

4) Rotating the lug wrench counterclockwise, you should remove each lug nut. Next, you will pull the flat tire towards you by placing your hand at the "3 o'clock" and "9 o'clock" positions of the tire.

5) Next, you will replace the flat tire with your spare, which is easily accomplished by aligning the holes in your spare tire with the bolts first, followed by firmly placing the spare onto the bolts.

6) The lug nuts are then replaced and slightly tightened. Once you lower your car back to the ground, you should finish tightening the lug nuts in a cross pattern.

7) After you are done changing the tire, put your tools back in their proper place and drive to the nearest service station as soon as possible to have your flat tire repaired and reinstalled (if applicable). You may also need to get your lug nuts tightened with a torque wrench to match the appropriate specifications for your car.