If a hubcap is covering the lug nuts (they’re in a circle at the center of your wheel), take this off before you go any further. If your car came with a spare tire, then it also likely came equipped with two tools you’ll need-a jack and a lug wrench.

If your car doesn't have one, visit your local Firestone Complete Auto Care as soon as you can to learn more about spare tire options and prepare for an emergency. Your owner’s manual will tell you where to find your spare tire.īy the way, many cars don’t have spare tires, according to AAA. Some trucks and SUVs keep the spare tire suspended under the vehicle. In many compact cars, the spare tire is located in the trunk under a latch. The exact location of your spare tire can vary depending on the type of vehicle you drive. Your vehicle may have unique requirements. Look for vehicle specific instructions for fixing a flat tire. Consult the owner’s manual.Īfter you’ve found a safe place to park, put on the hazards, and secured your vehicle, pull out your owner’s manual. If you’re changing a front tire, set the wedges behind the rear tires. If you’re changing a rear tire, place the wedges before the front tires. If you don’t have wheel wedges, bricks or large stones will do the trick. Wheel wedges will also help prevent rolling.

This way, you can reduce the risk of your car rolling forward or backward while you’re changing the flat tire. Prevent your car from rolling.Īfter you’ve come to a full stop, apply the parking brake. If you’re still along the side of the road, be sure to turn on your flashing hazard lights so that other motorists are aware of your presence! Hazard lights will help keep you and other motorists safe. A parking lot or a wide shoulder are two great options. Instead, decrease your speed slowly and look for a place where you can safely pull over to assess the situation. Once you’re aware that you’ve got a flat tire, don’t brake or turn suddenly.

After all, you never know when you might end up stranded along the side of the road with no cell service! Here’s our step-by-step guide to get you and your car back on the road after a flat tire (at least temporarily). So, whether you’re clueless or just a little rusty, it’s time to get up to speed on fixing a flat. Even for motorists who do know how to change a flat tire, it’s not something that comes as naturally as filling up the gas tank or whipping into a parking spot. drivers don’t know how to change a flat tire, according to AAA.

Place to fix a flat tire near me