6d • General discussion
How to change your wheel
Step 1 – Locate jack point (with pictures)
• Check your owner’s manual for the exact jack points; most cars use reinforced spots behind the front wheels and in front of the rear wheels along the pinch weld.
• Many manuals include diagrams; you can also see general jack point photos here: https://www.autozone.com/diy/trustworthy-advice/where-are-the-jacking-points-on-a-car[autozone]
Step 2 – Prep the wheel
• If there is a hubcap, pry it off with the flat end of the lug wrench so you can see the lug nuts.
• Use the lug wrench to loosen (but not remove) each lug nut by turning counterclockwise while the tire is still on the ground.
For pictures of loosening lugs and hubcap removal, see the photo sequence here: https://topdriver.com/education-blog/how-do-you-properly-change-a-tire/[topdriver]
Step 3 – Jack up the car
• Place the jack under the correct jack point and raise it until the tire is just off the ground (around a few inches).
• Never put any part of your body under the car while it is supported only by the jack.
You can see jacking photos and stance in Allstate’s step gallery: https://www.allstate.com/resources/car-insurance/how-to-change-a-flat-tire[allstate]
Step 4 – Remove flat tire
• Finish removing the loosened lug nuts and keep them together in a safe spot.
• Pull the flat tire straight toward you by gripping the tread and set it on its side so it does not roll away.
Top Driver’s post has clear photos of removing the wheel and handling the tire: https://topdriver.com/education-blog/how-do-you-properly-change-a-tire/[topdriver]
Step 5 – Install spare tire
• Align the holes in the spare with the wheel studs and push it all the way onto the hub.
• Thread the lug nuts by hand and snug them down evenly in a star pattern, but do not fully tighten yet while the car is still in the air.
Allstate’s guide has pictures of the spare going on and the star‑pattern tightening: https://www.allstate.com/resources/car-insurance/how-to-change-a-flat-tire[allstate]
Step 6 – Lower and tighten
• Lower the car until the tire fully touches the ground, then remove the jack.
• Now use the lug wrench to firmly tighten the lug nuts in a star or criss‑cross pattern to ensure even pressure.
Step 7 – Clean up and drive
• Reinstall the hubcap if it fits the spare, stow the jack and tools, and put the flat tire in the trunk.[topdriver]
• If you used a small “donut” spare, drive only at moderate speeds and replace it with a full‑size tire as soon as possible.
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How to change your wheel
