01 What you're doing and why
Changing to a spare tire is a temporary fix that gets you moving after a flat or blowout. The spare is designed only for short-distance, reduced-speed driving until you can repair or replace the damaged tire. The process involves safely raising the vehicle, removing the flat wheel, and mounting the spare. It is a skill every driver should know because roadside assistance may not always be available, and knowing the sequence helps you stay calm when it matters. The key is to work methodically: park on flat, stable ground away from traffic, set the parking brake, and chock a wheel to prevent rolling. Always consult your owner's manual for the exact jacking points and lug nut torque, as these vary by make and model. Never use a spare as a permanent replacement; check its pressure and speed rating before driving. Temporary spares are typically limited to speeds around 50 mph (80 km/h) and a range of about 50–70 miles (80–110 km), but your manual will have the precise limits. After the swap, drive cautiously to the nearest tire shop, and remember that a spare buys you time, not a permanent solution.
02 Tools and materials
You'll need the spare tire, a jack, and a lug wrench, which are usually included with your vehicle. Some cars come with a scissor jack and a combination wrench; others may have a bottle jack or a jack kit stored under the cargo floor. Check that the spare is properly inflated—temporary spares often require higher pressure than regular tires, so verify with a gauge. A wheel chock or a sturdy block of wood is essential for safety. Gloves and a reflective vest or triangles improve visibility and protect your hands. A flashlight or headlamp helps in low light. If your lug nuts are covered by wheel covers or hubcaps, you may need a flat-head screwdriver or the tool provided to remove them. Some vehicles use locking lug nuts, so ensure you have the key. A torque wrench is recommended for final tightening, but if unavailable, a lug wrench will suffice for snugging. Always check your owner's manual for the specific tools and any special procedures, and take a moment to confirm everything is present before you start.
03 Step-by-step
First, park on a level, solid surface away from traffic, set the parking brake, and place chocks in front of and behind a wheel opposite the flat. If on a road, turn on hazard lights. Loosen the lug nuts about a quarter turn while the tire is still on the ground—this prevents the wheel from spinning. Locate the reinforced lift point under the vehicle as shown in your manual; place the jack securely. Raise the vehicle until the flat tire is just off the ground. Remove the lug nuts and set them aside in a container so they don't roll away. Pull the wheel straight off. Mount the spare, aligning the holes with the studs. Hand-tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern. Lower the jack until the tire touches the ground, then tighten the nuts firmly in a star pattern. Fully lower the vehicle and remove the jack. Finally, torque the lug nuts to the specification in your manual using a torque wrench. Stow the flat tire and tools, then check the spare's pressure as soon as possible.
04 Safety first
Safety is paramount when changing a tire. Always park on flat, stable ground, well off the road if possible. Turn on hazard lights and wear a reflective vest to be visible. Set the parking brake and chock a wheel to prevent the vehicle from rolling. Never jack up a car on a slope, soft ground, or near traffic. Use the jack only on the designated lift points; jacking elsewhere can damage the underbody or cause the car to fall. Keep your body out from under the vehicle; never place any part of yourself under a car supported only by a jack. Loosen lug nuts before lifting to avoid wheel spin and injury. Work on the side away from traffic if possible. If you have passengers, have them exit and stand in a safe area away from the vehicle. Avoid changing a tire in extreme weather or poor visibility if you can wait for help. If you must, proceed with extra caution. After the change, drive slowly and carefully to a safe location to fully inspect and torque the lug nuts.
05 Common mistakes
One frequent mistake is jacking at the wrong point, which can bend suspension components or puncture the floor pan. Always use the reinforced lift points in your manual. Another error is loosening lug nuts after raising the car; this can cause the wheel to spin and the car to slip off the jack. Always break them loose while the tire is on the ground. Over-tightening or under-tightening lug nuts is also common; use a torque wrench and the star pattern to ensure even pressure. Forgetting to chock a wheel can lead to the vehicle rolling. Not checking the spare's pressure before driving is risky—temporary spares lose air over time. Ignoring speed and distance limits on the spare can cause a blowout. Some drivers forget to stow the flat tire and tools, leaving them on the road. Finally, not re-torquing the lug nuts after 50 miles (80 km) can lead to loosening. Always follow your owner's manual for specific torque values and procedures.
06 When to call a professional
Most drivers can handle a simple spare-tire swap, but some situations call for professional help. If the lug nuts will not budge even with steady pressure, or if the locking lug nut key is missing or stripped, a technician with proper tools can avoid damage. If the vehicle has no usable spare, or the spare itself is flat, cracked, or visibly damaged, call for roadside assistance rather than driving on it. If you notice the wheel studs are stripped, cross-threaded, or broken, do not attempt to mount the spare; these need replacement. If the flat happened on a busy highway, in a tunnel, or on an unsafe shoulder, staying in the car with a seatbelt on and calling for help is usually safer than working in traffic. Also call a professional if you are unsure about the jacking points, if the vehicle sits very low, or if you have a physical limitation that makes lifting and kneeling risky. Trust your judgment: no tire change is worth an injury.
07 Frequently asked questions
How far and how fast can I drive on a temporary spare? Follow the limits in your owner's manual, which are commonly around 50 mph (80 km/h) and about 50–70 miles (80–110 km). These are maximums, not targets, so keep the distance short and get the damaged tire repaired or replaced promptly. Can I drive on a spare with low pressure? No—check the spare's pressure before you set off, because temporary spares often need higher pressure than regular tires and lose air over time. If it is noticeably low, inflate it first or call for help. Do I need to re-torque the lug nuts? Yes, after about 50 miles (80 km) re-check the lug nuts with a torque wrench to the specification in your manual, since they can loosen as the wheel seats. Finally, remember that a spare is a temporary solution; drive gently, avoid high speeds, and visit a tire shop as soon as you safely can.