A safe, calm walkthrough for changing a flat — and how to tell when it's smarter to call for mobile help instead.
A flat tire is one of the most common roadside problems, and most drivers can handle it themselves with the right steps and a few minutes of caution. Here's exactly how to do it safely, plus how to tell when you shouldn't try.
Don't stop on a curve, a hill, or the travel lane if you can help it. Pull as far onto the shoulder or into a parking lot as possible, put the car in park (or first gear/reverse for manuals), engage the parking brake, and turn on your hazard lights.
You'll need the spare tire, a jack, and a lug wrench — all usually stored in the trunk under a panel or floor mat. Some newer vehicles skip the spare entirely in favor of a repair kit or run-flat tires; check your owner's manual if you're not sure what you have.
Turn each lug nut counterclockwise about a quarter turn while the tire is still on the ground. This is much harder (sometimes impossible) once the wheel is off the ground and spinning freely.
Place the jack under the vehicle's reinforced jacking point nearest the flat tire (check your manual for the exact spot) and raise the car until the flat tire is a few inches off the ground.
Finish unscrewing the lug nuts, pull the flat tire straight off, and set it aside. Line up the spare with the wheel bolts, push it into place, and hand-tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern (not in a circle) so the wheel seats evenly.
Lower the jack until the tire touches the ground but still has some weight off it, then fully tighten the lug nuts in the same star pattern using your body weight, not just your arms. Lower the car the rest of the way and give the nuts one final check.
Ideally, zero miles — driving on a fully flat tire damages the tire, the wheel, and sometimes the suspension within a very short distance. If the tire still has some air and you're just trying to reach a safe pull-off spot, go slowly (under 5 mph) for the shortest distance possible. A spare "donut" tire is only rated for about 50 miles at reduced speed (50 mph or less) — it's not meant for daily driving.
Changing a tire yourself isn't always the right call. Skip it and call a mobile service if:
In any of those situations, it's faster and safer to have someone come to you. Pinellas Roadside Rescue provides mobile flat tire repair anywhere in Pinellas County — we patch or plug the puncture on the spot, or mount your spare for you, 24/7.
Not safely for any real distance. A flat tire loses its structural support almost immediately, which can damage the wheel and tire beyond repair within a mile or less. Pull over as soon as it's safe to do so.
As little as possible. If you must move the car to reach a safer spot, go slowly and cover the shortest distance you can — every additional foot on a fully flat tire increases the damage.
Many newer vehicles come with a tire repair kit instead of a spare, which only works for certain tread punctures. If you don't have a usable spare, don't drive on the flat — call for mobile tire repair and we'll patch, plug, or bring a replacement to you.
Only if you can get well clear of moving traffic. If the shoulder is narrow or traffic is fast and close, stay in the vehicle with your seatbelt on and call for help instead of stepping out.
Flat tire and don't want to change it yourself? We'll come to you, 24/7.