How to change
a flat tire

Knowing how to change a flat tire is a useful skill, but it's not always safe or practical — especially on a busy Houston roadside. Here's a step-by-step guide, and remember Houston Mobile Tire can come do it for you, 24/7.

Step 1: Get to a safe spot

Pull over onto a flat, stable surface away from traffic, turn on your hazards, and engage the parking brake. Never change a tire in a traffic lane or on a narrow freeway shoulder if you can avoid it.

Step 2: Loosen the lug nuts

Use the lug wrench to loosen (but not remove) the lug nuts while the tire is still on the ground. If your vehicle has wheel locks, you'll need the wheel lock key — if it's lost, we can help with that.

Step 3: Jack up the vehicle

Place the jack at the manufacturer's jack point (check your manual) and raise the vehicle until the flat tire is off the ground. Never put any part of your body under the vehicle.

Step 4: Swap the tire

Remove the lug nuts and the flat tire, mount the spare, and hand-tighten the lug nuts. Lower the vehicle, then fully tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern.

When to call us instead

If you don't have a spare, can't safely change it, lost your wheel lock key, or are in a dangerous spot, call Houston Mobile Tire. We come to you and handle it safely, 24/7.