How to change a Tire? Follow simple step by step guide

New York, 02 December 2025 │ In the United States, a tyre bursting or becoming damaged while driving is a common issue. This situation can particularly occur during long journeys or on poor roads. Changing a tyre is a simple yet important skill that every car owner should learn. In this article, we will first look at detailed and easy steps on how to change a tyre yourself, and then we will provide information on other options available in the United States. All of this is based on legal and safe methods. Remember to always priorities safety when changing a tire and to comply with local laws.

Part 1: Simple Steps to Change a Tire Yourself

To change a tyre, you will find a spare tyre, a jack, a lug nut wrench, and wheel chocks in the car’s trunk (boot). If not, check them first. This task can take 20-30 minutes, but always perform it in a safe location – at the roadside, on a flat surface, with emergency lights on.

Necessary tools and preparations:

Safety equipment: warning triangle or flares, gloves, and first aid kit.
Car manual: Your car’s manual contains the exact part of the jack and the torque specifications (the force for tightening bolts).
Safety Tip: If you are on the road, follow the 4 W rule – stand 4 feet away, stay behind vehicles, and turn on your emergency hazard lights.

Step 1: Stop and secure the vehicle

Park the vehicle on a flat and safe surface. Turn off the engine and engage the hand brake firmly.
Turn on the emergency hazard lights and place a warning triangle at the side of the road (100 feet away as per law).
Place wheel chocks around the wheel with a damaged tyre or block it with stones to prevent the vehicle from moving.

Step 2: Remove the spare tyre and tools

Open the trunk and locate the spare tyre. In most cars, it is in a foldable holder.
Jack up the car, remove the lug wrench, and take out the spare tyre. The spare tyre is usually a donut tyre (small, temporary), to be used at speeds of 50-60 miles per hour and for a distance of 50 miles.

Step 3: Loosen the bolts of the damaged tire

Apply pressure in an X pattern on the lug nuts of the flat tyre and loosen them halfway. Do this while the vehicle is on the ground so that the bolts turn easily.
Do not remove the bolts completely – just loosen them.

Step 4: Lift the vehicle (use a jack)

Locate the exact part of the jack according to the car’s manual (usually under the wheel, on a sturdy part of the frame).
Lift the vehicle 6 inches by cranking Jack (turning the handle) so that the damaged tyre is off the ground.

Safety Tip: Never stand under a jack; always stay to the side.

Step 5: Remove the damaged tire and fit the spare tyre

Completely remove the loose bolts and move the damaged tire aside.
Fit the spare tire properly on the hub of the wheel (at the center). Tighten the bolts by hand.
Lower the vehicle with the jack until the tire touches the ground.

Step 6: Tighten the bolts and check

Tighten the lug bolts in a cross pattern (one by one). According to your car’s manual, the torque should be 80-100 foot-pounds – use a torque wrench if available.
Remove the jack and check all the bolts again.
Place the damaged tire in the trunk and label it ‘FLAT’.

Step 7: Proceed safely

Drive at a reduced speed on the spare tire (below 50 mph) and visit a tire shop as soon as possible.

Note: Check the spare tire pressure (usually 32-35 PSI).

By following these steps, you can easily change the tire. However, if you are inexperienced or it is night/raining, seek professional assistance.

Part 2: Other Options for Changing Tires in the United States

Changing your own tire is not always possible, especially in the city or during busy times. In the United States, there are many convenient and cost-effective options available. All of these can be legally approved and covered by insurance.

Option 1: Roadside Assistance Services

AAA (American Automobile Association): America’s most popular service. If you are a member, you get 24/7 assistance – tyre change, towing, fuel supply etc. Call: 1-800-222-4357. Membership $50-150/year. Paid services are also available for non-members.

Insurance company services: Insurance like Geico, Progressive, and State Farm include roadside assistance. Check your policy and call the 24-hour helpline. It is either free or low-cost.
How it works: After making a call, technicians will arrive within 30-60 minutes to change the tyre or tow it to a shop. Cost: $50-100 per call (free for members).

Option 2: Mobile Tyre Services

Tire Technician or Amazon Mobile Services: They change tyres at home or on the road. Free or discounted for Amazon Prime members.
Discount Tire or Firestone Complete Auto Care: Book appointments through their app. Mobile vans arrive within 30 minutes. Cost: $20-50 per tyre change + $100+ for new tyres.
Availability: Available 24/7 in major cities (New York, Los Angeles, Chicago). Use apps such as platforms like Uber for Tires.

Option 3: Local tyre shops and auto centres

Walmart Auto Care or Pep Boys: Affordable and fast. Tire changes $15-30. Online appointment or walk-in.
Les Schwab or Goodyear: Specialized tire services. Full tire replacement $80-200 per tire.
How to do: Search for nearby shops on Google Maps and call them. Most are open from 9 AM to 6 PM.

Option 4: Uber/Lyft or ride-sharing

If you are alone, call Uber and go to the shop. However, do not leave the vehicle – call assistance immediately.

Emergency apps: Download apps like HONK or Urgent.ly, which send assistance within 15 minutes.

Other tips and regulations:

Insurance and coverage: Roadside assistance is also available with rental cars or credit cards. Please check.
Laws: In the United States, obeying the 4-way stop rule and warning signals when stopping on the road is mandatory. States such as California and Texas have different regulations.
Save expenses: Take an AAA membership – beneficial even if used only once a year.
Environment tip: Give old tyres to recycling centers, such as CalRecycle (California).

Changing a tire is not just a skill, but a responsibility for safety. If in doubt, always seek professional assistance. Safe driving! If you need more information, ask in the comments.

How to Change a Tyre ? Watch Video!

Reference: NHTSA.gov (US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration).