Quick Answer: Pull far right, turn on hazards, set parking brake, place reflective triangles 100+ feet behind your car. Change tire quickly but carefully. Never attempt on busy highways or in poor weather conditions. Call for professional help instead.
What To Do
Get off the road immediately
- Pull as far right as possible onto the shoulder
- Avoid curves, hills, or narrow shoulders
- Turn on hazard lights before you stop
Make yourself visible
- Set parking brake and turn wheels away from traffic
- Place reflective triangles 100-200 feet behind your vehicle
- Turn on interior dome light if dark
- Wear bright clothing or reflective vest
Position your jack safely
- Find solid, level ground away from traffic
- Locate proper jack points in your owner’s manual
- Never jack up the car on soft ground or asphalt
Change the tire quickly
- Loosen lug nuts before raising the vehicle
- Raise car until flat tire clears ground
- Remove flat tire, install spare
- Hand-tighten lug nuts in star pattern
- Lower vehicle and fully tighten lug nuts
Clean up and get moving
- Stow flat tire and tools in trunk
- Collect triangles and safety equipment
- Check spare tire pressure at next gas station
Photo: Pexels
What It Might Cost
- Roadside assistance call: $75-150
- New tire (if spare is temporary): $80-300
- Tow to tire shop: $100-200
Photo: Pexels
Stay Safe
Don’t attempt if:
- Traffic is heavy or moving fast
- Weather conditions are poor
- Shoulder is too narrow or unsafe
- You’re on a bridge or in a tunnel
Call 911 or roadside assistance instead. Your safety matters more than your schedule. Temporary spare tires are only rated for 50 mph and 50 miles maximum.