Brown Motors

How to Change a Flat Tire

Knowing what to do when a tire goes flat can help you avoid feeling helpless.

Stop Safely:

• If you get a flat tire while driving - do not slam on your brakes.
• You should gradually decrease your speed, while keeping a firm grip on the steering wheel. Then move slowly to a safe level place off the road as far from traffic as possible.
• Turn on your flashing hazard lights.
• Take a look around at you. If you don't feel safe, do not hesitate to call the police for help.

Changing the Flat Tire:

• Set your parking brake. Place your vehicle in P (Park) or R (Reverse) for manual transmissions. Turn off the engine.
• Block the front and back of the wheel located diagonally opposite to the flat to help keep your vehicle from rolling.
• Remove the spare tire, jack and lug wrench from storage.
• Remove the hub cap or center ornament by prying it off with the tapered end of the lug wrench. Consult your vehicle owner's manual for the location of the spare and jack kit.
• Loosen each wheel lug nut one-half turn counterclockwise, but do not remove them until the wheel is raised off the ground.
• Put the jack in the jack notch next to the door of the tire you are changing, and turn the jack handle clockwise until the wheel is high enough off the ground to put the spare on. You should always avoid raising the vehicle any higher than you need to.
• Finish removing the lug nuts with the lug wrench and remove the flat tire.
• Place the spare tire on the wheel hub, making sure the valve stem (the nozzle you put air in) is facing outward.
• Reinstall lug nuts until the wheel is snug against the hub. Do not fully tighten the lug nuts until the wheel has been lowered.
• Lower the wheel by turning the jack handle counterclockwise.
• Remove the jack. Fully tighten the lug nuts beginning at the top of the tire. After a few turns, rotate clockwise to tighten the next lug nut. Repeat this process until each lug nut is securely in place.
• Return the flat tire, jack and lug wrench to their proper storage locations.
• Unblock the wheels.
• Stop by Brown Motors for a replacement tire as soon as possible!

Driving on your spare tire:

Always use extra caution while driving on a temporary spare tire. Most are designed for emergency - not extended - use. Follow these guidelines until you're able to get to Brown Motors for a replacement.

• Keep your speed under 50 mph - most spares are not designed to handle high speeds.
• Do not tow a trailer.
• Avoid abrupt steering maneuvers.
• Avoid automatic car washes - your spare doesn't allow as much clearance as your original tire.

Brown Motors Tire Center for Replacement Tires