Changing Your Flat Tire
Find a Safe Spot
Never change a tire on a hill or on a narrow road. Pull over to a flat, level surface as far from traffic as possible. On busy Upland roads like Foothill Blvd, find a parking lot or a wide shoulder. Turn on your hazard lights.
Secure the Vehicle
Apply the parking brake. Place wheel wedges or rocks in front of and behind the tires on the opposite side of the flat to prevent the car from rolling.
Loosen the Lug Nuts
Use the lug wrench to loosen the lug nuts about a half turn each. Do not remove them yet — just break them loose while the wheel is still on the ground.
Jack Up the Vehicle
Place the jack under the reinforced jacking point near the flat tire. Refer to your owner's manual for the exact location. Raise the car until the flat tire is about six inches off the ground. If the ground is soft, place a flat piece of wood under the jack for stability.
Remove the Flat Tire
Now fully remove the loosened lug nuts and set them in a safe place. Pull the flat tire straight toward you to slide it off the wheel studs. Lay it flat on the ground so it doesn't roll away.
Mount the Spare Tire
Lift the spare tire and align the holes with the wheel studs. Push the tire all the way onto the studs. Hand-tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern — tighten one, then the one across from it, alternating until all are snug.
Lower the Car and Finish Tightening
Lower the jack until the tire touches the ground but the car's weight isn't fully on it yet. Give the lug nuts a final tighten with the wrench in the star pattern. Then lower the car fully and remove the jack. Give each lug nut one last check.
