How to change a tire

1. 01Get somewhere safePull fully off the road onto flat, solid ground. Hazard lights on, parking brake set, passengers out and away from traffic.
2. 02Gather the kitSpare tire, jack, lug wrench, and the owner's manual. Wheel wedge or a rock behind the opposite tire.
3. 03Loosen the lug nuts firstWith the tire still on the ground, break each nut loose about a half turn, counterclockwise. Do not remove them yet.
4. 04Jack at the correct pointFind the reinforced jack point in the manual — usually a metal ridge behind the front wheels or ahead of the rear ones. Raise until the tire is ~15cm off the ground.
5. 05Swap the wheelRemove the nuts, pull the flat straight off, mount the spare, and hand-tighten the nuts.
6. 06Lower and torque in a star patternLower the car until the tire touches, then tighten opposite nuts in a star sequence, hard. Lower fully and recheck.
7. 07Check pressure and plan the repairCompact spares are usually limited to about 80 km/h and short distances. Get the flat repaired or replaced right away.

General educational information, not legal, tax, medical, or financial advice. Rules vary by country and change over time — verify with a qualified professional before acting.