How long can I drive on a spare tire?

A compact 'donut' spare is rated for about 50–70 miles at no more than 50 mph. A full-size matching spare can be driven normally, though you should still repair the flat promptly. Check the spare's sidewall for its specific limits.

Which way do lug nuts loosen?

Counterclockwise on virtually all modern cars ('lefty-loosey'). A handful of older vehicles had left-hand threads on one side, but if your car was built in the last several decades, counterclockwise loosens every lug nut.

What if the lug nuts won't budge?

Make sure the wrench is fully seated, then use steady body weight — standing carefully on the wrench arm works if the wrench is positioned horizontally to your right for loosening. Penetrating oil helps on corroded nuts. Never use a pipe extension on a scissor-jack handle, and if nuts are truly seized, call roadside assistance rather than risk rounding them off.

Can I change a tire on a hill?

No — a car on a slope can roll or slide off a jack even with the parking brake set. Drive slowly on the flat (it is already ruined) to level ground, or call for help.

Back to tires

How to Change a Tire

About 25 minutesModerate12 steps

A flat tire is the most common roadside breakdown, and changing one is a skill every driver should have. This guide walks you through it one step at a time — designed to be used on your phone at the roadside. Most spare-tire changes take 15–30 minutes.

Only change a tire on firm, level ground well away from traffic. If you are on a highway shoulder, a narrow road, soft ground, or a hill — or you do not feel safe — call roadside assistance instead. A spare is a temporary fix: drive directly to a tire shop.