Loosen while the tire is on the ground
Loosen lug nuts one-half to one full turn while the flat tire is still on the ground. The weight of the vehicle keeps the wheel from spinning. If you try to loosen nuts with the tire in the air, the wheel spins freely and you cannot apply enough torque.
Pull over to a flat, firm surface away from traffic. Engage the parking brake. Place wheel chocks (or rocks, or lumber) behind the tires on the opposite end of the vehicle.
The correct sequence
Position the jack at the vehicle's designated lift point (check your owner's manual; it is usually a reinforced spot on the frame behind the front wheel or ahead of the rear wheel). Raise until the flat tire is about 6 inches off the ground.
Remove the loosened lug nuts completely, pull off the flat, mount the spare, and hand-tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern (not clockwise) to seat the wheel evenly. Lower the vehicle until the tire touches the ground but does not bear full weight. Then fully tighten the lug nuts in the same star pattern.
Spare tire limitations
Most compact spare tires ("donuts") are rated for a maximum of 50 mph and 70 miles. Drive to a tire shop as soon as possible. A full-size spare has no such limitation but should still be checked for pressure.
- Loosen lug nuts before jacking (while tire is on ground)
- Jack at the vehicle's designated lift point only
- Tighten lug nuts in a star pattern, not clockwise
- Compact spares: max 50 mph, max 70 miles
- Check spare tire pressure annually
- Tire Maintenance — NHTSA tire safety and maintenance.