Changing a flat tire might seem like a simple task, but even experienced drivers make mistakes that can lead to unsafe driving conditions or even damage their vehicle. If you’ve ever had to swap out a tire on the side of the road, you might be surprised to learn that some of the most common mistakes happen before you even start turning the lug nuts. Whether you're confident in your skills or it’s been years since you last changed a tire, here’s what you need to watch out for to ensure the job is done safely and correctly.
Mistake #1: Choosing an Unsafe Spot to Change the Tire
A flat tire can happen anywhere, but that doesn’t mean every location is a safe place to stop. Many people make the mistake of pulling over too quickly in a dangerous spot, like a blind curve, a narrow shoulder, or near moving traffic. If you experience a flat tire, your first priority should be finding a safe, level area to stop.
What to do instead
Reduce your speed gradually and look for a parking lot, rest area, or a straight, wide section of road. Turn on your hazard lights immediately so other drivers can see that you’re stopped. If you have a reflective triangle or road flares, use them to improve visibility—especially at night.
Mistake #2: Forgetting to Secure the Car Before Starting
It’s easy to get caught up in the frustration of a flat tire and rush to get the job done. But failing to secure your vehicle properly can be a dangerous mistake. If your car rolls while you’re working on it, you could end up with more than just a flat tire to worry about.
What to do instead
Always engage the parking brake before attempting to change a tire. If you're on an incline, place wheel wedges (or a heavy object like a rock) behind the tires to prevent rolling. This step is crucial for keeping your vehicle stable, especially when using a jack.
Mistake #3: Loosening the Lug Nuts at the Wrong Time
One of the most frustrating mistakes is realizing you can’t get the lug nuts loose because the wheel keeps spinning. Trying to loosen them while the car is already jacked up makes the job much harder than it needs to be.
What to do instead
Always loosen the lug nuts slightly before lifting the car with the jack. Use a lug wrench to turn them counterclockwise just enough to break them loose. Once the car is off the ground, you can fully remove them with ease.
Mistake #4: Incorrectly Positioning the Jack
Placing the jack in the wrong spot can cause serious damage to your car—or even worse, cause it to slip while you’re changing the tire. Many people assume they can put the jack anywhere under the car, but that’s not the case.
What to do instead
Locate the designated jack points on your vehicle. These are reinforced areas designed to support the car’s weight. Most vehicles have them near each wheel, and you can usually find their exact location in the owner’s manual. Using the wrong spot could result in damage to the undercarriage or a dangerous loss of stability.
Mistake #5: Not Tightening the Lug Nuts Correctly
Many people assume that as long as the lug nuts are screwed in tightly, the job is done. However, tightening them unevenly or skipping proper torque procedures can lead to wheel wobbling and unsafe driving conditions.
What to do instead
After putting the spare tire on, tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern rather than going in a circular order. This ensures even pressure on the wheel, reducing the risk of misalignment. Once all the lug nuts are hand-tightened, lower the car back to the ground and fully tighten them with a lug wrench. If possible, check the lug nut torque with a torque wrench to ensure they are properly secured.
Think Your Spare Tire Is Road-Ready? Think Again.
Even if you successfully change the tire, many drivers forget one crucial step—checking the spare itself. Spare tires are designed for temporary use, and driving on one for too long can be a serious safety risk.
Here’s what you need to remember about driving on a spare:
- Check the air pressure before driving. A spare that has been sitting in your trunk for years may be underinflated.
- Follow the speed limit for spares—most temporary spare tires shouldn’t exceed 50 mph.
- Don’t drive long distances—spares are not built for extended use and should only be used until you can get a proper replacement.
If you’re unsure whether your spare is still safe to use, it’s best to get it inspected before you actually need it.
A spare tire is a short-term fix—don’t risk driving on it for too long. Visit Villa Marina Auto Care for a full tire inspection and replacement options.