How do I change the tires?

The tire change procedure varies depending on your vehicle. For specific information, refer to your Owner’s Manual under Changing a Road Wheel or Changing Tires. It is particularly important on electric vehicles to locate the proper lift points so that you don’t damage the high voltage battery while hoisting your vehicle.

Important: Your Owner’s Manual contains warning instructions. Follow those instructions for your safety.

Items Needed to Change a Tire

• Lug Wrench
• Car Jack
• Spare Tire

Changing a Tire

First, check if your vehicle is equipped with a spare tire or the How do I use the tire inflator and sealant kit?. To remove and replace your tire:

1. Park on a level surface.
2. Place the transmission in park (P) or in gear (if your vehicle has a transmission) and apply the parking brake. Then, activate the hazard lights and turn the engine off.
3. Locate your spare tire if equipped. If you need help, refer to your Owner’s Manual.
   
   Note: Where is the spare tire located?.
    
4. Remove the wing nut that secures the spare tire by turning it counterclockwise.
5. Remove the spare tire.
6. Remove the jack from the foam holder.
7. Remove the flat tire retainer strap from the jack base.
8. Remove and unfold the lug wrench for use.
9. Loosen each wheel lug nut one-half turn counterclockwise, but do not remove them until the wheel is raised off the ground.
10. Jack at the specified locations to avoid damage to the vehicle.
    
    Note: The vehicle jacking points are also depicted on the warning label on the jack. Small arrow-shaped marks on the vehicle sills show the location of the jacking points. Locating the proper jacking points is particularly important with electric vehicles so that you don’t damage the high-voltage battery while hoisting your vehicle.
     
11. Turn the wrench clockwise to raise the vehicle until the flat tire is completely off the ground.
12. Remove the lug nuts with the lug wrench.
    
    Note: If equipped with full wheel covers with exposed wheel nuts, remove the wheel nuts prior to removing the wheel cover, or damage to the wheel cover may occur.
     
13. Replace the flat tire with the spare tire, making sure the valve stem is facing outward. Reinstall the lug nuts until the wheel is snug against the hub. Do not fully tighten the lug nuts until the wheel has been lowered.
14. Lower the wheel by turning the jack handle counterclockwise.
15. Remove the jack and fully tighten the lug nuts.
16. Stow all equipment.

Roadside Assistance

How do I contact Roadside Assistance? can change a flat tire for you and more. Call 1-800-241-3673 for help.

Additional Information

Where is the spare tire located?Using the Tire Finder Tool

Related Topics

Tire ReplacementHow do I check the tire pressure?When should I have an alignment?