How to Change a Flat Tire: Step-by-Step Guide for Florida Drivers

A flat tire is one of the most common roadside emergencies. If you are prepared, you can handle it yourself in about 20 to 30 minutes. If you are not prepared, or just do not feel comfortable doing it alone, call Ocala Roadside Assistance at (352) 292-2929 and we will come to you.

Here is how to do it yourself.

Before You Start: Check Your Equipment

A flat tire is only manageable if you have the right tools. Every vehicle should carry:

• A spare tire (inflated to the correct pressure)
• A lug wrench
• A car jack
• Your vehicle owner’s manual

Check your spare tire every few months. A flat spare does you no good on the side of US-441.

Step 1: Pull Over Safely

At the first sign of a flat, reduce speed gradually and steer to a safe, level area. Avoid stopping on hills, curves, or narrow shoulders if possible.

Turn on your hazard lights before you even begin to pull over.

Step 2: Apply the Parking Brake

Once stopped, engage your parking brake. This prevents your vehicle from rolling during the tire change.

Place wheel wedges or rocks in front of and behind the tires you are NOT changing for extra security.

Step 3: Loosen the Lug Nuts

Before you jack up the vehicle, use the lug wrench to slightly loosen the lug nuts on the flat tire. Turn counter-clockwise to loosen.

Do not remove them fully yet. Just break the initial resistance while the tire is still on the ground.

Step 4: Position the Jack

Consult your owner’s manual for the correct jack points on your vehicle. Using the wrong jack point can damage your car’s frame.

Most vehicles have reinforced areas just behind the front wheels and just ahead of the rear wheels.

Step 5: Raise the Vehicle

Turn the jack handle clockwise to raise the vehicle. Lift until the flat tire is about six inches off the ground.

Never put any part of your body under a vehicle supported only by a jack.

Step 6: Remove the Flat and Install the Spare

Remove the lug nuts fully and set them somewhere safe. Pull off the flat tire and set it aside.

Mount the spare tire on the hub, lining up the holes. Hand-tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern (not in a circle) to ensure even contact.

Step 7: Lower the Vehicle and Tighten Fully

Lower the vehicle until the spare is touching the ground but not bearing full weight. Tighten the lug nuts completely with the lug wrench, using a star pattern.

Lower fully and remove the jack. Tighten the lug nuts one more time to confirm they are secure.

Step 8: Check the Spare’s Pressure

Most spare tires require 60 PSI. Compact “donut” spares are usually rated for 50 miles and speeds under 50 mph. Check your owner’s manual for your specific spare’s limits.

Stop at a gas station soon to inflate the spare to the correct pressure.

When to Call for Help Instead

You should call Ocala Roadside Assistance at (352) 292-2929 if:

• You do not have a spare tire or it is flat
• The lug nuts are stripped or corroded and will not budge
• Your vehicle is in an unsafe location (heavy traffic, no shoulder)
• You have a medical condition that prevents physical work
• It is dark, raining, or otherwise dangerous to work on the roadside
• You simply prefer professional help

We serve Ocala, Belleview, Wildwood, and Lady Lake, FL, and we are available 24 hours a day. Our flat tire service typically costs $55 to $95. Call us and we will be on the way.