How do I fix a flat tire? A road-tested guide from someone who’s done it in the rain

I’ve changed more flats than I care to admit—on test cars, family wagons, even a press fleet supercar with tires wider than my first apartment’s hallway. The drill is simple, but the moment rarely is. Maybe it’s a late-night highway shoulder with trucks tearing past, or a school run when the TPMS light pops on and your kid is asking if the “car is dying.” Don’t panic. Here’s exactly how to fix a flat tire, the way I’ve done it dozens of times in the real world.

Quick answer: how to fix a flat tire in 10 practical steps

• Pull over safely, hazards on, parking brake set.
• Find spare, jack, and lug wrench (usually in the trunk or under the floor).
• Chock the wheel opposite the flat if you can.
• Crack the lug nuts loose before lifting the car.
• Jack at the proper jacking point (check your manual).
• Lift until the flat just clears the ground.
• Remove lugs and wheel; tuck the flat under the car as a safety backup.
• Mount the spare; hand-tighten the lugs.
• Lower the car; tighten lugs in a star pattern, snug and even.
• Drive gently and get the punctured tire professionally repaired or replaced ASAP.

Tools to fix a flat tire without drama

• Spare tire (donut or full-size) with proper air pressure
• Jack and lug wrench (factory kit or a sturdier aftermarket set)
• Wheel chock or a solid rock/brick in a pinch
• Owner’s manual (for jacking points and torque specs)
• Optional: torque wrench (typically 80–100 lb-ft for many cars; check your spec)

How to fix a flat tire safely on the roadside

1. Find a safe spot and get visible. Ease off the road onto a level shoulder or a parking lot. Hazards on, parking brake set. If it’s dark, switch on your interior lights so other drivers notice you. I like to angle the car slightly away from traffic if possible.

2. Grab the kit. Your spare, jack, and lug wrench are usually under the trunk floor. SUVs sometimes hide spares underneath the rear; pickups may sling them under the bed. If you’ve got locking lug nuts, find the key now.

3. Chock a wheel. Pop something sturdy behind (and in front of) the wheel opposite the flat. It’s a small step that makes a huge difference, especially on sloped surfaces.

4. Loosen the lug nuts first. With the car still on the ground, turn the lug wrench counterclockwise to crack them loose—no need to remove them yet. Stand on the wrench if you must, but keep your balance. This is the step most folks forget.

5. Position the jack at the correct jacking point. Check the owner’s manual and look for the reinforced pinch weld or designated lift point. Get this wrong and you’ll bend something. Don’t ask how I know.

6. Lift the car. Raise the car just enough to float the flat off the ground. Don’t go higher than you need.

7. Remove the wheel. Spin off the lug nuts and pull the wheel straight toward you. Slide the flat under the chassis near the jack; if the jack slips, the car has a soft place to land.

8. Mount the spare. Line up the holes with the studs and seat the wheel flush against the hub. Hand-thread the lugs so they don’t cross-thread—if a nut won’t go on by hand, back up and try again.

9. Lower and tighten. Bring the car back to earth and snug the lugs in a star pattern to evenly seat the wheel. If you’ve got a torque wrench, finish to the spec in your manual. If not, firm-but-not-Hercules tight is better than loose-or-overcooked.

10. Clean up and roll out. Stow the tools, the flat, and any caps. Drive gently, avoid high speeds, and get the damaged tire repaired or replaced the same day if you can. Donut spares aren’t long-distance heroes.

Which spare you have changes how you fix a flat tire

When not to fix a flat tire yourself

• High-speed shoulder with no room to work
• Severe weather or poor visibility
• Missing tools or questionable jack points
• Wheel locks without the key (it happens)

In any of these, call roadside assistance. Pride is nice; safety is nicer.

Common quirks I’ve seen while fixing a flat tire

• Hidden jacking points that are offset—check both sides of the car before lifting.
• Donut spares that haven’t seen a pump since the Bush administration. Check pressure quarterly.
• TPMS light staying on after the swap. It may reset after a few miles, or you might need to relearn sensors.
• Aluminum wheels that stick to the hub. A firm heel kick at 12 and 6 o’clock usually frees them.

Real-world scenario: fixing a flat tire on a family trip

On a ski run to Tahoe last winter, we picked up a screw near Truckee. Minivan, snow on the shoulder, kids auditioning for a sibling rivalry podcast in the back. Hazards on, car angled away from traffic, wheel chocked with a chunk of ice. Ten minutes later the donut was on, we kept it under 50 mph, and a shop in town patched the tire. Not heroic—just calm, methodical, and a little chilly.

Final thoughts: you can fix a flat tire—and you’ll be glad you learned

Honestly, I wasn’t sure the first time either. But once you’ve done it, it’s as routine as making coffee. Respect the basics, don’t rush, and your spare will get you home or to a shop without drama. Learn how to fix a flat tire now—before you need to do it on a rainy shoulder with a schedule to keep.

FAQ: Fix a flat tire

• Can I drive on a flat tire?
  Only to get out of immediate danger, and even then very slowly. Driving on a flat can destroy the tire and wheel.
• How long can I drive on a donut spare?
  Typically up to 50 miles at a maximum of 50 mph. Check the label on the spare and your owner’s manual.
• What torque should I use on lug nuts?
  Many cars fall in the 80–100 lb-ft range, but always follow your vehicle’s spec. Re-check torque after 50–100 miles.
• Where do I place the jack to fix a flat tire?
  At the designated jacking point—usually a reinforced pinch weld or frame pad shown in your manual.
• Can I repair a sidewall puncture?
  No. Sidewall damage isn’t repairable; you’ll need a new tire.