How to Change a Flat Tire Safely: Risks vs. Professional Help

Getting a flat tire is an inconvenience that most drivers will experience at some point. While many people attempt to change a tire themselves, the process carries several risks that aren’t always obvious. Professional tow truck operators handle flat tires quickly and efficiently because they are trained, equipped, and experienced.

If you’re stranded and wondering whether to call for help or tackle the job yourself, this guide will walk you through how to change a flat tire while highlighting the dangers involved—and why roadside professionals make it look so easy.

Step 1: Find a Safe Location

The first priority is safety. If you get a flat on a busy road, stopping in the wrong place can be deadly.

✔ Move to a flat, stable surface away from traffic—never stop in a curve or near a hill where cars might not see you.✔ Turn on hazard lights immediately.✔ Engage the parking brake to prevent rolling.

Risk: If you stop in an unsafe location, oncoming traffic may not see you in time, leading to a collision. Tow truck operators use flashing lights and large vehicles to create a safety barrier, reducing the risk of being hit.

Step 2: Gather Your Tools

To change a tire, you’ll need:

• Spare tire (properly inflated)

• Car jack

• Lug wrench

• Vehicle owner’s manual

Risk: If any of these tools are missing or faulty, you may be unable to complete the job, leaving you stranded. Many people assume their spare tire is in good condition, only to find it flat or damaged when they need it most. Tow trucks carry the right tools and often have spare tires available for roadside assistance.

Step 3: Loosen the Lug Nuts

Before lifting the car, use the lug wrench to loosen each lug nut by turning it counterclockwise. This should be done while the tire is still on the ground for stability.

✔ Use your body weight to help turn the wrench.✔ Avoid stripping the lug nuts by using the correct size wrench.

Risk: Lug nuts are often overtightened at repair shops using air tools, making them extremely difficult to remove manually. If they are rusted or corroded, you might injure yourself or strip the bolts, making removal impossible without professional tools. Tow truck operators use high-powered tools to loosen even the toughest lug nuts in seconds.

Step 4: Jack Up the Car

Position the jack under the vehicle’s designated lifting points (found in the owner's manual) and slowly lift the car until the flat tire is a few inches off the ground.

✔ Make sure the jack is on solid, level ground to prevent shifting.✔ Never put your hands or feet under the car while jacking.

Risk: The jack can slip or fail, causing the vehicle to collapse suddenly. Uneven terrain, improper placement, or strong winds can increase this danger. If the car falls while you’re working underneath, serious injury or death can occur. Tow trucks use hydraulic lifts and heavy-duty jacks designed for stability, reducing the risk of jack failure.

Step 5: Remove the Flat Tire & Install the Spare

Carefully remove the loosened lug nuts and pull the flat tire straight off. Align the spare tire with the wheel bolts and push it into place.

✔ Lift with your legs, not your back, to avoid injury.✔ Make sure the spare tire sits evenly before reattaching the lug nuts.

Risk: Dropping the flat tire can injure your feet or back, and improper installation of the spare tire can lead to wheel detachment while driving. Many people unknowingly install spares incorrectly, putting themselves at risk on the road. Tow truck operators handle heavy tires daily and ensure proper alignment for safety.

Step 6: Tighten Lug Nuts & Lower the Car

Once the spare tire is secured, partially tighten the lug nuts by hand. Lower the car fully, then tighten the lug nuts in a crisscross pattern to ensure even pressure.

✔ Double-check that each lug nut is secure.✔ Use a torque wrench if available for accuracy.

Risk: If lug nuts aren’t properly tightened, the wheel may come loose while driving, which can result in an accident. Many drivers unknowingly under-tighten or over-tighten their lug nuts, which can strip the threads or damage the wheel hub. Professional tow operators use torque wrenches to ensure precise tightening.

Step 7: Check the Spare Tire & Drive Carefully

Temporary spare tires (donuts) are not meant for long distances or high speeds. Check the tire pressure before driving and take the car to a shop as soon as possible for a permanent replacement.

✔ Drive under 50 mph and avoid highways when using a temporary spare.✔ If using a full-size spare, still have the tire inspected for safety.

Risk: Many people drive on temporary spare tires longer than recommended, increasing the risk of a second blowout. Some spares are old or damaged from long-term storage, making them unsafe. Tow trucks eliminate this risk by offering transport to a tire shop, avoiding the dangers of driving on an unreliable spare.

The Risk vs. Cost of Calling a Tow Truck

Many people hesitate to call a towing service because they worry about the cost. However, the potential dangers of changing a tire yourself often outweigh the savings.

Risk Factor	DIY Cost	Tow Truck Cost
Injury from traffic	High risk	None (safe zone setup)
Car falling off the jack	High risk	None (hydraulic lift)
Struggling with rusted lug nuts	Likely	None (power tools used)
Driving on a bad spare	Risky	Safe (vehicle towed to shop)
Total estimated cost (DIY)	Free - $50 (new tools)	$50 - $150 (tow service)

A tow truck might cost a little more, but it provides:✔ A safe, professional tire change.✔ A backup plan if the spare tire is also damaged.✔ Less time and effort required on your part.

Conclusion: Should You Change a Flat Tire Yourself?

If you’re in a safe, low-traffic area and have the proper tools, you may be able to change a tire yourself. However, the risks of injury, accidents, or mechanical issues make calling a tow truck the smarter choice in many situations.

While this guide helps you change a tire as safely as possible, always assess your surroundings before attempting it. If there’s any doubt about your safety, call a professional towing service—your well-being is worth more than the cost of a tow. 🚗🔧