How to Change a Flat Tire Safely on the Roadside

Swapping a tire in your own driveway and swapping one on the shoulder of a busy Nassau County road are two completely different jobs. On the road, speed matters far less than doing it safely.

1. Get well clear of traffic first

   As far onto the shoulder as the car will go. Never work in an active lane.

2. Make the car visible

   Hazards on, and set out triangles or flares if you're carrying them.

3. Secure it before you lift anything

   Parking brake on, wheel wedges or chocks if you're anywhere near an incline.

4. Break the lug nuts loose before jacking

   Crack them just enough to move while the tire's still on the ground, then finish removing them once it's up.

5. Get the spare on

   Hand-tighten in a star pattern, lower the car back down, then torque everything fully.

6. Treat the spare as temporary

   Most aren't built for highway speed or long miles. Get to a repair shop rather than running it as a permanent fix.