- 1). Move the car to a smooth, clean location, preferably indoors. If you must change the tire outdoors, as in the case of a flat tire, lay several old towels down on the ground near the tires. Check to make sure the car isn't running and the parking break is on. This will prevent the car from rolling away as you change the tire.
- 2). Remove the hubcap from the center of the wheel using the flat part of the tire iron or a large flathead screwdriver. Set it aside.
- 3). Loosen the lug nuts slightly with the tire iron. If necessary, spray the threads of the lug nuts with spray lubrication to make them easier to remove. Start with the top left screw, then move to the bottom right, bottom left and finally the top left. This distributes the tension between the nuts and prevents the bolts or wheel from bending.
- 4). Jack up the side of the car using the car jack. Place the jack in an area of the car that will not become damaged under the pressure. The car's manual should specify the correct placement of the jack.
- 5). Remove the lug nuts, and gently pull the tire off of the axle, trying not to touch the white wall of the tires. Set the tire white side up onto the old towels. If you must be outdoors for any period of time, cover the top of the tires with old towels to protect them from road dust and other materials that might scratch the white finish.
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