Changing a Flat Tire in Wisconsin

How to Safely Change a Flat Tire in Waukesha, Jefferson, and Dodge Counties

Changing a flat tire is something you can do on your own, safely and efficiently, whether you're in Waukesha County, Jefferson County, or Dodge County. Find our how-to guide below and when to call for roadside assistance or a towing service if you need extra help.

Find a Safe Spot:

If your tire goes flat while driving, slowly reduce your speed and look for a safe, level area to park. This could be a parking lot or a wide shoulder on the road if allowed. Avoid stopping on curved roads or highways where other drivers can't see you.

Turn on Your Hazard Lights:

When you realize you need to stop, turn on your hazard lights. This lets other drivers know you're there and helps keep you safe, especially during busy times or in less visible areas of Waukesha, Jefferson, and Dodge Counties.

Get Your Tools Out:

You'll need a few tools to change your tire: a jack, a lug wrench, and a spare tire. These are usually located in your trunk. 

Loosen the Lug Nuts:

Before you lift your car with the jack, loosen the lug nuts on the flat tire with your lug wrench. Turn them counterclockwise just a bit.

Lift Your Car:

Check your car's manual to find the specific spot under your vehicle where you should place the jack. Then, carefully lift your car until the flat tire is off the ground.

Remove the Flat Tire:

After lifting your car, finish unscrewing the lug nuts and removing the flat tire. Keep the lug nuts safe—you'll need them to secure the spare tire.

Put on the Spare Tire:

Lift your spare tire and line it up with the lug bolt posts. Then, put the lug nuts back on and tighten them as much as possible by hand.

Lower Your Car and Tighten the Lug Nuts Again:

Use the jack to lower your car back to the ground. Once fully lowered, use the lug wrench to tighten the lug nuts as much as possible. This step is essential for your safety, as the car may jerk during this process.

Check Your Spare Tire's Pressure:

Spare tires can lose air over time, so ensure your spare has enough air. If it's low, drive carefully to the nearest gas station to add air.

When to Call for Help:

Consider when you're not comfortable changing the tire yourself. Calling for roadside assistance or a towing service may be safer if it's dark or you're on a busy road. Professionals like us have the tools and experience to quickly change your tire or tow your car to a safe location for repairs. In Waukesha, Jefferson, and Dodge Counties, help is available from Silver Lake Towing & Recovery.