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Which way does a spare tire go on?

I went to start my car this morning and noticed I have a flat tire. I have a spare tire I can use to get me to a repair shop, but I don’t know how to put it on. Which way does a spare tire go on?

avatar
Bonnie Stinson · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Believe it or not, it is possible to accidentally put a spare tire on backward. Luckily, there’s an easy way to tell which way the spare tire should go on – just look for the valve stem (it’s where you put a tire gauge to check your tire pressure).
The valve stem should point outward. If the valve stem points toward your vehicle, you’ve got the tire on backward.
If you need a little more help getting your spare tire on, follow these steps:
  • Put your vehicle in “park” on a flat surface. Put the parking brake on as well
  • Place a jack underneath your vehicle near the tire you’re going to change. Make sure it’s on a metal part of the frame
  • Raise the jack until your tire is lifted off the ground
  • Remove the hubcap and nuts holding the wheel on
  • Remove the flat tire
  • Put your spare tire on, valve stem pointing out
  • Replace the nuts and hubcap
  • Lower your vehicle down and remove the jack
Knowing how to change a
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