1. Safety First!
* Find a safe, level location: Pull over as far from traffic as possible on a level, stable surface. Avoid soft ground or inclines.
* Engage the parking brake: Firmly engage the parking brake.
* Turn on hazard lights: Warn other drivers of your stopped vehicle.
* Gather your tools: Locate your owner's manual (for specific jack points and torque specs), spare tire, jack, lug wrench, and owner's manual (if available, this will have instructions specific to your car's jack). Gloves are also a good idea.
2. Prepare the Vehicle
* Locate the spare tire, jack, and lug wrench: These are usually located in the trunk.
* Consult your owner's manual: The manual will specify the correct jacking points for your Fleetwood Brougham. This is crucial to avoid damage to the car's undercarriage. Improper jack placement can cause damage.
* Chock the wheels: If possible, place a chock (a sturdy block of wood or a similar object) behind the wheel opposite the one you're changing to prevent the car from rolling.
3. Loosen the Lug Nuts
* Before jacking up the car: Use the lug wrench to slightly loosen the lug nuts on the flat tire. Don't remove them completely yet, just break them free. This is much easier to do before the tire is off the ground. Turn counter-clockwise.
4. Jack Up the Vehicle
* Position the jack: Carefully position the jack at the designated jacking point specified in your owner's manual.
* Raise the vehicle: Slowly and steadily raise the vehicle until the flat tire is a few inches off the ground. Ensure the car is stable.
5. Remove the Flat Tire
* Unscrew the lug nuts: Completely remove the lug nuts and keep them together in a safe place.
* Pull off the flat tire: Carefully pull the flat tire towards you and away from the wheel hub. It might be heavy, so be prepared.
6. Install the Spare Tire
* Align the spare tire: Align the spare tire with the wheel studs.
* Push the spare tire onto the studs: Push the spare tire onto the wheel studs until it's flush against the hub.
* Tighten the lug nuts: Tighten the lug nuts by hand, ensuring they are snug.
7. Lower the Vehicle
* Lower the jack: Slowly and steadily lower the vehicle using the jack until the spare tire is firmly on the ground.
* Fully tighten the lug nuts: Once the car is on the ground, use the lug wrench to fully tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern (opposite nuts first, then the ones in between). This ensures even pressure. Refer to your owner's manual for the correct torque specification. Don't overtighten!
8. Stow the Flat Tire and Tools
* Secure the flat tire and tools: Carefully put the flat tire, jack, and lug wrench back in their designated storage areas.
9. Check Tire Pressure
* Check the spare tire's pressure: Check the spare tire's pressure and inflate it to the correct pressure as indicated on the tire's sidewall or your owner's manual.
Important Considerations for a Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham:
* Weight: The car is relatively heavy, so be extra careful when jacking it up. Make sure the jack is stable and properly positioned.
* Size: The tires are large; you may need extra leverage with the lug wrench.
* Spare Tire: Be aware that the spare tire might be a temporary spare (smaller and intended for limited use). Drive carefully and replace the flat tire with a full-size tire as soon as possible.
If you are uncomfortable performing this task yourself, call a roadside assistance service or a local tire shop. It's always better to be safe than sorry.
