Buick Regal: Tire Changing

Removing the Spare Tire and Tools

1. Jack
2. Wrench
3. Tow Hook (If Equipped)
4. Extension Bolt
5. Insulator Pad (If Equipped)

To access the spare tire and tools:

1. Open the liftgate.

2. Remove the spare tire cover.

3. Turn the retainer nut counterclockwise and remove the spare tire. Place the spare tire next to the tire being changed.

4. The jack and tools are stored below the spare tire. Remove them from their container and place them near the tire being changed.

Removing the Flat Tire and Installing the Spare Tire

1. Do a safety check before proceeding.

2. Remove the wheel nut caps, if equipped.

3. Remove the wheel cover, if equipped.

4. Turn the wheel wrench counterclockwise to loosen all the wheel nuts, but do not remove them yet.

5. Place the jack near the flat tire.

6. Put the compact spare tire near you.

Warning: Getting under a vehicle when it is lifted on a jack is dangerous.

If the vehicle slips off the jack, you could be badly injured or killed. Never get under a vehicle when it is supported only by a jack.

Warning: Raising the vehicle with the jack improperly positioned can damage the vehicle and even make the vehicle fall. To help avoid personal injury and vehicle damage, be sure to fit the jack lift head into the proper location before raising the vehicle.

Warning: Lifting a vehicle and getting under it to do maintenance or repairs is dangerous without the appropriate safety equipment and training. If a jack is provided with the vehicle, it is designed only for changing a flat tire. If it is used for anything else, you or others could be badly injured or killed if the vehicle slips off the jack. If a jack is provided with the vehicle, only use it for changing a flat tire.

7. Attach the wrench to the jack by fitting the hex end of the wrench over the hex head of the jack.

8. Place the jack under the vehicle.

Caution: Make sure that the jack lift head is in the correct position or you may damage your vehicle. The repairs would not be covered by your warranty.

9. Position the jack lift head at the jack location nearest the flat tire. The location is indicated by a notch in the vertical bottom edge of the body side sheet metal.

The notches in the jack must align with the notch in the rocker pinch weld. The jack lift head lifts on the inward side of the pinch weld flange.

The jack must not be used in any other position.

10. Raise the vehicle by turning the jack handle clockwise. Raise the vehicle far enough off the ground so there is enough room for the road tire to clear the ground.

11. Remove all of the wheel nuts.

12. Remove the flat tire.

Warning: Rust or dirt on a wheel, or on the parts to which it is fastened, can make wheel nuts become loose after time. The wheel could come off and cause an accident. When changing a wheel, remove any rust or dirt from places where the wheel attaches to the vehicle. In an emergency, a cloth or a paper towel can be used; however, use a scraper or wire brush later to remove all rust or dirt.

13. Remove any rust or dirt from the wheel bolts, mounting surfaces, and spare wheel.

14. Place the compact spare tire on the wheel-mounting surface.

Warning: Never use oil or grease on bolts or nuts because the nuts might come loose. The vehicle's wheel could fall off, causing a crash.

15. Reinstall the wheel nuts.

Tighten each nut by hand until the wheel is held against the hub.

16. Lower the vehicle by turning the jack handle counterclockwise.

Warning: Wheel nuts that are improperly or incorrectly tightened can cause the wheels to become loose or come off. The wheel nuts should be tightened with a torque wrench to the proper torque specification after replacing. Follow the torque specification supplied by the aftermarket manufacturer when using accessory locking wheel nuts.

Caution: Improperly tightened wheel nuts can lead to brake pulsation and rotor damage. To avoid expensive brake repairs, evenly tighten the wheel nuts in the proper sequence and to the proper torque specification.

17. Tighten the wheel nuts firmly in a crisscross sequence, as shown.

18. Lower the jack all the way and remove the jack from under the vehicle.

19. Tighten the wheel nuts firmly with the wheel wrench.

When reinstalling the wheel cover or center cap on the full-size tire, tighten all five plastic caps hand snug, then tighten them with the wheel wrench an additional one-quarter turn.

Caution: Wheel covers will not fit on the vehicle's compact spare. If you try to put a wheel cover on the compact spare, the cover or the spare could be damaged.

Storing a Flat or Spare Tire and Tools

Warning: Storing a jack, a tire, or other equipment in the passenger compartment of the vehicle could cause injury. In a sudden stop or collision, loose equipment could strike someone. Store all these in the proper place.

Storing a Flat or Spare Tire and Tools with a Screw in Fastener

1. Remove the extension bolt from the foam holder.

2. Screw the extension bolt onto the end of the spare tire stow bolt by hand.

3. Replace the foam, jack, and tools in their original storage location.

4. Remove the insulator pad, if equipped, and place it over the foam holder to protect the wheel of the flat tire from the jack.

5. Place the tire over the extension bolt facing up.

6. Turn the retainer nut clockwise to secure the tire.

7. Place the floor cover on the wheel.

The compact spare is for temporary use only. Replace the compact spare tire with a full-size tire as soon as you can.

READ NEXT: