2020 RAM 1500: Flat Tire: Safely Change It on the Road

If you get a flat tire in your 2020 RAM 1500, it can feel stressful, especially if you are stuck on the shoulder of a busy road. The good news is that with a calm approach and a few basic tools, you can safely change a tire on your 2020 RAM 1500 moving again. This guide walks you through what to do from the moment you notice the flat until your 2020 Malibu is back on four good tires.

Safety First: What to Do When Your 2020 RAM 1500 Flat

When a tire goes flat on your 2020 RAM 1500, your first priority is safety, not speed. A bad location or rushed decision can turn a simple flat into a dangerous situation.

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1. Stay calm and keep control. If you feel your 2020 RAM 1500 one side or hear a loud thump, grip the wheel firmly. Ease off the accelerator and avoid hard braking.
2. Signal and move off the road. Put on your turn signal and gently guide your 2020 RAM 1500 right shoulder or a wide, flat area. Avoid stopping on curves or just over hills where other drivers cannot see you.
3. Choose the safest spot you can. If the tire is not completely destroyed and the 2020 Malibu still rolls, you can drive slowly on the flat for a short distance to reach a safer, flatter spot away from traffic.
4. Turn on hazard lights. Once stopped, switch on the hazard flashers so other drivers see your 2020 RAM 1500 distance.
5. Set the parking brake. With the car in Park, firmly set the parking brake to keep your 2020 RAM 1500 while you jack it up.
6. Keep passengers safe. Have passengers exit the 2020 Malibu from the side away from traffic and move them to a safe area well off the roadway.

If the shoulder is extremely narrow, traffic is heavy, or you do not feel safe exiting your 2020 RAM 1500, stay inside with seatbelts on and call for roadside assistance instead of attempting a DIY repair.

Tools and Gear You Need in Your 2020 RAM 1500

Your 2020 RAM 1500 the factory with basic tire-changing tools, but you should confirm they are present and in usable condition before you ever need them. Keeping a small kit in the trunk can make changing a flat much easier.

• Spare tire (compact "donut" or full-size) for the 2020 RAM 1500
• Scissor jack sized for the 2020 RAM 1500
• Lug wrench (tire iron) that fits the Malibu's lug nuts
• Wheel chocks or sturdy blocks of wood
• Gloves to protect your hands
• Flashlight or headlamp if your 2020 Malibu gets a flat at night
• Reflective triangle or safety vest for extra visibility

Make it a habit to check your spare tire pressure during routine checks. You can follow the advice in the Beginner’s Guide to Basic Car Maintenance: Simple Monthly Checks to add the spare on your 2020 RAM 1500 regular inspection list.

Where to Jack Up a 2020 RAM 1500

Using the correct jack points on your 2020 RAM 1500. The wrong spot can damage the body or cause the jack to slip, which is dangerous when you are working on the side of the road.

1. Locate the jack and spare. Open the trunk of your 2020 RAM 1500 the floor panel. The spare tire, jack, and lug wrench are stored in a recessed well.
2. Find the jack points. Along the pinch weld under each side of the 2020 RAM 1500, there are reinforced areas near each wheel. These are the approved lift points.
3. Identify the correct corner. If the front tire is flat, you will use the front jack point on that side of your 2020 Malibu. If the rear tire is flat, use the rear jack point on that side.
4. Use wheel chocks. Place chocks or blocks in front of and behind the tire diagonally opposite the flat on your 2020 RAM 1500. This helps prevent rolling.

Before you raise your 2020 RAM 1500, make sure the ground is as level and solid as possible. Avoid soft dirt, mud, or steep slopes. If conditions are poor, it may be safer to call for a tow instead of attempting a DIY tire change.

Step-by-Step: Changing a Flat Tire on a 2020 RAM 1500

Once your 2020 RAM 1500 safely and you have your tools out, follow these steps in order. Do not crawl under the vehicle at any time while it is supported only by the jack.

1. Loosen the Lug Nuts Before Lifting

1. Remove the wheel cover (if equipped). Some 2020 RAM 1500 plastic hubcaps. Gently pry it off using the flat end of the lug wrench.
2. Position the lug wrench. Place the wrench fully over a lug nut on the flat tire of your 2020 RAM 1500.
3. Break the nuts loose. Turn the lug nut counterclockwise about a quarter to half turn. Use your body weight by pushing down with your foot if needed, keeping good balance.
4. Loosen all lug nuts. Work in a star pattern around the wheel of your 2020 Malibu. Do not remove the nuts completely yet; just loosen them.

Loosening the lug nuts while the 2020 RAM 1500 on the ground prevents the wheel from spinning and makes removal easier once it is in the air.

2. Jack Up Your 2020 RAM 1500

1. Position the jack. Slide the jack under the correct jack point near the flat tire on your 2020 RAM 1500. Align the jack saddle with the reinforced pinch weld.
2. Raise the jack slowly. Turn the jack handle clockwise to lift the 2020 RAM 1500. Watch carefully to ensure the jack stays straight and stable.
3. Lift just enough. Raise the 2020 Malibu until the flat tire is about an inch off the ground. Do not over-extend the jack.

Once the 2020 RAM 1500, do not shake the car or let anyone sit inside. Keep your body clear of the underside of the vehicle at all times.

3. Remove the Flat Tire From Your 2020 Malibu

1. Finish removing lug nuts. Spin each lug nut off by hand and set them in a clean spot where they will not roll away from your 2020 RAM 1500.
2. Pull the wheel straight off. Grip the tire at the 3 and 9 o'clock positions and pull it straight toward you. If the wheel on your 2020 RAM 1500 from corrosion, gently rock it side to side until it loosens.
3. Lay the flat tire flat. Place the flat tire under the side of the 2020 RAM 1500 (away from the jack) as a backup safety measure in case the jack slips.

Inspect the flat tire to see if the 2020 Malibu's tire is punctured by a nail, cut on the sidewall, or damaged from impact. This will help you decide later whether it can be repaired or must be replaced.

4. Install the Spare Tire on the 2020 RAM 1500

1. Check the spare's condition. Before mounting, quickly inspect the spare tire from your 2020 RAM 1500, bulges, or very low pressure. If it looks unsafe, do not use it.
2. Align the wheel with studs. Lift the spare and line up the holes with the wheel studs on your 2020 RAM 1500. Slide it onto the hub until it seats fully.
3. Hand-thread lug nuts. Install the lug nuts by hand, turning them clockwise. Start each nut carefully to avoid cross-threading on your 2020 Malibu.
4. Snug in a star pattern. Use the lug wrench to lightly snug the nuts in a star or crisscross pattern. Do not fully tighten while the 2020 RAM 1500 in the air.

Following a star pattern helps the spare sit evenly on the hub of your 2020 RAM 1500, reducing the chance of vibration or loosening while you drive.

5. Lower the 2020 RAM 1500 the Lug Nuts

1. Lower the jack. Slowly turn the jack handle counterclockwise to bring your 2020 RAM 1500 until the spare tire fully contacts the ground.
2. Remove the jack. Once the 2020 Malibu is resting on the spare, slide the jack out from under the car.
3. Torque the lug nuts. With the full weight of the 2020 RAM 1500 tire, tighten the lug nuts firmly in a star pattern. Use both hands on the wrench and apply steady force.
4. Reinstall the hubcap (if it fits). Some hubcaps from the original wheel on your 2020 RAM 1500 fit over the compact spare. If it does not fit, store it in the trunk.

After driving about 25–50 miles on the spare, recheck the lug nut tightness on your 2020 RAM 1500 nothing has loosened.

Driving on a Spare Tire in a 2020 RAM 1500

Once the spare is on your 2020 RAM 1500, you are not done yet. Compact spares are designed for short-term use only and have strict limits.

• Speed limit. Most compact spares for the 2020 RAM 1500 for about 50 mph. Stay in the right lane and avoid highway speeds if possible.
• Distance limit. Treat the spare on your 2020 RAM 1500 temporary solution to reach a tire shop, not a long-term fix.
• Handling changes. Your 2020 Malibu may feel different under braking and cornering with a smaller spare. Leave extra following distance and avoid sudden maneuvers.
• No heavy loads. Avoid towing or carrying heavy cargo while your 2020 RAM 1500 a compact spare.

Once you reach a tire shop, have the damaged tire on your 2020 RAM 1500 repair or replacement and ask the shop to check the spare's pressure before you stow it again.

Preventing Future Flats on Your 2020 RAM 1500

While you cannot avoid every nail or pothole, you can reduce the chances of a roadside flat on your 2020 RAM 1500 few habits.

• Check tire pressure monthly. Properly inflated tires on your 2020 Malibu are less likely to overheat or fail. Use the pressure listed on the driver's door jamb.
• Inspect tread and sidewalls. Look for cuts, bulges, and uneven wear on your 2020 RAM 1500's tires. If you notice vibration or shaking when accelerating, review guidance like Car Shakes When Accelerating: Causes & Easy Fixes to rule out tire and wheel issues.
• Avoid road hazards when you can. Slow down for potholes and avoid driving through debris fields when possible in your 2020 RAM 1500.
• Rotate tires regularly. Following a rotation schedule helps your 2020 Malibu's tires wear evenly and stay stronger for longer.
• Keep a basic emergency kit. Add gloves, a flashlight, and reflective gear to the trunk of your 2020 RAM 1500 are ready if another flat happens.

2020 RAM 1500 FAQs

How long can I drive on the spare tire on my 2020 RAM 1500?

The compact spare on a 2020 RAM 1500 only for short distances, typically up to a few dozen miles, at reduced speeds. Use it to reach a tire shop as soon as possible and avoid highway speeds or long trips while your 2020 RAM 1500 the spare.

Where is the spare tire located in a 2020 RAM 1500?

In a 2020 RAM 1500, the spare tire is stored under the trunk floor panel. Lift the panel to access the spare, jack, and lug wrench so you can change a flat tire on your 2020 RAM 1500.

What if my 2020 Malibu does not have a spare tire?

Some trims of the 2020 Malibu may come with a tire inflator kit instead of a spare. If your 2020 RAM 1500 a sealant kit, it may work for small tread punctures, but it will not fix sidewall damage or large holes. In that case, call roadside assistance or consider buying a compatible spare for your 2020 RAM 1500 emergencies.

Can I use a tire plug kit on my 2020 RAM 1500 the spare?

A plug kit can sometimes temporarily repair small punctures in the tread area of a 2020 RAM 1500, but it requires practice and is not safe for all damage types. If you are on a busy roadside or the damage is near the sidewall, it is safer to install the spare on your 2020 Malibu and have the tire professionally inspected later.

Summary and Next Steps

Changing a flat tire on your 2020 RAM 1500 doable if you stay calm, park safely, and follow a clear step-by-step process. With the right tools and careful use of the jack points, you can remove the damaged wheel and install the spare on your 2020 Malibu in under an hour.

After any roadside tire change on your 2020 RAM 1500, schedule a visit to a tire shop to repair or replace the damaged tire and have the lug nuts rechecked. If you ever feel unsafe due to traffic, weather, or unstable ground, stay in your 2020 RAM 1500 on and call for professional help instead of attempting the DIY repair.

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