What is the third step in changing a flat tire?

The third step in changing a flat tire, which involves loosening but not removing the lug nuts, is crucial for ensuring safety and efficiency during the process. By loosening the lug nuts while the vehicle is still on the ground, you make it easier to remove them once the vehicle is elevated. This is because the weight of the vehicle keeps the wheel from spinning, allowing you to apply the necessary torque to loosen the nuts effectively.

If you were to try to remove the lug nuts with the vehicle lifted first, you might find the wheel spins, making it difficult to loosen them. Additionally, loosening the lug nuts while the vehicle is supported reduces the likelihood of them becoming stuck or cross-threaded.

Each step in changing a tire builds on the previous ones to ensure the task is performed safely and efficiently; thus, this step is a necessary precursor to lifting the vehicle and fully removing the tire.