What is the first step in the process of changing a flat tire?

Loosening the lug nuts is the first essential step in the process of changing a flat tire because it prepares the wheel for removal. Lug nuts are typically tightened to a specific torque, and attempting to loosen them after the vehicle has been elevated can be difficult and potentially dangerous due to the instability of the vehicle. By loosening the lug nuts while the tire is still in contact with the ground, you can apply full weight onto the tire, which provides the leverage needed to break the nuts free without the risk of the vehicle shifting or tipping.

Once the lug nuts are loosened, it becomes safe to elevate the vehicle with a jack to fully remove the flat tire and replace it with the spare. If one were to jump directly to elevating the vehicle before loosening the nuts, it could lead to complications such as difficulty in loosening the lug nuts or a precarious situation where the vehicle may not be stable.