How to change a tyre

Getting someone else to change a flat tyre is often the go-to option: roadside service, a friend, parent... anyone that isn't you.

But if you do get caught out with a flat tyre, the fix isn’t as scary as you might think.

The first thing you’ll need to do, if you’re driving, is pull over safely.

Move safely to a hard, flat surface (like the emergency lane or a clearing well off the road), set the park brake firmly and activate your hazard lights.

It’s important to park on concrete, asphalt or hard-packed gravel wherever possible as this will stop your car’s jack from sinking into the ground.

Be extra careful where you park if you need to replace a tyre of the right (traffic) side of your car.

Next, determine where your spare wheel is located. This may mean moving the contents from the boot of your car and on to the back seat if the spare wheel is located under the boot floor.

In some cars, the spare is located under the rear of the car. If you’re in doubt, check your car’s owner’s manual.

Now, locate the jack (the device used to lift the car slightly off the ground) and the tools to remove the wheel (a spanner or wheel brace).

Again, your car’s owner’s manual will detail step-by-step instructions, including the car’s recommended jacking points.

Wheel nuts can be very tight. Use the spanner or wheel brace to loosen them slightly before jacking the car.

You may need to use considerable force (your body weight) to move them and the weight of the car will stop the wheel from rotating.

Before you lift the car, chock the diagonally opposite wheel with something. Now, jack the corner of the car nearest the punctured wheel so that the wheel is just high enough to be removed.

Remove the wheel nuts fully and set them aside, then remove the flat wheel from the car.

Some cars are equipped with what’s known as a space-saver spare wheel. It’s smaller (narrower) than the car’s other wheels, but will get you out of trouble.

Note that many space-saver wheels can only be used temporarily and at speeds up to 80km/h.

With the spare wheel or space-saver wheel now back on the car, it’s time to fasten the wheel nuts.

Initially, these can all be tightened with your fingers. Use the wheel brace lightly but only once the wheel nuts are finger tight and the wheel is centred in its place.

Now, lower the jack slowly until the wheel is resting on the ground, but no further.

The weight on the wheel will now allow you to completely tighten the wheel nuts without the jacked wheel spinning.

Tighten the wheel nuts in the sequence recommended in the owner’s manual to ensure the wheel doesn’t wobble. Usually, this means tightening one wheel nut, missing one, then tightening the next until all the wheel nuts are done up nice and tight.

Once that’s done, you can lower the jack completely, and place the punctured wheel, jack, tools and anything else you’ve removed from the car securely back in its place.

Continue your journey, being sure to have the flat tyre repaired or replaced as soon as you can.

Five more tips on spare wheels and changing tyres:
• Check it’s inflated: A spare wheel is only useful if the tyre is properly inflated. Always check the spare tyre’s air pressure when you check your other tyres. Your owner’s manual will provide the recommended pressure.

• Stay safe: Pull over safely from the road and activate your hazard lights. Make sure you’re visible to oncoming traffic and wear a hi-vis vest if you have one. If you’re at all unsure about changing your wheel, stay in the car, and phone for assistance.

• Repair the spare: You never know when you’ll get your next flat tyre. Make sure the flat tyre is fixed or replaced as soon as possible, and don’t drive on a space-saver spare any longer than you need to.

• Practice makes perfect: Why wait until you’re stuck on the side of the road before changing your first flat tyre? Find out where the spare wheel is located, how to jack the car, and how to use your tools and have a practice run at home to learn the process. Some dealerships and most auto clubs offer lessons free of charge.

• Keep it clean: Flat tyres are usually dirty, and sometimes hot! We recommend you use an old towel and a floor mat from your car to kneel on when changing the tyre. Baby wipes are great for removing tyre dust and grease.