How to Change a Flat Tyre
Due to regular driving and road conditions, there will come a time when your car will get a flat tyre.
What you’ll need to change a tyre:
Wrench
To remove the wheel nuts.
Jack
To safely raise the car off the ground.
Wheel Chocks
To secure the car so it doesn’t roll away when it’s jacked up.
Torch
If you’re changing the tyre at night.
High viz
If you’re changing the tyre at night and/or by the roadside.
Wheel nut key
If locking nuts are fitted to the car.
Car handbook
To be used for reference.
Step 1: Stabilise the vehicle
It’s important that you find a safe place to park if you get a flat tyre while driving.
Use the wheel chocks to prevent the car from rolling when it’s jacked up
When using wheel chocks, you’ll want to position them behind the opposite wheel to the one with the puncture, e.g. if the right rear wheel has a puncture, then put the chocks behind the rear left wheel.
If you have chocks for two sets of wheels, then use them as appropriate.
But don’t worry if you don’t have wheel chocks. Bricks or large rocks can also work just fine.
Step 2: Loosen the wheel nuts
It’s safer to do this while the car is on the ground
Turn the wheel nuts anti-clockwise with the wrench until they’re loose enough to turn by hand but don’t remove them completely.
Step 3: Jack the car up
Use your car’s handbook to find out where the dedicated jacking points are on the vehicle.
Then position the jack at the side of the car close to the puncture.
To help keep it stable, you can use a plank of wood to put underneath the jack.
Then raise the car slowly until the flat tyre is between 10-15cm off the ground
Step 4: Time to remove the flat tyre
Fully loosen the wheel nuts, then carefully pull the tyre towards you until it comes off completely.
Then place it flat on the ground.
Step 5: Fit the spare wheel
Slide the wheel onto the wheel bolts, or so it’s in line with the wheel nut slots.
Then put the wheel nuts back on and tighten them by hand.
Step 6: Lower the car to the ground
Bring the car back to the ground, then remove the jack.
Double-check the wheel nuts, so they’re tight enough.
Then put the jack, flat tyre and other tools back in the boot.
Step 7: Check the spare tyre’s tyre pressure
Use a tyre gauge to check if it’s properly inflated.
If not, gently pump it until it’s the recommended tyre pressure. Check the car’s handbook if needed.
Step 8: Have the flat tyre repaired
Go to a garage to see if the tyre can be repaired or if it needs to be replaced.
Spare wheels are meant for emergencies, so don’t drive on them for longer than necessary.
So now you know how to change a flat tyre in 8 easy steps!