How to change a tyre

11^th September 2020

Understanding how to change a tyre is a valuable skill to have. If you find yourself in a spot of trouble on the road, whether that’s from a puncture or a tyre blowout, knowing how to change a car tyre is likely to give you peace of mind that wherever you are, you’ll be able to get back on the road as quickly as possible. Learn how to change a flat tyre from our helpful guide.

Changing a car tyre

What will I need to change a tyre?

Spare tyre
Car handbook
Locking wheel nut key (if your vehicles have alloy wheels fitted)
Jack
Spanner

Additional items you may require:

Gloves
Torch
Warning triangle
Tyre pressure gauge

How to change a car tyre

1. Prepare

Make sure that your vehicle is parked up in a safe space, and that your hazard warning lights are switched on. If you have a warning triangle, pace this 50m behind the car (if this is possible). This will alert drivers passing-by that you are replacing a tyre.

Ensure that the spare tyre is inflated and that you have your vehicle handbook to hand for detailed instructions. Loosen the nuts on the wheel that you’re changing – you can this do this by using the spanner in an anti-clockwise direction.

2. Using the jack

Next, jack up your vehicle. Your vehicle handbook will advise you on what is the best lifting point on the vehicle – so consult this before you begin lifting. Once the wheel you’re changing is now lifted above the ground, and the body of the vehicle is raised, unscrew the wheel nuts in diagonal pairs and remove. Next, remove the wheel (note: this is likely to be heavy, and probably quite dirty, too).

3. Fit the spare wheel

Ensure the spare wheel is the right way around before you fit it. Slide the wheel into the hub bolts – in line with the wheel nut slots. Once secured, reattach the wheel nuts and screw them in until they are finger tight.

4. Lower the vehicle

Using the jack, lower the vehicle until the replaced tyre touches the surface and is safely back on the ground again. Ensure nuts and bolts are secured by tightening the wheel nuts using your spanner.

Now, you have successfully changed your tyre. Got a tyre pressure gauge to hand? You can now check the tyre pressure is correct in your spare tyre and, if so, you can get back on the road.

Car tyre replacement services at The Tyre Group

Now your tyre has been changed, it’s important to replace your spare tyre with a new tyre which is the correct choice for your vehicle – as spare tyres are only designed for emergencies. Find tyres to buy online from The Tyre group, or locate your nearest centre to enquire about your punctured tyre being repaired now.

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