Change a Car Tyre
A flat tyre can happen anywhere. Park safely, secure the car, jack it up, and swap the flat for a spare to get back on the road.
Quick answer
Park on flat, firm ground and apply the handbrake. Loosen the wheel nuts slightly with the brace. Jack the car at the manufacturer’s point until the tyre is off the ground. Remove the nuts and wheel. Fit the spare, tighten the nuts by hand, lower the car, then tighten fully in a star pattern.
A flat tyre can happen anywhere. Knowing how to change it yourself gets you back on the road quickly and safely. You need a few basic tools and a flat, firm surface.
What you’ll need
- spare tyre (or space-saver)
- car jack
- wheel brace
- wheel wedges or bricks
- reflective warning triangle
- gloves
- torch
Step by step
- 1
Prepare the car
Park on flat, firm ground. Apply the handbrake firmly. Switch off the engine. Engage first gear if manual, or park mode if automatic. Switch on the hazard lights.
- 2
Secure the vehicle
Place wheel wedges or bricks behind the wheels that stay on the ground. Put the reflective warning triangle a safe distance behind the car. Put on your gloves.
- 3
Loosen the wheel nuts
Use the wheel brace to loosen the nuts slightly. Turn anti-clockwise. Do not remove them yet. Loosening while the wheel is on the ground prevents it from spinning.
- 4
Jack up the car
Find the manufacturer’s jacking point in the vehicle handbook. Place the jack securely. Raise the car until the flat tyre is clearly off the ground.
- 5
Remove the flat tyre
Unscrew the nuts fully and remove them. Pull the wheel towards you and place it flat under the car as a safety prop. This protects you if the jack fails.
- 6
Fit the spare tyre
Lift the spare into place. Align the bolt holes with the wheel hub. Screw the nuts on by hand. Tighten them slightly with the brace.
- 7
Lower and tighten
Lower the car until the spare tyre touches the ground but still carries some weight. Tighten the nuts fully in a star pattern. Lower the car completely. Remove the jack. Tighten the nuts one last time.
Changing a tyre involves working under and around a vehicle. Always use the manufacturer’s jacking point. Never put any part of your body beneath a car supported only by a jack. Ensure the ground is level and firm. Wear gloves to protect your hands.
Common mistakes
- Jacking on soft, sloped, or uneven ground
- Removing wheel nuts completely before jacking
- Tightening nuts in a circle instead of a star pattern
- Driving on a space-saver spare above the speed limit
Frequently asked
How tight should the wheel nuts be?
Tighten firmly with the wheel brace, then check them again after driving a short distance. Do not overtighten if you are using a short brace.
Can I change a tyre on a hill?
No. Find flat ground or call for assistance. A jack on a slope is extremely dangerous.
How fast can I drive on a space-saver spare?
Usually no more than 50 mph. Check your vehicle handbook for the exact limit. Replace it with a full-size tyre as soon as possible.
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