Changing a tyre

A flat tyre or blow out can happen when you least expect it. You need to be able to change a tyre so you can carry on your journey.

Where should you practise this?

You don’t have to have a flat tyre to practise changing one. Do this at home so you can be confident how to change a tyre before you need to do so.

How to change a tyre

• Take out the jack, tools and spare tyre.
• Remove the hub cap on the flat tyre if there is one. Loosen the wheel nuts with the tyre tool by turning anticlockwise. But don’t remove them yet.
• Find the lifting point under your car where the jack needs to be placed. Position the jack and gently turn it until the flat tyre is off the ground.
• Remove the wheel nuts with your tyre tool, then remove the wheel and change it over with the spare.
• Replace the wheel nuts and tighten by hand. Then lightly tighten with the tyre tool in this sequence:
  1. Tighten the top wheel nut first.
  2. Then the one directly opposite it.
  3. Tighten the nut to the left.
  4. Then the nut to the right.

• Lower the jack down gently until your car is firmly on the ground, then remove the jack.
• Fully tighten the wheel nuts with your tyre tool in the same sequence as above. Give the tyre a good strong shake with both hands to make sure it’s on nice and tight.
• Replace the hub cap if there is one, and put away the flat tyre, tools and jack.
• Don’t forget to get the flat tyre repaired as soon as you can.

Safety tips for when you’re changing a tyre

• Never get underneath the car when it’s supported by the jack.
• Don’t start or run the engine while the car’s supported by the jack.
• Make sure all passengers are out of the car when you’re jacking it up.
• Only use the jack at the lifting points. Using it in other places on the car could cause damage or lead the car to slip off.
• Only use the jack on hard level surfaces. Avoid soft or uneven ground.
• Remember, if you fit a space saver tyre you shouldn’t go above 80km/h. They’re not meant to be used at higher speeds. You should replace a space saver tyre with a full-size tyre as soon as you can.

What if you have a tyre blow out?

• If a front tyre blows out, when all the air is immediately released from the tyre, the car will pull towards the side of the blowout.
• A rear tyre blowout will cause the back of the car to sway from side to side.
• If you do get a tyre blow out:
  1. Firmly grip the steering wheel. Don’t overcorrect.
  2. Check your mirrors and do a shoulder check to make sure no one is directly behind you.
  3. Brake slowly and smoothly.
  4. Indicate and move to the left of the road.
  5. Scan ahead for a level, firm and non-slippery surface to pull over and change the tyre. Stop as far away from traffic as possible.
  6. Make sure your wheels are pointing straight ahead.
  7. Put the hand brake (or park brake) on and switch on your hazard warning lights.
  8. If your car’s an automatic, put it in park. If it’s a manual, put it in first gear if you're on the flat or facing uphill, or reverse if you're facing downhill.
  9. Turn the engine off.
  10. Make sure the road is clear and safe before you get out of your car.