Getting a flat tyre while driving is inconvenient and depending on where you are, potentially dangerous. Knowing how to change a flat tyre can save you time, money, and a whole lot of hassle. Here are some step-by-step instructions to get you back on the road again, as well as what to do if you don't have a spare tyre, and how to avoid tyre issues in the future.
Whether you're a seasoned driver or a beginner, understanding the process of changing a flat tyre is an essential skill that you should know. So, let's dive into the details and learn how to swap-out a flat tyre before you actually need to!
8 steps to change a flat tyre
Safety should always be your top priority when changing a flat tyre. These are general instructions — so, it's always best to refer to your vehicle's owner's manual for specific guidance.
This process can be physically demanding, so if you’re not comfortable or unable to do so, call for professional roadside assistance.
1. Safety First: Before you start, make sure you park your vehicle in a safe location away from traffic on flat even ground, engage the parking brake, and turn on your hazard lights. If you have a high-vis safety vest or warning triangle in your emergency car kit, put the vest on and place the triangle on the side of the road where other motorists can see it.
2. Gather the necessary tools: You will need a few tools to change a flat tyre, including a jack, lug or socket wrench, spare tyre, and possibly a wheel chock or block of wood for added safety. It’s worth checking next time you clean the car, that all of the necessary equipment is inside your boot and in working order.
3. Locate and remove the flat tyre: Identify the flat tyre and put the wheel chock behind the front wheel of the tyre that is not flat. Take the socket wrench and loosen the lug/wheel nuts, but do not remove them yet (some vehicles use bolts instead of nuts to hold the wheel on). Use the jack to lift the vehicle off the ground until the flat tyre is off the ground and you have enough clearance to work. Ensure the vehicle is stable and secure before starting to remove the tyre.
4. Remove the wheel nuts/bolts and flat tyre: Once the vehicle is securely lifted, use the wrench to fully remove the wheel nuts/bolts and take off the flat tyre. Be sure to place them in a safe spot, so you don't lose them.
5. Install the spare tyre: Align the spare tyre with the wheel studs/bolt holes and hand-tighten the nuts/bolts as much as you can. Then, use the wrench to fully tighten the nuts/bolt in a crisscross pattern to ensure even tightening.
6. Lower the vehicle and tighten lug Nuts: Use the jack to lower the vehicle back to the ground and remove the jack carefully. Use the wrench to give the nuts/bolts one final tightening to ensure they are securely fastened. It’s important not to over tighten them as you want to be able to untighten them should you need to change the tyre again.
7. Check Tyre Pressure: After changing the flat tyre, it's important to check the tyre pressure of the spare tyre using a tyre pressure gauge. If you don’t have a way to measure it right there and then, drive to your nearest petrol station and nflate or deflate the tyre as needed to the recommended pressure.
8. Double check and clean up: Double check all the wheels to ensure they are tightened properly and clean up any tools or equipment used during the process. Place the flat tyre, jack, and lug wrench back in their respective storage spots in the vehicle.
What if you don’t have a spare tyre?
Some vehicles, especially newer efficient vehicles may not come with a spare tyre, so you’ll need a plan B to get back on track. Let’s explore some of your options available if you find yourself stranded on the side of the road without a back up tyre handy:
Inflator kits
Inflator kits usually include a sealant and an air compressor to temporarily repair a punctured tyre and reinflate it. Follow the instructions provided with the inflator kit to repair the punctured tyre and reinflate it to a safe level.
Familiarise yourself with these steps before you need them.
However, keep in mind that these repairs are a temporary measure and may not be suitable for all types of tyre damage. Once you are on the road again, take your car as soon as you can to the tyre shop to repair or replace your flat tyre.
Call for roadside assistance
If you are unable to repair the flat tyre with an inflator kit or do not have one, you can call for roadside assistance. Many vehicle associations, like the AA, provide roadside assistance services that are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Your vehicle insurance might also include roadside assistance, so be sure to double check with your provider.
They may be able to provide a temporary repair on the side of the road or tow your vehicle to a nearby repair shop, getting you back on the road in no time.
Consider buying a spare or space saver
If your car doesn’t have an extra tyre, you may be purchase a full size spare tyre or a space saver to store in your boot. A space saver is a smaller and thinner tyre designed only to get you to a safe place in order to get a regular tyre fitted. With a space saver fitted, you must not drive faster than 80 km/h even in a 100 km/h zone and when it’s wet or icy, it’s important to drive slower and with even more caution.
While there is no legal restriction on how far you can drive on a space saver, it is not recommended to drive more than 80km, and if possible, get a replacement tyre before that.
How to prevent a flat tyre
Here are a few things you can do to prevent a flat tyre from happening in the first place!
Maintain proper tyre pressure — tyres that are underinflated or overinflated are more prone to damage and can lead to a flat tyre. Check your vehicle's owner's manual or the sticker on the driver's side door jamb for the recommended tyre pressure and make sure to keep your tyres inflated to the correct pressure.
Rotate your tyres — moving the tyres from one position to another on your vehicle can help prevent uneven wear and tear, which can lead to premature tyre failure and flat tyres. Follow the recommended tyre rotation pattern as mentioned in your vehicle's owner's manual.
Replacing worn-out tyres — tyres have a limited lifespan and become more susceptible to punctures and flats as they wear down. Regularly inspect your tyres for signs of wear, such as tread depth below the legal limit, sidewall damage, or visible cuts, and replace them promptly when needed.
Knowing how to change a flat tyre is an essential skill for every driver — so, be prepared. Practice at home, so you feel confident using the tools, take preventive measures by regularly taking care of your tyres, and when your car doesn’t have a spare tyre, have a plan in place, such as an inflator kit roadside assistance, or consider buying a space saver.
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