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Knowing how to change a tyre safely is something all road drivers should learn at some point. There’s nothing worse than being stuck on the side of the road with a flat tyre and having no idea what to do. Luckily, once you know how, changing a tyre is pretty simple.
To help prepare, we’ve put together a simple, easy-to-follow guide for you to run through.
Step 1. Find a stable, flat and safe place to park
Finding a safe and flat place to park your car is vital when you attempt to change a tyre, as you need a solid level surface to restrict the car from rolling. Try to park as far away from busy traffic if possible and be sure to turn on your hazard lights.
Step 2. Be sure to put the car into the ‘Park’ position
Put on the parking brake before you get to work, or if you have a standard transmission put the vehicle in first or reverse.
Step 3. Place a heavy object under the wheels
Both the front and back tyres need a little extra security. Sometimes using a rock, piece of concrete or spare wheel can provide some extra support.
Step 4. Take the spare tyre and jack out of the car boot.
Carefully place the jack under the frame near the tyre that needs changing. Be sure to connect the jack with the metal portion of your car’s frame, not the plastic mould as this is likely to crack under pressure.
Step 5. Raise the jack
When the jack is firmly in place, check that it is perpendicular to the ground and then raise it so that it is supporting (not lifting) the car.
Step 6. Remove the hubcap and loosen up the nuts
Using a wrench, loosen the nuts while the wheels are firmly on the ground and still supported. Be sure to turn it the correct way to save time – this is usually counter clockwise. If you try to break your lug nuts free and it doesn’t budge, use your body weight to give it some extra goading.
Step 7. Pump the jack, this time lifting the tyre off the ground
Be sure to lift the car enough to remove the flat tyre and replace it with a spare. As you lift, judge the stability of the car and go about securing the jack properly before fully lifting the car. Don’t continue to lift at an angle – you can always reposition it and start again.
Step 8. Remove the nuts
Now you can remove all of the lug nuts completely. Again, to do so turn them counter clockwise.
Step 9. Remove the tyre
This can sometimes be trickier than it sounds due to rust. If you struggle to get the tyre free, use a rubber mallet to hit the inside of the tyre and free it.
Step 10. Put the spare tyre on!
You made it to this stage – give yourself a pat on the back! Now you need to align the rims with the spare tyre and secure the lug nuts using a wrench. Lower the tyre, double-check the nuts are all tightened as much as possible, replace the hubcap and steadily remove the jack completely.
If you think you’ll still require some guidance at the time, simply print off this page and keep it in the boot of your car. This way you’ll always know exactly how to change a tyre, the right way.