A Guide to Changing a Flat Tyre

It’s vital to take care of your tyres as best you can, like making sure they have enough tread and the correct pressure. Even if you take the best care of your tyres, though, it’s still possible to get a flat.

Read on to find out how to change your tyre, as well as other key information to make sure you do so safely, ensuring your next journey isn’t ruined by a flat.

Tools to change a flat tyre

First things first, the different tools below are essential to make light work of changing a flat tyre yourself:

• A jack
• A wheel wrench
• A locking wheel nut key (if applicable)
• Car manual
• A spare tyre!

How to change a flat tyre

Follow the steps below closely for a simple and easy guide to changing a flat tyre yourself.

Ready the car: Make sure you’ve pulled over to a safe location, giving yourself plenty of room. Also, make sure you’ve got everything you need ready to hand, including any passengers.

Loosen the nuts: Grab your wrench and loosen each nut slightly to make sure that you can actually undo them. If your car has locking wheel nuts, you’ll have to use your wheel nut key to loosen them.

Jack the car: Check your car manual, locate the jacking point, place the jack, and then start jacking.

Take the flat off: Grab the wrench again and take all the nuts off, setting them aside in a safe place for later. Don’t forget to use the wheel nut key if you have locking wheel nuts. Then slide the flat off, but be careful as it might be heavy.

Put the new wheel on: Line the spare wheel up with the slots and then put the nuts back on, hand tightening them.

Lower the car: Slowly lower the car. When down, tighten the nuts up as far as they go. Remove the jack and you’re good to go.

Tyre changing FAQs

Read on to find out some important FAQs that could help you understand more about changing flat tyres.

Can I change a flat tyre on the motorway?

You should not attempt to change a tyre on a motorway or dual carriageway in any circumstance. The fast-moving traffic makes it extremely dangerous to try. Instead, get over to the hard shoulder, exit the vehicle to a safe place, and call for roadside assistance.

Do I need anything else to change a flat tyre?

Carrying a high-vis vest or jacket and a reflective warning triangle or cone in your boot can make you and your car more visible to other drivers, making it much safer for everyone.

How long can I drive on a spare tyre?

Manufacturers design spare tyres for short-term use, and will sometimes have a speed restriction sign on them that you should stick to whilst driving. It's best to get the normal tyre fixed or replaced as soon as possible.

Remember, it’s always best to look after your tyres properly to reduce the chance of getting a flat tyre in the first place. These things do happen, though, but now you’ve read through this guide, you should be able to change your next flat in a flash.

Look after your tyres with Tyre Pros

At Tyre Pros, we deliver honest, ‘on the road’ pricing, combined with friendly customer service and expert advice. To find out more about the tyre services that we offer or how we can help you, visit our services page, stay up to date with our blog, pop into your local Tyre Pros centre, or contact us directly.