How to safely change a car tyre

A blow out is never fun but knowing how to safely change a car tyre can help you stay calm and get going again it happens. Be prepared for the unexpected with our quick guide to changing a car tyre.

Changing car tyre – safety first

Changing your own car tyre can save you a lot of time and money, but it’s very important to always put safety first. Never attempt to change your tyre unless you are in a safe spot and have all of the tools you need. If your car has a tyre repair kit instead of a spare, there are a few different steps to follow to get back on the road, which we’ve detailed below.

Before changing or repairing a tyre

First, make sure you’re parked in a safe space, even if this means carefully driving a little further out. Put on your hazard lights and, if you have a reflective jacket or item of clothing, be sure to put it on too. It’s also a great idea to check your car’s manual for any specific instructions.

Now check you have all the tools you need, which include a jack for lifting the car off the ground, a wrench for removing the wheel nuts and a wheel nut key if locking nuts are fitted. A wheel chock is also useful for stopping the car from rolling away, although bricks can be used instead.

How to change a tyre

To change a car tyre, you need a spare or a space saver wheel. Either might be stored in the boot of your car and the process for changing both is similar.

• Get your car ready by applying the handbrake and putting the car in first gear, or park if it’s an automatic, and switching the engine off. Ask all passengers to leave the car then position your wheel chocks (or bricks) in front of the diagonally opposite wheel to the one with the puncture. Then, loosen the wheel nuts of the affected tyre but don’t remove them completely.
• Jack the car up so that the punctured tyre is off the ground. Fully loosen and remove the wheel nuts so that you can then gently pull the tyre towards you until it comes free. Slide the new tyre onto the protruding hub bolts and, once it is in place, reattach and tighten the wheel nuts by hand.
• Use the jack to lower the car so that the tyre touches the ground and now use the wrench tighten the wheel nuts fully. You can now lower the car fully and give the bolts a final check. It’s also a great idea to check the air pressure. If you don’t have your own gauge, it’s worth driving to a garage to use theirs.

How to repair a tyre

Your car may not have a spare or space saver wheel and if that’s the case, it’s likely to have a tyre repair kit instead. In those instances, the first thing to do is to examine your tyre to see if you can find a puncture, rip or tear. If you spot a piece of glass, nail or similar, leave it where it is as removing it could worsen the puncture.

Repair kits tend to contain sealant, which is squeezed into the tyre, either by hand or with the help of an adapter. You will then need to attach the compressor to the tyre value and power via the 12v socket or cigarette lighter in your car. Your repair kit or vehicle handbook will let you know exactly how to insert and distribute the sealant. Once the tyre is sealed and you are safe to drive, be sure to have the tyre replaced at a reliable garage.