How to Change a Flat Tyre Safely, Step by Step
A flat tyre is stressful, but changing one is a skill anyone can learn. The key is to do it in a safe place and follow the steps in the right order. Read this guide once before you need it, and check that your car actually has a jack, a wheel wrench and a good spare.
Short version: stop somewhere flat and safe, loosen the wheel nuts slightly before lifting, jack the car at the correct point, swap the wheel, tighten the nuts in a criss-cross pattern and check the spare's pressure.
What you need
- A serviceable spare wheel with the correct pressure
- Jack and wheel wrench (usually stored with the spare)
- Locking wheel nut key, if your wheels have one
- Something to block the wheels, such as a heavy stone or wheel chock
- A torch, gloves and a warning triangle if you have them
Step by step
- Find a safe spot. Drive slowly to level, firm ground away from traffic if you can do so without damaging the wheel further. Never change a tyre on a slope, soft sand or the edge of a busy road.
- Switch on the hazard lights, apply the handbrake and put the car in park or first gear. Everyone should get out and stand well away from traffic.
- Block a wheel on the opposite corner of the car to the flat, so the car cannot roll.
- Remove the wheel cover if there is one, and loosen the wheel nuts about half a turn with the wrench. Turn anticlockwise. Do this while the tyre is still on the ground, because the wheel will not turn.
- Position the jack at the jacking point next to the flat tyre. Your owner's manual shows the correct spot. Using the wrong place can damage the car or make it slip.
- Raise the car until the flat tyre is fully off the ground, with enough clearance for the inflated spare.
- Remove the nuts and pull the wheel off. Place the nuts somewhere safe, such as a hubcap or pocket.
- Fit the spare by lining up the holes with the bolts. Push it fully onto the hub.
- Hand-tighten the nuts. Tighten them in a criss-cross (star) pattern so the wheel sits evenly.
- Lower the car until the tyre touches the ground, then remove the jack.
- Tighten fully with the wrench, again in a star pattern, using firm pressure.
- Stow everything, including the flat tyre and tools.
Never do these
- Never get under a car that is supported only by a jack.
- Never start the engine or leave passengers inside while the car is raised.
- Never rush. Take your time and check each step.
After the change
- Check the spare's pressure as soon as you can. Spares are often forgotten and can be low. See correct tyre pressure in hot weather.
- Re-tighten the nuts after the first 50 km or so.
- Get the flat tyre checked. Many punctures can be repaired. Read can a punctured tyre be repaired?
A note on temporary spares
Some cars carry a smaller "space-saver" spare. It usually has a label showing a maximum speed, often around 80 km/h, and a limited distance. Follow that label, drive gently and replace it with a proper tyre soon.